By Monrovia, Liberia– Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, in collective efforts with the Legislative Information Service (LIS) has implements a one-day training program tailored for select legislative staffers.
The training held at Sinkor palace in Oldest Congo Town under the theme “Advancing The Culture of Legislative Openness & Ensuring Citizens’ Interests are represented”, aims to develop the capacity of legislative personnel and enhance their professional skills.
The one day event brought together Central Legislative Staffers, Swedish Ambassador, Chair on Judiciary House of Representatives Mr. Micheal Thomas, Senate Pro Temp Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, among other partners.
Speaking during the opening of the day long engagement, was the head of the NAYMOTE Partner for Democratic Development Mr. Eddie D. Jarwolo, who asserted that the program is a beginning of a long term engagement with non elected members of the Legislature, intended to brighten their knowledge in making public information transparent.
He underscored the need for collective effort between Staffers of the House of Representative and Senate in providing adequate data collection for the public. He at the same time outlined couple of planned engagements that are to be implemented by his institution including Legislative Engagement Guide, Legislative Internship Program, all intended to promote the image of the national legislature.
“Civil Society, We are not enemy to the government instead we want to work with the government to succeed” he said.
Also speaking was the head of the Swedish embassy to Liberia H.E. Urban Sjöström who lauded NAYMOTE Liberians as a whole for their role during the Transitioning Period. He cautioned Civil servants of Liberia to remain focus in reminding the government of it’s commitments made to their citizens.
“Business as Usual is not the way forward” he warned.
According to him, despite there critical role as a civil servants, there’s need to respect the various role of government inorder to have a vibrant democracy.
For his part, the Chair on Judiciary at the HOR Rep. Michael Thomas embraced the initiative from NAYMOTE and LIS, terming the capacity building exercise as the bare rock for excellent legislative performance. Mr. Thomas disclosed the prospect of LIS been transform into “Liberia Institute of Legislative Studies”.
Naymote Partners for Democratic Development is a non Governmental organizations committed to fostering democratic governance in Liberia
By: Alphanso G. Kalama
