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MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS PRESS RELEASE:
Our Anger, pains, deprivation and
victimization should not lead us to victimize others, says Minister of
Public Works, Samuel Kofi Woods, II By: Jesefu Morris Keita, Jr. 27 April, 2010  Liberia
Civil Society Organizations have been called upon to continue the fight
for justice. The former Executive Director of the Catholic Justice and
Peace Commission (JPC) and founder of the Foundation for International
Dignity (FIND) Attorney Samuel Kofi Woods, II says in spite of the
progress that has been made in the fight for justice, human dignity, and
the rule of law, other challenges such as the issue of corruption still
persist.Serving as Keynote Speaker at program marking the first National Retreat of the Civil Society /NGOs in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, Public Works Minister said irrespective of the challenges being experienced by the movement, substantial efforts have been made in realizing the intent of the organization as a fourth branch of Liberia’s governance structure. He called on members of the organization to adequately demonstrate their service and commitment to Liberia in all spheres of life indicating that what we (Liberians) are enjoying today came as the result of the blood and sweat of CSO membership which according to him cannot be overemphasized. Attorney Woods, who is a Human Rights Lawyer, shared with his colleagues four distinct characteristics that differentiate human conducts. He named them as the capacity for self reflection, self independence, self conscience, and the ability to make decision. He intimated that the Civil Society Organization can ensure the cleanliness in government and institute measures that will change the environment of our society. “What we enjoy in this country is based on the sweat, blood and tears of everyone who has gone before us. So we must appreciate how far we have come.” He said history will be incomplete if we refused to document the need to reform our national corporate industries like Firestone, the need to improve social responsibility of companies, human rights violations, and the fight to end impunity to bring peace to Liberia. A legacy of the movement of the Civil Society organizations and a long struggle, struggle that has brought numerous dividends in realizing equal rights and justice for all. “But I can assure you, that all of these struggles, have brought about certain kind of transformation in the Liberian society and we must not rest until we consolidate on those gains”. Commenting on the uniqueness of traditional practices with comparative analysis between customary and formal system, the Public Works boss said any attempt to demonize the customary laws of Liberia is wrong but called on the need to initiate dialogue in appreciating these laws. “The way forward is not to demonize one sector of the society with the perception that they are practicing cruelty”. He insisted that the customary system is more organized in terms of the rule of law as compare to the so-called formal or statutory law. He argued that ritualistic killing in Liberia especially the Southeastern was introduced by the free slaves from the west and not the indigenous. Speaking earlier, the Secretary General of the Civil Society Organization in Liberia Rev. Christopher Toe said the purpose of the gathering is to review activities and program agenda, strengthen capacity to meet it intent, develop, empower and create opportunities for local NGOs to other institutions. The Civil Society Organization comprises twenty-two members’ organizations partnering with other international organizations. Signed : ____________________________________ Jesefu Morris Keita, Jr.-Director Communications & Documentation Division |
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