Monrovia – The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) officially handed over a newly renovated office building to the Liberia National Commission on Small Arms (LiNCSA).
The renovation work was carried out as a Quick Impact Project (QIP) by UNMIL’S QIP Office.
According to the QIP Front Office Representative, this project is a fine example of joint collaboration.”
He intimated that the UNMIL’s contribution to the cost of the renovation was fourteen thousand US dollars with contributions from the government of Liberia.
Earlier in welcome remarks, LiNCSA’s Coordinator, Mr. Josiah F. Joekai, Jr. described the handover as “historic’” and added that the Commission was happy to receive the building.
For her part Melanie Civic, Principal Rule of Law Officer at UNMIL who did the handover ceremony traced her first visit to the Commission when the building was virtually an empty space. “But this is a good example of joint initiative that could help sustain the peace,” she added.
LiNCSA’s Chairman, Hon. James M. Fromayan expressed thanks to President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf for making the office building available.
“Although the building needed renovation and some changes, we at the Commission were not deterred but optimistic and considered the availability of the building as a necessary first step.”
The LiNCSA Chairman also used the occasion to state that a full dedicatory program to which the President will be invited is being planned.
Several representatives from various government ministries and security agencies were present and offered remarks.
In their remarks the representatives praised LiNCSA for its work with security agencies and the role it has played in assuming important national security functions from UNMIL.
Similarly, His Excellency Ambassador Babatunde Ajesomo of ECOWAS rang the praises of LiNCSA, stating: “LiNCSA has done well.
This project shows the Commission’s enthusiasm and commitment to fighting the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
“He also thanked UNMIL and all international partners for the support given to LiNCSA. He ended his remarks with a passionate plea — “Please support LiNCSA!”
The Liberia National Commission on Small Arms was established by an Act of Legislature passed in August 20, with the general mandate to formulate policies and ensure the implementation of such policies and measures aimed at addressing the problem of the proliferation and illicit manufacturing, use, distribution, possession and trafficking of small arms and light weapons.