(Antwerp, Belgium, July 27, 2025), Maritime Commissioner and CEO of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), Neto Zarzar Lighe, has described Liberia as a “beacon of perseverance,” celebrating the nation’s resilience and progress throughout remarks on the Annual Normal Meeting of the European Federation of Liberian Associations (EFLA) and the commemoration of Liberia’s 178th Independence Day.
Addressing Liberians within the diaspora on the occasion held in Antwerp, Belgium, Commissioner Lighe paid tribute to the indomitable spirit of Liberians who, regardless of enduring many years of battle, political instability, and financial hardship, proceed to uphold the values of democracy, peace, and sovereignty.
“Regardless of the trials now we have endured, Liberia stands at this time with unyielding braveness and dignity,” Commissioner Lighe stated. “From the ashes of warfare, now we have risen into an period marked by peace, democratic continuity, and international cooperation. Our journey is way from over, however the path forward holds promise for hope, prosperity, and transformation.”
Commissioner Lighe praised the contributions of the Liberian diaspora, encouraging them to view themselves as ambassadors of Liberia’s tradition, values, and financial aspirations.
“Your function within the diaspora is significant,” he emphasised. “You mirror the picture of Liberia to the world. Your unity, patriotism, and involvement are shaping the trajectory of our nation’s improvement.”
Turning consideration to Liberia’s maritime achievements, Lighe highlighted the nation’s continued management in international transport. With over 5,600 vessels flying its flag, Liberia now boasts the world’s largest ship registry, representing 17% of the worldwide fleet.
He traced the origins of this maritime success to 1949 with the registration of the World Peace, the primary vessel to sail below the Liberian flag. Since then, Liberia’s open ship registry has turn out to be a crucial pillar of the nationwide economic system, contributing to public income, worldwide visibility, and workforce improvement.
“At LiMA, we don’t simply handle ship registrations, we oversee all maritime-related issues, together with security at sea and the safety of our marine surroundings below worldwide regulation,” Commissioner Lighe defined.
Regardless of the notable achievements, Commissioner Lighe acknowledged the challenges the sector nonetheless faces together with restricted surveillance capability, outdated maritime laws, and underdeveloped port infrastructure exterior Monrovia.
Nonetheless, he known as these points “alternatives in disguise,” urging Liberians particularly these within the diaspora to grab funding alternatives within the rising maritime sector.
Enrollment on the Liberia Maritime Coaching Institute, which continues to supply rigorous coaching to future seafarers, has considerably elevated. In the meantime, the nation not too long ago constructed a brand new pupil dormitory on the Regional Maritime College in Accra, Ghana, a promise fulfilled by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
Full-time workplaces have been established in Buchanan, Harper, and Greenville to boost monitoring and ship inspection and for the primary time since independence, Liberia has initiated home shipbuilding efforts to help short-sea transport alongside the West African coast.
Recalling missed alternatives throughout previous oil exploration efforts, the Commissioner identified that Liberians should not enable future alternatives to slide away, including that the maritime sector is an untapped financial goldmine, and with the correct investments, Liberians can lead the cost in reworking the sector.
“We should not enable future alternatives to slide away. Our sector is an untapped financial goldmine and with the correct investments, Liberians can lead the cost in reworking our maritime panorama.”
Furthermore, he instructed the gathering that as Liberia celebrates 178 years of independence, it was necessary for all residents, particularly these overseas, to mirror on their roles within the nation’s ahead march.
“This Independence Day, allow us to reaffirm our religion in Liberia’s future. Allow us to make investments sooner or later, take pleasure in our accomplishments, and stay united in our pursuit of progress. Liberia’s fame shall stay inexperienced, and the gallantry of its individuals won’t ever fade.”
