By Bill W. Cooper
What appeared to have been a controversial speech from the 177th Independence Day orator when she cautioned Liberia to re-image itself; rating the United States benefits to Liberia, witnessed the US Ambassador at the head of her delegation noticeably walk out of the program.
Orator Robtel Neajai Pailey, frankly accused America of taking advantage of Liberia’s resources and people, leading to an unequal relationship between the two countries amidst their longstanding relationship.
In her address, the American-trained scholar further called for a revision of ties with the United States government; if it would be to open new frontiers for Liberia’s speedy advancement and growth.
Reflecting on the past, Dr. Pailey emphasized the outsized influence of the US in Liberia’s transitional justice process, stressing that for Liberia to forge new strategic partnerships based on mutual benefit, it must disabuse the notion that Liberia has a ‘special relationship’ with America.
According to her, re-imagined Liberia is not only free from colonial relations of power, it is also free from colonial artifacts that cripple its people saying, “In this vein, I would like to renew previous calls to adopt national symbols that represent the “cultural breadth and historical depth” of our shared experiences.
Dr. Pailey added, “Lest we forget, the US will always serve its interests above all else. Once we accept these truths, we will appreciate that a re-imagined Liberia can never be anyone’s ‘stepchild.”
However, the US Charge d’Affairs, Catherine Rodriguez along with her delegation following their disrespectful show of diplomacy, the US Embassy in Monrovia released a statement expressing disappointment in the orator’s remarks and affirmed the US government’s delegation action.
“Independence Day Celebrations should be a time for hope, unity and celebration. Introducing divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations during such an event undermines its purpose. The CDA’s decision to walk out was a measured response to maintain the event’s decorum and spirit,” the Embassy stated.
The Embassy admitted that “While the orator is entitled to freedom of speech, the CDA chose to exercise her right not to listen to such remarks.”
But Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah in an interview said, “The orator does not speak for the government pointing out, “She doesn’t work for the government. She is a private citizen. She has her right to freedom of expression. I know about the Charge Affairs walking out and if she did that she knows her reasons.”
