Liberia, Sierra Leone Are Inseparable…Says Ambassador Barnett

Sierra Leonean Ambassador to Liberia says it is only through peace that the people of the two nations can be held together. Ambassador Marie Jilo Barnett said the two nations are inseparable as they share similar culture, weather, ecosystem, the Gola Forest and many other more that bind the people of the two countries together. Speaking over the weekend at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium in Monrovia, when her Embassy began activities leading to the observance of Sierra Leone’s 50th Independence anniversary celebration, Ambassador Barnett stressed that it is only peace that can hold the people of the two nations together.

She emphasized that when the United States is pulled into the equation, it symbolizes the love of freedom, unity and justice for all humanity that only peace can hold the people of the two countries together.

Ambassador Barnett, who is the first female Ambassador of her country to Liberia, said in the struggle over the past 15 years, the new Sierra Leone, envisaged by President Ernest Bai Koroma and the Sierra Leonean people is finally moving on as the people observe this year’s anniversary of the nation with the hope of building a new country. For her part, Liberian Youth and Sports Minister Madam Etmonia David Tarpeh, who spoke at the occasion on behalf of the Liberian government, paid tribute to the Liberian government and people on the occasion marking the nation’s 50 Independence.

She buttressed Ambassador Barnett’s assertions that the people of the countries share similar ties. Minister Tarpeh lauded partners of Liberia including the government and people of Sierra Leone for the peace the nation is enjoying today. She expressed the hope that the observance of this year’s Independence Day celebration of Sierra Leone is just the beginning of a long way to a new Sierra Leone and Liberia.

United States Ambassador to Liberia Linda Thomas Greenfield, who also graced the occasion, said the three countries, Liberia, the United States and Sierra Leone are all tied to each other. Ambassador Greenfield said there is no African American anywhere in the world or the United States that does not have a tie with someone in Africa. She said those Americans in Liberia are quite aware that they are tied to both Liberia and Sierra Leone, stressing that she is pleased that both Liberia and Sierra Leone are enjoying peace today. She said both countries stand as a beacon of peace in the sub-region.

by The Inquirer, Nigeria

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