By Amos Harris
PAYNESVILLE CITY, LIBERIA — The Order of the Eastern Star (OES) has officially unveiled a newly constructed police safety booth valued at $1,500 at the busy ELWA Junction. Gifted to the Paynesville City Police, the installation demonstrates the organization’s ongoing commitment to community development and public safety in Liberia.
The dedication ceremony was held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the ELWA Junction in Paynesville City, outside Monrovia. The event brought together senior government officials, international partners, local stakeholders, community leaders, and ranking members of the Eastern Star.
Speaking during the ceremony, Worthy Brother Shakar Jhamnani, Chairman of the Grand Charity Committee, provided an overview of the project and highlighted the organization’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian service and community welfare. Brother Jhamnani described the Eastern Star as a charitable organization dedicated to assisting local populations and supporting initiatives that positively impact the lives of ordinary Liberians. He emphasized that the organization remains deeply committed to undertaking projects that address critical infrastructure needs across the country.
According to him, the construction of the police safety booth was inspired by the daily challenges faced by police officers who frequently perform their duties under harsh weather conditions, including torrential rains and intense tropical sunlight. He noted that officers stationed at the ELWA Junction are regularly exposed to these unfavorable elements while directing traffic and maintaining law and order. The new facility, he said, will provide a secure and comfortable working environment for the officers serving the public.
Delivering the welcome remarks, Worthy Sister Agnes Wilson Perkins, Grand Charity Secretary of the Eastern Star, welcomed the guests and thanked the partners and organization members whose support ensured the successful completion of the project. The symbolic handover and ribbon-cutting ceremony were subsequently performed by Worthy Sister D. Sheba Brown, Past Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, who praised the membership for their dedication to service and community empowerment.
Paynesville City Mayor Henry Bestman expressed deep appreciation to the Eastern Star for what he described as a timely and meaningful contribution to the municipality. He stated that the safety booth would actively strengthen public safety efforts and improve the immediate working conditions for law enforcement officers.
Mayor Bestman further noted that Paynesville serves as a major commercial gateway connecting Monrovia to the interior parts of Liberia, making the city a strategic transit point for thousands of commuters and travelers on a daily basis. He praised the Eastern Star for investing in a project that benefits both local residents and visitors, adding that such public-private partnerships contribute significantly to the broader growth and development of Paynesville City.
The ceremony was attended by members of the General Grand Chapter and the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, who joined local authorities in celebrating the achievement. The event concluded with a strong message promoting civic responsibility and community pride: “Your City, Your Pride—Keep It Clean, Keep It Beautiful,” a call directed toward residents, city authorities, and the Paynesville City Police to work collaboratively in maintaining a safe, clean, and attractive environment.