VIRGINIA – In a momentous occasion, President George M. Weah has officially launched the Liberia Electricity Corporation’s (LEC) Gap Communities’ Electrification Project in District #17, specifically covering Virginia and Brewerville. This event marks the end of long-standing electricity woes in these areas.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh – gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com

The Gap Communities Electrification Project, spearheaded by the LEC management team, aims to extend the reach of electricity within communities and provide more citizens with access to efficient and affordable power. This initiative is a crucial step toward fostering national socio-economic development and enhancing the quality of life for residents in these beneficiary communities.

This ambitious expansion effort targets communities previously left out of donor-funded electrification projects, effectively bringing light to areas in need.

President Weah’s symbolic act of switching on the LEC “Gap Communities” electricity expansion in Virginia and Brewerville signifies a significant milestone in Liberia’s development and progress.

During the official switching-on ceremony in the “God Bless You Hill Community,” President Weah reaffirmed his commitment to serve his people as a “talk-and-do” President. He pledged continuous support from his office for the LEC Gap Communities Electricity Project, emphasizing its vital role in electrifying Monrovia and its surroundings.

With the illumination of Virginia, Brewerville takes a significant stride toward bridging the energy gap that has hindered progress in many parts of Liberia.

President Weah expressed confidence in the appointment of CEO Monie Ralph Captan, stating that it was not a mistake because he believed Captan was the right person for LEC. He expressed gratitude to Captan and his team for bringing smiles to the faces of the people.

“When we decided that we were looking for a diligent person to help us light our cities, towns, and districts, I immediately appointed you, and I knew that you and your team were going to move LEC forward, and our family, friends, and community will be happy to have their community lighting. So, Mr. Monie Captan, I want to thank you and your team for putting smiles on our people’s faces,” he said.

Acting LEC CEO and Chairman, Monie R. Captan, revealed that, with the support of the Government of Liberia, the “Gap Communities” electricity expansion program has extended to Virginia and Brewerville, providing electricity to over 2,180 homes and businesses.

Captan assured the residents that LEC’s commitment to expanding access to electricity was unwavering and that they would continue until all homes in the area were connected. He thanked President Weah for his support and highlighted the connection of 2,180 homes, with more to come.

Dele Shobayo, Executive Director for Engineering and Major Connections (PEMC) at LEC, described the Gap project as a noble program aimed at improving the lives of citizens by stimulating socio-economic activities and providing adequate security within communities. He highlighted the significance of providing electricity to communities, especially for students who can now study at night.

Shobayo acknowledged the challenges faced by LEC over the years, particularly in the aftermath of the civil war, when its generation and distribution capacities were severely damaged. However, the management has made significant progress in increasing customer connections, with around 250,000 customers currently served. This expansion effort is expected to further boost these numbers, with over one million people now having access to electricity in Liberia.

In a similar event in July of this year, LEC, led by CEO Monie R. Captan, and community leaders inaugurated electrification projects in several communities, including the 72nd Army Camp Field Community in Paynesville, Lonestar Cell Community, Jacob Town, and Iron Factory, bringing electricity to over 5,000 residences in these areas.

MONROVIA – FrontPageAfrica has seen documents that present facts contrary to media reports that Foreign Minister Dee-Maxwell Kemayah was denied U.S. Visa and therefore could not be with President George Weah’s entourage in New York for the UN General Assembly.

By Lennart Dodoo, ldodoo@frontpageafricaonline.com

It has come to our attention that Minister Kemayah holds an A2 U.S. visa, as verified by FrontPageAfrica.

The A-2 visa is designated for full-time foreign government employees engaged in official business on behalf of their respective countries at U.S. embassies, consulates, missions, or military bases while on temporary duty (TDY) status.

Our investigations revealed that Minister Kemayah had an emergency medical appointment at the London Clinic in the United Kingdom, an urgent matter that could not be postponed.

In response to his unavailability at the United Nations and scheduled meetings, Minister Kemayah proactively communicated with the United States Embassy in Monrovia. He apprised the Embassy of his situation and notified them of his inability to attend the UN engagements. Furthermore, Minister Kemayah requested the Deputy Foreign Minister for Administration, Hon. Thelma E. Duncan-Sawyer, to represent him at these meetings and deliver his address in his stead.

The September 18 Note Verbal to the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia reads:

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of America near Monrovia, and has the honor to reference the 78^th Session of the United Nations General Assembly and other U.S. Government-related meetings, H.E. Amb. Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr., Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dean of the Cabinet of the Republic of Liberia is expected to attend from September 15-23, 2023 in New York, United States of America.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia has the honor to inform that due to unavoidable pressing emergency engagements in London, United Kingdom, H.E. Amb. Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr., Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dean of the Cabinet of the Republic of Liberia is unable to attend the 78^th Session of the United Nations General Assembly and other U.S. Government-related meetings.

In view of the above-mentioned, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia is pleased to inform that Hon. Thelma E. Duncan-Sawyer, Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who is accordingly heading the Delegation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the 78th UNGA, has been designated to represent Foreign Minister Kemayah at all activities of the aforementioned 78^th UNGA and U.S. Government related Meetings requiring his presence; respectively.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy of the United States near Monrovia the assurances of its highest consideration.