-July 26 Orator sparks controversial debate, as Government and ruling party differ
By Jerromie S. Walters
Following her controversial Oration, the Government has thanked the 177th Independence Day Orator, Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey for her oration but notes that the National Orator is a private citizen of Liberia.
The government noted in an official statement issued Friday, July 26, 2024. “The Government thanks the Independence Day Orator for her oration and notes that the National Orator is a private citizen of Liberia. Her comments are solely hers and are protected by the Constitution of Liberia. The National Orator struck strong points in her speech, of which the Government has taken note and will take appropriate actions where necessary, possible, and feasible.”
But in a pointed response to Madam Pailey’s comment relating Liberia-U.S. relations, Rev. J. Luther Tarpeh, National Chairman of the Unity Party, says the Orator’s Speech has embarrassed the President and the Unity Party (UP).
He expressed strong disapproval of her remarks regarding the United States’ role in Liberia’s challenges. “Madam Orator, Tarpeh began, while your speech to national leaders and ordinary Liberians was convicting and created a sense of national consciousness and call to duty, your accusation against the United States of America for the backwardness of our country is simply embarrassing, offensive, distasteful and misleading especially when you provide no evidence to substantiate your claim.”
Tarpeh emphasized that Liberia has been a sovereign nation for 177 years, capable of determining its own destiny. “We have been a sovereign country for 177 years for God’s sake, determining our own destiny as a people and as a country. On the contrary, the United States has given us so much since 1862 but yet our past government officials chose to put personal interest above national interest.”
He challenged the notion of blaming external forces for Liberia’s economic struggles. “At this juncture, why should we continue to place blame on others for our economic conditions? It is imperative that we, including you, take collective national responsibility to build our country, rather than perpetually attributing Liberia’s economic and developmental challenges to America.”
The UP Chairman called for unity and accountability among Liberians, urging all citizens to focus on constructive efforts to advance the nation. “Why should we blame someone for our economic condition at this age? Let us all including you take national responsibility to build our country instead of blaming America all the time for Liberia’s economic and developmental woes.”
During Liberia’s 177th Independence Day Celebration on Friday, July 26, 2024, the Orator of the event Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey’s fiery comments on Liberia-U.S. relations flared dissension and led to a walkout by the U.S. Delegation, headed by the Charge of Affairs.
The Orator’s assertion that Liberia has not benefited from its relationship with the United States as it should, struck a nerve with the delegation and prompted their departure from the event. She said, “Truth be told, the United States of America has taken more from us than we have received. Liberia is nobody’s stepchild.” Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey’s fiery comments on Liberia-U.S. relations flared dissension and led to a walkout by the U.S. Delegation, headed by the Charge of Affairs.
Like the UP Chairman, Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh emphasized the enduring strength of the relationship between Liberia and the United States, while addressing the controversy surrounding the recent Independence Day speech delivered by the national orator.
“The United States is our partner, our friend, and our ally. Truth be told, if not for the US, Liberia would not exist today. We would have been broken up and absorbed by colonial powers. Though the last to recognize our independence, as the Orator rightly stated, the United States was the protector of our independence, saving us from further annexation by the United Kingdom (Sierra Leone) and France (Cote d’Ivoire),” he noted in a write up via his official Facebook page.
Senator Konneh underlined the importance of freedom of speech as a cornerstone of democracy, acknowledging that even in challenging times, Liberians have exercised their right to express their views. However, he criticized the orator for failing to uphold the dignity she advocated in her address, particularly regarding the treatment of guests. “Dignity must define us,” Konneh quoted, asserting that the orator’s remarks about the U.S.-Liberia relationship did not reflect the historical bond shared between the two nations.
In response to the incident, the United States Embassy says while acknowledging the right to freedom of speech, the Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) Rodriguez exercised her own right to disengage from remarks she found unacceptable.
The U.S. Embassy referenced that both the United States and Liberia share a rich history and a commitment to democratic values. However, during the celebration, the national orator delivered remarks that included divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations, prompting CDA Rodriguez to take a stand.
“The U.S. has a long-standing commitment to supporting Liberia, providing foreign assistance that exceeds $163 million annually,” the statement read. This support is in addition to contributions made by the U.S. government to various international organizations that aid the Liberian people. Numerous American foundations, private citizens, and non-governmental organizations also actively contribute to the welfare and development of Liberia.
The relationship between Liberia and the United States is a complex and multifaceted one that dates back to the early 19th century. Established by freed African-American slaves and free people of color, Liberia has historical ties to the United States that have shaped the course of both countries’ histories.
Liberia was founded in 1822 by the American Colonization Society, a group of American abolitionists and slave owners who sought to repatriate freed African Americans to Africa. The first settlers arrived in Liberia in 1822 and established a colony that would later become the Republic of Liberia in 1847. The country’s capital, Monrovia, was named after U.S. President James Monroe, who supported the colonization efforts.
Throughout its history, Liberia has maintained close ties with the United States, which has often been seen as its biggest ally. The U.S. has provided significant financial and other aid to Liberia, particularly during times of crisis such as the civil wars that ravaged the country in the late 20th century.
