Live Up to Your Jobs Or Step Aside …Pres. Boakai Challenges His Officials As He Opens First Cabinet Retreat

The Unity Party(UP)- led Government under the stewardship of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Thursday, May 23, 2024 officially commenced  the   first cabinet retreat. 

Speaking at the opening of the retreat, President  Boakai urged his officials to  reaffirm their  commitment to serve with diligence, integrity, and unwavering dedication.

"We came to usher in the transformative change Liberians have long yearned for and we must continue to demonstrate to the average Liberians that the mission to rescue him or her is no fluke but a deliberate move to set a new path for development, one that will improve livelihoods and bring about much-needed dignity lost over the years," he told his cabinet officials. 

He challenged government officials to demonstrate selflessly to serve as a unit, reminding them that the  work that they  do today and the foundation they  will lay will not just address current needs but guarantee a better future for the next generation.

President Boakai acknowledged that the expectations of the  people are at an all-time high as such to  deliver on those hopes, his officials must do things differently and with a renewed sense of patriotism and determination to deliver on his government's promises.

" We must take this moment as talented members of a team to engage in thoughtful, constructive, and open conversation and we should exchange ideas, and plan on how best to address the economic and social challenges confronting our country," the President told the gathering. 

At the same time, President Boakai refreshed  the minds of his officials that It is no longer business as usual but demand for hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the development of the  country, is key.

According to him, it is no secret that the fate of a nation lies in the hands of its leaders and although "it is my picture that is plastered in papers when the Government is scolded, I want you to always remember that it is up to us, the officials, to pave the way for a brighter future for our citizens," he rallied their support and cooperation to commitment and dedication to duty.

The Chief Executive referenced challenging times, where the global landscape is constantly evolving, and the demands placed upon his government and officials are greater than ever before.

As the UP-led Government endeavors to work in the interest of the people, President Boakai encouraged his officials  to rise to the occasion and tackle these challenges head-on, with a sense of purpose and determination.

He told them that in this globalized world and the age of technological advancement, Liberia must be seen competing; not to be satisfied as a nation at the mercy of others or be relegated to the lowest rungs of the development ladder. 

"We must set high standards for ourselves and advance the cause to change our country for good, We must be willing to push ourselves beyond our limits, think outside the box, and implement bold and innovative solutions to the problems that plague our society," he added.

Speaking further,  he said it is no time for them to afford to sit back and watch, while other nations soar ahead but rather It is time to harness their  collective talent, intelligence, and resources, and propel the  country towards greatness.

"Let us not be swayed by greed, corruption or self-interest, but rather let us be guided by a sense of duty and responsibility to our citizens. Let us be the catalysts for change, the visionaries who inspire others to follow in our footsteps," he noted.

Speaking about the ARREST Agenda, the Chief Executive told them squarely that failure is not an option as such members of the team must play their  role, live up to the expectations of their  job or step aside. 

 This train is moving, and moving fast, Either you are on board, or you are left behind, so I challenge every one of you, esteemed members of Cabinet and other officials, to work together in harmony and unity, and to strive towards a common goal,  the development and prosperity of the country," he stated.

The Liberian leader called on his officials not to rest until they can unlock the full potential of the nation, until they can bring  about a transformation that will be felt for generations to come.

As part of the retreat focus, President Boakai  asserted that he is confident that they will come from such important gathering stronger, and more equipped to fulfill their  duties to the Liberian people whom they serve.  

"Together, we can achieve greatness, together, we can shape the future of our country. Together, we can make a difference,  let us rise to the challenge and work tirelessly towards the development of our nation," he pointed out.

 He reminded and challenged his officials  to hold truth to their  collective oath to work for the Liberian people in order to  end the retreat with the best outcomes for the good of the country.

The President reflected that the agenda that they as the government set for the first three and half months in office was an effort to collectively make bold decisions, take some concrete action steps, and dedicate themselves  to the tasks that will help meet the developmental goals and lead to progress and prosperity of the nation.

"As we gather to convene the first cabinet retreat of this Government, we should be reminded that our sole purpose in government is to serve, stating that while it is a privilege to serve, the responsibility that comes with service must also and always  remind them of the crucial duty to perform and deliver on the priorities which they have to  set to improve the livelihood of the people and promote the common good,’’ President Boakai uttered.

He acknowledge and appreciate the hard work of members of the  cabinet, officials and staff of the various Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions (MACs) for working  to substantially deliver on the Government's 100-Day Action Plan, despite the short window and limited funding.

Meanwhile, the first cabinet retreat of the UP-led Government is being held under the theme: “Coordination and Performance: Delivering on National Agenda Priorities," underpins a pivotal moment of shift, following the first 100 days of office.