Africa-Press – Liberia. Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, a leading civil society organization dedicated to advancing democracy in Liberia, has donated several brand new Lenovo laptop computers and USB flash drives to Liberia’s legislature to boost legislative information documentation and recording in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
This donation, which was made on Monday, February 19, at the Legislative Information Service (LIS) Office of the Capitol Building, aims to enhance their capacity and performance, ultimately contributing to legislative openness and effectiveness.
“The importance of these contributions cannot be overstated,” saID Eddie D. Jarwolo, Executive Director of Naymote. The engrossing clerks and stenographers play pivotal roles in the success of the Liberian Legislature.”
According to him, as the cornerstone of democracy, the Legislature is responsible for enacting laws, representing citizens, and providing oversight over other branches of government.
Therefore, Jarwolo said, access to accurate and timely legislative information is essential for citizens to effectively engage with their elected officials, hold them accountable, and appreciate their work.
The Executive Director of Naymote emphasized the organization’s commitment to the sustenance of democracy in Liberia despite limited resources.
He stated, “With our limited resources, we still see the need to contribute to the sustenance of democracy in Liberia.” Civil society organizations like Naymote play a crucial role in strengthening democracy by supporting initiatives that enhance transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement.
Jarwolo used the occasion to extend gratitude to the Legislative Information Service (LIS) for their collaboration and partnership over the years. Through this partnership, a Seminar on Legislative Strengthening and Effectiveness was conducted on February 2, 2024, where capacity-building needs were identified.
Additionally, he said, Naymote and LIS are collaborating on developing a legislative engagement guide to help citizens understand the workings of the legislature, its structures, functions, and procedures.
Furthermore, Jarwolo said, Naymote, in partnership with LIS, is preparing to deploy seven young Liberian professionals as interns to enhance their understanding of legislative processes, ethics, and procedures.
These interns, according to him, will gain valuable experience in policy formulation and public service, contributing to the development of future leaders in Liberia.
Jarwolo concluded by calling on members of the 55th Legislature to champion principles of accountability, transparency, and responsiveness in serving the needs and expectations of the Liberian people. Through collective efforts, Liberia can strengthen its democracy and promote the well-being of its citizens.
Also speaking, Senator Abraham Darius Dillon, a member of the Legislative Modernization Committee, expressed gratitude to Naymote for the donation and encouraged the organization to continue its efforts in promoting democracy and transparency by keeping a close eye on legislative activities.
He described the donation as a wake-up call for them by ensuring that all departments at the legislature are well equipped with the necessary staff.
“We want to, on behalf of the Senate and the Committees on Modernization, express our deepest congratulations and commendation to Naymote for this thought. It is a wake-up call for us,” Senate Dillon told Jarwolo and team at the Capitol Building.
According to him, under the leadership of the Senate Pro-Tempore, Madam Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence, the goal is to create a conducive working environment for staff at the Legislature.
For his part, Representative Marvin Cole, the House Chair on Rules, Order, and Administration, extended thanks and appreciation to Naymote and the LIS for the timely donation.
He emphasized the need to empower various departments within the Legislature, recognizing the valuable contribution of legislative staffers.
In a short remark of gratitude, House Engrossing Clerk Tuah Kris Woods expressed appreciation for the laptops, pledging to use them for their intended purpose. She highlighted the positive impact the laptops would have on enhancing their work efficiency.
The Legislative Information Service (LIS) Director, McCarthy Wreh, received accolades from legislators for his professional work, with both the Senate and House representatives acknowledging the LIS as the nerve center of the Liberian Legislature.
Meanwhile, Naymote Partners for Democratic Development remains committed to supporting democratic governance and facilitating the work of Liberia’s legislative bodies.
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