By Alex Yomah
Embattled Agriculture Minister, Jeannie Cooper, has informed Cabinet Retreat gathering presided over by President George Weah that transformation in Liberia that he so desires, requires “Trust and Confidence.”
The Minister made the assessment when she delivered the first presentation on the second day of the Cabinet on the Agro sector, stressing that, trust and confidence are words or something that one can’t jump over in life’s circle.
Despite claims of corruption, the Minister intimated that in 2020, the Ministry of Agriculture under her supervision as Minister was inspired by government donors’ trust due to the confidence in her leadership.
“We are pleased to inspire trust from our donor-community and Development partners to gain from their funds,” she averred, stressing that she is attracting donors because of confidence.
Min. Cooper explained that because of trust and confidence, the Ministry came from $16m United States dollars in 2020, and today they are exceeding.
“Last year, we got support from Government’s donor-community in an amount of $23m and this year, we are on course to netting $100m,” she bragged.
In what appeared to be a happy mood, Cooper also stated that the story is that USAID puts confidence in Liberia, particularly in the Agriculture Sector and decides to direct its private sector investment.
Actually, she said, that is what is happening in the Agriculture Sector in Liberia under President George Weah.
Commenting on President George Weah’s vision for the agro sector delivered to her, Cooper also assured that the plans for the sector is getting in shift as well.
According to her, President George Weah’s vision is to see Liberia exports markets to other countries.
Minister Cooper then reminded the President of his first meeting with her, at which time she was informed about his ego to see an improved agro sector; something he terms as his heartbeat.
“Mr. President, during the first meeting we had, you gave me your vision for the transformation of the Agriculture Sector,” she disclosed.
“In that meeting, you envisioned to see Liberian goods on export markets when you travel to see ‘Made in Liberia’,” she intimated.
“To start your vision, we looked at where we intend to move the sector using your vision,” Min. Cooper said.
“To actualize the mission, the Ministry looked at getting access to finance. “We need to sign for the cultivation of farms and lands for small holding with a purpose of adding value to the Agriculture Sector,” she added.
Minister Jeannie Cooper also stated that the Ministry under her supervision also embarked on what she termed as “Cash crops” that are commodities intended for exportation.
