Central Bank of Liberia Dedicates US$21 Million headquarters

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has said the development of Liberia requires the participation of all citizens, irrespective of the capacity in which they serve. President Johnson Sirleaf then extolled Governor J. Mills Jones and his lieutenants for their determination to complete another major project in her administration which, she noted, was started by a previous government.

In remarks at the official dedication of the headquarters of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) on Ashmun Street in Monrovia Wednesday, the Liberian leader noted that building the country would also require citizens with vision, leadership ability and commitment to nation and people.

“We are here to participate in a historic milestone in fulfillment of our steadfast effort to transform our country and in doing so, we recognize the importance of collaboration and support to the institution which serves as the custodian of public resources.

We are to provide backing to our institutions, which with broad-ranging autonomy and independence granted by statute, is called upon to forego personal ambition in serving the national interest,” she said.

President Sirleaf emphasized that the growth of the country’s economy and the fulfillment of expectations come not by “the press of a button, but rather from the collective determination and action by citizens and entities charged with the responsibility of attaining targeted national goals.”

President Sirleaf, who was apparently overwhelmed by the completion of the CBL under her administration, indicated that the bank brings Liberia on par with other central banks in the sub-region, adding, “I am glad that I stood firm in support of the Governor’s decision and I am sure we are all proud of the results.”

She recalled the strong objection at the initial stage of the project by a major bilateral partner for what was considered the improper use of reserves for such a high cost facility that has brought pride to the government and people of Liberia.

The Liberian leader also thanked the Board of Governors, and particularly saluted retired Governor John Bestman, who she described as “a long time public servant par excellence.”

Also speaking, Central Bank Executive Governor J. Mills Jones has described Liberia as “a land of possibilities.”He said the dedication of a Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) headquarters on Ashmun Street in Monrovia on Wednesday clearly speaks of the possibilities Liberia can offer, adding, “Today is an important day for the CBL and the Liberian people.”

Governor Jones also noted that the dedication of the CBL demonstrates government’s commitment to defeat poverty and transform the living condition of Liberians.Jones emphasized that by solely relying on its own resources to construct such a high-cost structure for the CBL, the Liberian government has proved that it is capable of economically transforming the country and redeeming citizens from the hands of poverty.\

“If anyone thinks that this government has done nothing, Come and see (the CBL Building),” Jones pointed out.He pledged his unwavering and continuous support to government’s agenda for economic transformation.

Construction work on the new CBL began in May 18, 1989, but was halted as a result of the civil crisis, with active work resuming some three years ago.The over US$20 million CBL building is not however its original design as many other compartments and technological facilities, including an elevated parking lot have been added.

The 10-floor building also has over 100 security cameras with two elevators for easy navigation throughout the building as well as several banking and conference halls, among other facilities.

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