(December 17, 2010) - Maritime Brings Hope To Marshall City Residents
Put Smiles On Their Faces
The Liberia Maritime Authority (the “LMA”) over the weekend, distributed food items to the residents of Marshall City in lower Margibi County. It was a joyous moment for residents of Marshall City on Friday, December 17, 2010, when the Corporate and Social Responsibility Department of the LMA surprised them with sumptuous Christmas gift items.
The assorted items included rice, Argo oil, and two cartoons of assorted toys for the kids. According to Madam Ellen Ferguson, head of the LMA’s Corporate Social Responsibility Department, the food was made available to the residents of Marshall City through the kindness of Commissioner Binyah C. Kesselly, under his Social Corporate program. She also conveyed season’s greetings to the citizens.
At a well-attended program at the Marshall City Hall, organized by Eminent Statesman John G. Bestman, a resident of Marshall City and a member of the City Council, hundreds of the residents received the food items and thanked the LMA family for identifying with them during this festive season.
Speaking on behalf of Commissioner Kesselly, Ms Ferguson said the items were given as a demonstration of the LMA’s commitment to bringing hope and happiness to the people of Marshall. She reminded the citizens that the LMA will always be there for them, especially, when the new headquarters is built. In his welcome remarks, Marshall City Mayor, J. Konah McCauley, Sr. thanked the LMA for the gesture and pledged his council’s commitment to ensuring that the food is equally distributed to the people.
In a special statement, Mr. John Bestman, congratulated President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and LMA Commissioner Binyah Kesselly for selecting Marshall City as the future home of the Liberia Maritime Authority. According to him, the LMA will not only create job opportunities for the people of Marshall, but will restore the city to its prewar status. Marshall City which is the oldest city in Liberia, was founded in 1835, 12 years before Liberia become independent in 1847.
Giving a little history about Marhsall, Mr. Bestman told the audience that the city was named after one Justice Marshall a former Chief Justice of the United States of America who underwrote the cost of the voyage that transported a large number of ex-slaves from America to Liberia, particularly, to Marshall City. The City probably had the oldest customs building in the country, but it is sad to note that this historic structure along with the City, lie in ruin today. The sole source of income for the people of this city is fishing, but they lack access to fishing boats, which is a major challenge for them.
During the program, the people of Marshall including the elderly, students, and Youth groups appealed to the LMA through Ms. Ferguson to create job opportunities for them and help to build their infrastructures which were destroyed during the civil crisis. In response, Madam Ferguson promised to convey their message to Commissioner Kesselly and said the LMA is concern about the wellbeing of the people of Marshall City, especially, during this festive season. She assured them that there will be a lot of activities in Marshall when the new headquarters is built.
Apart from the donation of food and assorted toys for the residents, the LMA has assisted the City Council in revamping its offices. Three of the City’s churches have also been renovated thru financial and material support from the LMA.
Maritime authorities have already announced plans to transform the homes of residents in the vicinity. Meanwhile, the Authority, through its Corporate Social Program is also sponsoring a children’s Christmas party on Christmas day in collaboration with the City Government of Monrovia and the United Women Association of the Borough of New Kru Town. That same day, the department will visit the Duport Road South Youth Association, (DUSUYA), to host a Christmas Jamboree for the youths of the Duport Road Community.
Links
"We have risen to meet monumental challenges while maintaining and improving our services"