By Grace Q. Bryant
Former Ministers of the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism convened over the weekend for a strategic meeting.
Organized by the Minister of Information, Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, the meeting was held at MICAT headquarters, which served as a platform for past and present officials to exchange ideas and share experiences, focusing on enhancing communication strategies and fostering collaboration.
In his opening remarks, Minister Jerolinmek Piah highlighted the importance of leveraging institutional memory to improve the Ministry’s effectiveness.
“This gathering allows us to draw from the wealth of knowledge of those who have served before. Your insights are invaluable as we refine our communication strategies to better serve the Liberian people,”he stated.
Minister Piah emphasized that the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development prioritizes effective government communication, ensuring that key messages reach the people.
He called on all former ministers to share their experiences and provide guidance for the nation’s progress.
As part of the event, the former ministers were given a guided tour of MICAT’s departments, showcasing ongoing projects and initiatives under Minister Piah’s leadership and the administration of President Boakai.
Minister Piah reiterated the importance of seeking practical solutions by consulting experienced officials.
The meeting also welcomed notable former MICAT Ministers such as Lewis Browne (2012–2016), Norris Tweah (2010), Elizabeth E. Hoff (2009–2010), Cletus A. Sieh (2010–2011), and Victoria Raffell (1996–1997).
Their contributions enriched the discussions, offering valuable perspectives on challenges and opportunities in government communication.
Speaking on behalf of the former ministers, Lewis Browne expressed optimism about the Ministry’s future.
“Communication lies at the heart of government strategy. It’s encouraging to see the progress made, and we are here to support in any way we can. Challenges will arise, but the focus must remain on serving the Liberian people and achieving the Ministry’s goals,”Ambassador Browne stated.
Eugene Fahngon, former Deputy Minister for Public Affairs and current Director General of the Liberia Broadcasting System, proposed a retreat to further harness the expertise of former officials.
“We must continue these engagements and create more opportunities for dialogue. Such discussions will strengthen MICAT’s capacity to deliver,”he suggested.
The gathering underscored the value of collective expertise and institutional memory in crafting a visionary communication strategy.
It also reflected the government’s dedication to fostering collaboration and innovation in addressing national challenges.
