Monrovia – The Nationwide Independence Day Orator, Rev.Emmett Dunn, delivered thought-provoking message on July 26, reminding Liberia’s leaders and residents alike that the duty of constructing a greater nation can’t be shouldered by one man alone.
By Jaheim T. [email protected]
In a speech crammed with highly effective metaphors, sober reflections, and daring calls to motion, Dunn stated the battle towards corruption have to be embraced by all the authorities, not simply the President.
“To the Honorable Speaker, the Honorable President Professional Tempore, and Her Honor,” Dunn said, “the battle towards corruption is yours as nicely—not simply the President’s.”
The orator’s handle echoed loudly contained in the Centennial Pavilion, the place members of all three branches of presidency and overseas heads of state had gathered for the official Independence Day program.
Dunn, a Liberian diplomat and regional chief of the YMCA in Africa, used his platform to focus on a variety of urgent nationwide points—from corruption and unemployment to gender inequality and nationwide reconciliation.
He referred to as on nationwide leaders to pay attention fastidiously to what the Liberian folks—particularly the youth—are saying.
“There’s a parable,” he stated, “that claims, when one enters a village, they need to hearken to the songs the kids sing. For by listening to the songs the kids sing, you’ll hear the nice, the unhealthy, and the ugly.”
And what are the kids singing? Dunn answered: they’re singing about corruption that is still deeply rooted in public establishments, about joblessness that has pushed many into despair, and concerning the widening financial hole the place the poor battle to outlive whereas just a few proceed to prosper from privilege.
Shared Accountability, Not Blame
In one of the memorable components of his handle, Dunn pushed again towards the narrative that locations the burden of reform solely on the President. Whereas acknowledging the excessive expectations positioned on President Joseph Boakai, he harassed that significant change requires the energetic participation of each establishment and each citizen.
“It can take greater than coverage to uproot corruption,” he stated. “It can take braveness and political will from the best workplace to the bottom.”
The assertion was a direct problem to the Legislature, judiciary, and public sector management to rise above rhetoric and decide to integrity-driven governance.
A Nation Nonetheless in Ache
Transitioning from governance to social points, Dunn acknowledged that Liberia nonetheless bears deep wounds—wounds attributable to tribalism, exclusion, injustice, and gender-based violence. He stated Liberia’s future depends upon a daring, nationwide means of reconciliation.
“Reconciliation is an ongoing course of,” he famous, whereas proposing the creation of a Standing Nationwide Fee on Reconciliation—a nonpartisan, inclusive physique that may promote historic truth-telling, civic training, and therapeutic from group to group.
Dunn warned that ignoring Liberia’s painful previous within the identify of shifting ahead solely delays therapeutic and nationwide unity.
“The Warfare Is Over”—A Name to Let Go of Excuses
In a fiery second that drew broad applause, Dunn declared:
“The battle is over. Information flash—contemporary off the press—the battle is over!”
He criticized the tendency of some leaders to make use of the civil battle as an excuse for inaction and poor governance. Based on him, survival is now not sufficient—Liberians should now flip their consideration to transformation.
“Cease utilizing the battle as a crutch,” he stated. “If we proceed to carry on to the previous, we stifle the delivery of potentialities.”
From Despair to Dedication
Regardless of portray a sober image of Liberia’s present challenges, Dunn emphasised that these are usually not causes for despair however relatively causes to behave. He referred to as on younger folks to be job creators, not simply job seekers. He urged leaders to steer not only for energy, however for service. He inspired communities to construct bridges, not partitions.
“Allow us to not solely demand change, however allow us to be dedicated to be the change that we demand,” Dunn urged. “The Liberian dream have to be constructed by Liberian arms.”
Rev. Dunn, painted a transparent message the longer term shouldn’t be a present, however a duty. Nation-building, he stated, shouldn’t be the job of 1 man, one get together, or one group. It’s a collective process that requires integrity, unity, and sacrifice.
“As a result of the work of constructing Liberia,” Dunn declared, “shouldn’t be restricted to the Government Mansion—it entails all of us.”
