By Precious D. Freeman
President Joseph Boakai has turned over fingerprint machines to the Liberia National Police aimed at tracking criminal investigation faster.
He emphasized the importance of trust in the security department; expressing gratitude for the Chinese Ambassador’s continuous support and at the same time highlighting the need for a strong relationship between the two countries.
President Boakai expressed gratitude to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for their generous donation of a fingerprint examination lab, promising that the equipment will be used for its intended purpose.
The President emphasized the crucial role of the police in maintaining a functioning society. “There are lots of people who do not think about the police, but without them, you don’t have a society or security. Whether you believe it or not, you must understand their value.”
“Today, we have good friends from the Republic of China who always come through for our needs, and it can be seen all over the country. We want to thank the Ambassador for his hard work and support,” President Boakai added.
He stressed the importance of having a capable, well-equipped, and competent police force saying, “A police force that is capable is a society that can be trusted.”
The President highlighted recent support for the LNP, including the receipt of 20 new vehicles and said, “This shows that the government is committed to more than just improving the police’s appearance; it demonstrates the importance of the police and the need for them to be professionally respected by the people.”
President Boakai commended the LNP for their continuous efforts and assured ongoing support to strengthen the relationship between the police and the government. “We promise to continue keeping the relationship strong by ensuring that the police force is well-equipped, particularly in terms of security.”
“I have no doubt that the police will prove capable because we will stand by them to ensure they have all the right equipment for their work,” he concluded
In separate remarks, the Chinese Ambassador, Yin Chengwu, acknowledged the President’s acceptance and reiterated the importance of maintaining peaceful relations between Liberia and China.
Ambassador Chengwu noted that while the fingerprint laboratory is still in its test-running stage, it represents a significant step in bolstering the capacity of Liberia’s law enforcement.
The Chinese Ambassador said, it was a great privilege to attend the handover ceremony of the project of Fingerprint Examination Lab although the fingerprint laboratory is still in the test-running stage, it will be an accelerator.
Ambassador Chengwu added that it will be an accelerator of capacity-building of Liberia’s law enforcement and said the equipment of the lab are advanced as this lab is the first of its kind in Liberia.
A week ago, the technicians from China installed the equipment and trained the Liberian operation officers with assurance that the Chinese side will continue to provide technical support to ensure the normal operation of the lab.
“I believe that the LNP will be able to provide the Liberian people with better public security services. It will be an accelerator of advancing President Boakai’s ARREST agenda, of which Rule of Law is a vital part,” he expressed.
“We wish President Boakai every success in promoting the ARREST agenda. It is important to create a safe environment to practice “Rule of law,” the Chinese Ambassador noted.
This lab will enable the LNP to make better analysis in the criminal investigation, and give the LNP more methods to combat crime.
According to the agreement between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Liberia, the Chinese Government consented to undertake the Project of Fingerprint Examination Laboratory.
Last week, the third plenum of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China was successfully held in Beijing’ by implementing the spirit of the plenum, China will further deepen reform comprehensively, and advance Chinese modernization.
The Justice Minister, Oswald Tweh, underscored the significance of the fingerprint technology in facilitating criminal investigations, expressing appreciation to the Chinese government for their generous donation.
The Minister emphasized that this technology would simplify the investigative process, ultimately leading to more effective law enforcement.
The Liberia national police Inspector General Gregory Coleman expressed gratitude to the Government of Liberia and the Chinese Ambassador Yin Chengwu for their invaluable support with anticipation that the work of the police will now become considerably easier compared to manual usage
This contribution from the Chinese government serves as a testament to the strong bilateral ties between Liberia and China, a relationship that both parties are keen to nurture and strengthen further.
With the ongoing support from international partners, Liberia’s security department continues to make strides towards providing a safer environment for its citizens.
Meanwhile, Liberia is advancing modernization through the ARREST agenda. China and Liberia will be good partners on the way to realize modernization through mutual support and alignment of the development strategy.
With the Forum on China and Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) to be held in Beijing in the fall, China-Liberia relations will achieve more fruitful results, reach a higher level in the future.
