MONROVIA – Under the unmerciful sun, blazing at 29 degrees Celsius, the 80-year-old newly sworn-in President had read his inaugural message for a little over 30 minutes and was still reading. However, signs of discomfort were very visible in his face and body language. Even the zest with which he started his speech had diminished, and as he continued, he nearly fainted. Fortunately, he was assisted to a seated position and fanned repeatedly until he stabilized.
By Lennart Dodoo, [email protected]
The unfortunate situation forced the premature end of the inaugural ceremony as the President could not continue his speech.
Mr. Charles Snetter of the Office of the President later informed the public through a press release that President Joseph Boakai had been assessed by his doctors who confirmed that he is in good health, despite the unfortunate incident.
President Boakai’s situation would not have been the worst at the event if the cameras were not on him. FrontPageAfrica gathered an Executive Protection Service agent – the government’s elite security guard – fell off during the ceremony. Also, an officer of the Armed Forces of Liberia also fell off.
The day’s most tragic incident, FrontPageAfrica gathered was the death of Duason V. Kamara, a resident of Minnesota, USA and a former employee of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority.
The late Kamara reportedly fell off as a result of the extreme heat levels under the canopy and was rushed and was reportedly rushed to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Medical Center who he gave up the ghost.
Boakai Jaleiba, a member of the Unity Party posted to Facebook:
Tragically, we mourn the loss of a life at today’s inauguration. Dauson Kamara, who ventured from the comforts of his home in the US to witness history in Liberia, faced an unfortunate fate. He arrived only yesterday in Liberia. Despite his anticipation, he succumbed to the oppressive heat levels that marked this historic day. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
It is also reported that his colleague, Melvin Nah, who also came from the US, is in intensive care as the result of the heat levels. Our prayers are with him as well.
