By Amos Harris
The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) has commenced a major Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project aimed at restoring the principal’s residence at the Booker Washington Institute (BWI) in Kakata, Margibi County. This initiative fulfills a commitment made to the institution as part of the Authority’s broader support for education and national development. The project officially got underway on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, when LiMA Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., performed the groundbreaking ceremony by turning the first shovel of sand for the renovation of the historic two-story building.
Speaking during the ceremony, Cllr. Lighe explained that the initiative originated from a request submitted by BWI Principal Dr. Nancy Teta Freeman in 2024. The proposal underwent a comprehensive internal assessment to ensure that any intervention by LiMA would deliver long-term benefits to the institution while remaining consistent with the Authority’s CSR objectives. According to him, the principal’s residence was selected for renovation because of its historical importance to BWI and the urgent need to provide suitable accommodation for the institution’s leadership.
Cllr. Lighe noted that while LiMA has implemented several development projects in Margibi County, particularly in coastal communities, the Authority considered it important to extend its support to inland areas as well. He emphasized that BWI was the ideal place to begin because of its longstanding contribution to human capacity development in Liberia. The LiMA Chief Executive Officer further highlighted the Authority’s commitment to transparency and accountability, assuring stakeholders that the project would be closely monitored to guarantee quality work, value for money, and timely completion.
For her part, BWI Principal Dr. Nancy Teta Freeman expressed deep appreciation to LiMA for honoring its commitment and helping to restore a building that holds significant historical value for the institution. Dr. Freeman recalled her days as a student at BWI, describing the residence as a memorable landmark that once served as a gathering place for boarding students seeking snacks and refreshments. She praised the leadership of Cllr. Lighe and acknowledged the support of LiMA’s Board of Directors for making the renovation project possible, stating that this landmark project is deeply appreciated by the entire institution.
Also addressing the gathering, LiMA Board Chairman S. Tornorlah Varpilah said the Authority’s CSR programs are designed not only to support maritime-related activities but also to contribute to broader national development efforts. Varpilah expressed optimism about the growing partnership between LiMA and BWI, particularly as the institution explores plans to transition into a technical college. He pledged the Board’s continued support for initiatives that positively impact communities and institutions across Liberia, noting that the Board of Directors will continue to provide the Commissioner and his team with the fullest support to make meaningful interventions whenever a need arises. He added that he was surprised to learn that the principal of such a historic institution lacked suitable on-campus accommodation.
LiMA Board Vice Chairperson Madam Monjay George Pratt also welcomed the commencement of the project, noting that the renovation would help restore the relevance and dignity of a structure that has remained in a state of disrepair since the 1990s. Meanwhile, Board Member Augustine Vandi highlighted BWI’s longstanding contribution to Liberia’s educational development, describing the institution as one that has produced generations of professionals serving both at home and abroad. Vandi stated that the renovation project would not only preserve an important historical facility but also create a more conducive environment for the principal to effectively perform her duties. The renovation of the principal’s residence forms part of LiMA’s broader commitment to supporting educational institutions and strengthening partnerships that contribute to Liberia’s human capital development and national growth agenda.