Monrovia – President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 received a six-man high-powered delegation from the World Lebanese Cultural Union (WLCU) at her Foreign Ministry Office in Monrovia where they presented a check of US$100,000 towards the implementation of the multi-purpose Student Service Center at Tubman University in Harper, Maryland County.
According to an Executive Mansion release, President Sirleaf welcomed the WLCU delegation and thanked them for their many support to various sectors of the Liberian society.
She particularly thanked the community for their support to the development of the educational sector and the empowerment of young people through scholarships and other initiatives.
President Sirleaf also called upon the World Lebanese Cultural Union to pay attention and give consideration to the situation in West Point by supporting efforts aimed at bringing relief and comfort to citizens victimized sea erosion.
President Sirleaf concluded by requesting the President of Tubman University, Dr. Davis-Russell to give a brief historical account of TU and point out the current situation of the University.
For his part, the President of the World Lebanese Cultural Union, Mr. Ezzat N. Eid presented a check in the amount of US$100,000 to Tubman University as WLCU contribution in support of on-going projects of the University.
An additional US$30,000 was donated by Mr. Chawki Kadouh, General Manager of K & K Trading Corp as his personal contrition to the University.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ezzat N. Eid has told President Sirleaf and the authorities of Tubman University that the Community stands ready to support projects earmarked by the Government of Liberia once called upon.
“Our Community will always stand with the government in supporting programs and initiatives aimed at aiding the development of young people in Liberia. Our only request is that we should always be called upon as a Community and not individuals”, he pointed out.
Commenting on issues affecting the Lebanese Community, Mr. Eid informed President Sirleaf that the acquisition of Permanent Residency remains a major obstacle for members of the community and appealed to the Government of Liberia to review and address the situation.
“The constant renewal of visas for persons who have lived in Liberia for over 30 years due to the difficulty in obtaining Permanent Residency is actually hampering our activities and investment in and out of Liberia”, he emphasized.
President Sirleaf was joined at the meeting by the President of Tubman University, Dr. Elizabeth Davis-Russell and the Chairman of TU’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Emmet Dennis, Information Minister, Lenn Eugene Nagbe, Minister of State Without Portfolio Sylvester Grigbsy, amongst others.
Members of the WLCU delegation included its President, Ezzart Eid, Mr. Chawki Kadouh, Mr. NajibTannous, Issam Jundi, Mr. Doni Fayad and Mr. Tony Hajj.