Monrovia – The Senate Committee on Executive has taken a vote of confidence in outgoing Minister of Transport, Angela Cassell Bush as Minister of State without Portfolio designate.
The Senate Committee headed by Montserrado County Senator Geraldine Doe Sherrif took decision Tuesday following a joint confirmation hearing for Minister Cassell Bush and her colleague Minister of State for Presidential Affairs designate, Ambassador Sylvester Grigsby, at the Capitol.
In her presentation before the honorable members of the senate committee on executive, Minister of State without Portfolio designate, Cassell Bush, defended her credentials, exemplary leadership skills, integrity and productivity exhibited in her years of public services at various Ministries and agencies including Finance and Development Planning and Transport.
She recounted major successes in transforming the various places she work, improving the conditions of employees, boosting government’s revenue through rightful and vigorous collection, implementing government’s development programs to the letter.
After a brief cross examination, Minister Cassell Bush assured that when confirmed she will work assiduously to justify the confidence reposed in her by the President, pledging to uphold the constitution and laws of Liberia at all times.
The outgoing Minister of Transport was initially named Ambassador in the recent new appointments in government by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
When confirmed, she will succeed Ambassador Grigsby who is also filling a post made vacant by the death of Dr. Edward B. McClain, Jr.
Our reporter said it was surprising when the Minister surfaced at the Senate for confirmation to a new post, since it was not announced.
However, the constitution, in article 54a gives the President the authority to appoint individuals to positions in the Executive Branch of government to serve at her will and pleasure. Such appointments may be subject to senate confirmation.
Meanwhile Ambassador Grigsby also pledged to execute the responsibilities and duties assigned him with great level of dedication when confirmed.
He clarified that his new post as Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and Chief of Staff of the President’s office requires conducting administrative issues among others.
He also recounted his rich record of public service and commitment to continue serving his country in various ways possible.
The Senate Committee Senator Doe-Sherrif said the committee was convinced that the Ministers designate were qualified and competent for the post giving her responses to their inquiries and having viewed her profile and track record of work in public service.
The Monterrado County lawmake,r however said, that the committee has done its part, it would forward their recommendation to the Senate Plenary for subsequent confirmation.
Senator Doe-Sherrif however admonished the Minister of State without Portfolio designate to always ensure a cordial relation between that Legislature and the Executive by keeping a free flow of information.
According to Senator Doe-Sherrif with such cordiality, the two branches of government can work together on the President’s Legislative Agenda and other governmental issues in the interest of the country and its people.
Other members of the Senate Committee on Executive at the hearing were Senators Jewel Howard Taylor of Bong County, Thomas Grupee of Nimba, Daniel Nathen Gbarpolu, Morris Saytumah of Bomi County.
Earlier, Senator Taylor assured the duo of her vote, stressing that it was not about political party affiliations but about moving this administration safely toward its end so that the next government will take on moving the country forward.
However, she hoped that they will do what is right. Also speaking, Senators Morris Saytumah also challenged the presidential appointees to live up to their duties and responsibilities, stressing that the job required great deal of dedication and love for country.
The Senate Executive Committee’s confidence in the two Ministers of State Designates gives a green light for possible confirmation by the Liberian Senate.
But what is not clear is when the Senate Plenary will confirm them.