Washington D.C., May 9, 2025. – On Wednesday, May 6, 2025, a significant meeting between Prince George’s County Councilwoman Wala Blegay, leaders of the Liberian Community Association (LCA) of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area, and Ambassador Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh took place at the Washington, D.C. Mission.
The discussions highlighted mutual support and development initiatives crucial for socio-economic advancement within Liberia. Sebastian Teclar, the president of the LCA, began the meeting by welcoming Ambassador Conteh to America and introducing his delegation, emphasizing the solidarity and commitment of the Liberian community in the United States. The LCA stands as a robust pillar and catalyst in propelling Liberia’s socio-economic growth, Teclar stated, promising unwavering support to the ambassador.
The LCA’s delegation included: Board Chairman, Felix Wilson, Secretary, Wynitta Kessele, Chaplain, Prophet James Sango, and LCA-DMV representative to the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas, Sangai Kamara. Other delegates were Former LCA President, Welma Redd, Honorary Board of Governors chairman Rena Jarrett, LCA-DMV Planning Committee Chairwoman Jackie Nah, Dr. John Wulu, Bishop Dr. Manan Gurley and Chief of Staff Arthur Weah Doe.
During the meeting, Councilwoman Blegay remarked on the vital connection between the Liberian community in the U.S. and their homeland. She highlighted the community’s ongoing commitment to strengthening this bond through various initiatives and partnerships.
In response, Ambassador Conteh expressed deep gratitude for the visit, extending greetings from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the Liberian government. He underscored the president’s dedication to the government’s flagship initiative, the Arrest Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID). With a budget projection of 8.4 billion USD, the AAID aims to bolster Liberia growth and development goals.
Ambassador Conteh acknowledged the critical role of the diaspora community in supporting Liberia development plans. He praised the LCA for its tireless contributions and efforts towards building Liberia’s image internationally. The diaspora is pivotal in our quest for sustainable development, Conteh remarked, and your support is indispensable.
The ambassador urged the LCA leadership to strengthen their efforts even further in promoting Liberia’s image abroad. It imperative that we continue to seek partners who can aid in the nation political and developmental growth, Conteh said. His sentiments resonated well with the LCA leaders, who reiterated their readiness to work collaboratively with the embassy towards these goals. Embassy staff in the meeting were Deputy Chief of Mission, Isaac C. Yeah and Minister Counselor for Press and Public Affairs and Al-Jerome Anastas Chede Sr.
Attendees shared various ideas and plans on how to engage more Liberian immigrants in supporting awareness and investment projects that could benefit their homeland. Discussions underscored the importance of utilizing the skills, knowledge, and network of Liberians abroad to cultivate opportunities back home.
As the meeting concluded, a sense of unity and purpose filled the room. The commitment expressed by both the Ambassador and the LCA leaders set the stage for a collaborative journey focused on accelerating Liberia’s economic progress.
In the coming months, the LCA and the Liberian embassy in Washington, D.C. are expected to outline specific projects and initiatives aligning with the objectives discussed during the meeting. Such efforts aim to bring tangible benefits to Liberia, enhancing the country’s infrastructure, education, and overall quality of life for its citizens.
Ambassador Conteh and the LCA leadership’s shared vision heralds a promising future for Liberia, one that is brightened by the unwavering support and strategic initiatives of the Liberian diaspora in America.
As Liberia charts this hopeful path, the partnership between its diplomatic missions and its global citizenry remains a cornerstone to achieving sustainable development and prosperity. Through unity and collective action, the dreams of a flourishing Liberia appear more tangible than ever before.
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