Doloquee
During his final press roundtable with the Liberian media, Ambassador Michael McCarthy vehemently refuted inaccurate media reports suggesting that the Embassy supported sanctioned individuals running for public office, expressing deep disappointment and discouragement over the government’s failure to investigate officials who had been sanctioned by the United States Treasury Department for alleged involvement in public corruption.
Amb. McCarthy had been resolute in his stance against corruption in Liberia since his nomination by former U.S. President Donald J. Trump. He made it a priority to address the issue, openly criticizing the prevalence of “rampant corruption” within the Weah-led government.
Throughout his tenure, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on several Liberian officials under the Global Magnitsky Act due to their alleged participation in public corruption. Notably, two sanctioned individuals, former Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Nathaniel McGill and former Managing Director of the National Port Authority Bill Tweahway, have been certified by the National Elections Commission (NEC) to run for Senator in their respective counties under the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).
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Contrary to false reports, Amb. McCarthy clarified the Embassy’s position, stating, “The Embassy is NOT ‘okay’ with it, and we find it disappointing that political parties are nonchalant about the Global Magnitsky sanctions. The U.S. Department of the Treasury spends many hours and other significant resources to research and approve sanctions on individuals. Though the Embassy is separate from the Treasury Department, we fully trust and respect the validity of these designations.”
Expressing his disappointment and discouragement, he added, “The fact is that no Liberian Government entity has even formally taken up our accusations to initiate an investigation to determine the veracity of USG ‘allegations.’ This is extremely disappointing and discouraging. That said, if the voters of Liberia wish to elevate to public office individuals who have been sanctioned, that is their prerogative.”
During his recent visit to the Southeast, Ambassador McCarthy acknowledged providing inaccurate information in a press release. He had previously accused lawmakers of prioritizing personal gain over adequately funding hospitals and service centers, leaving rural citizens destitute. However, he clarified, “While hospitals went without, and service centers withered on the vine, (Liberia’s) 30 senators and the 73 representatives spent US$65 million feathering their own nests.”
Subsequently, he corrected the figure, stating, “The unaudited statement of the consolidated fund account for the calendar year 2022, released by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, indicated that the correct amount was US$90.8 million. This accounted for approximately 11 percent of the total budget of US$811.6 million.”
Furthermore, Ambassador McCarthy issued an apology for his previous choice of words, acknowledging that he had underestimated the negative connotations associated with the term “nonsense” in Liberia. While condemning the attack on Senator Prince Y. Johnson’s Church, he referred to the action as “nonsense.” However, he expressed regret that his use of the phrase may have overshadowed the Embassy’s important message, which called on political parties endorsing the Farmington Declaration to refrain from engaging in provocative or violent acts. He expressed hope that both the media and the Liberian public would recognize his genuine concern for the country and its people, even if his delivery of messages may have been harsh at times.
Ambassador McCarthy also highlighted the discontent among Liberians working at his residence and the Embassy who paid income tax without a clear understanding of how their money was utilized. He emphasized citizens’ right to question the government’s handling of taxpayer funds, urging them to inquire about and engage in constructive debates on effective revenue expenditure. He emphasized, “Don’t forget that! You have a right to know, and a duty to ask questions. It isn’t necessarily a game of ‘gotcha’; it is also part of a healthy continuous debate on how funds can be spent most effectively.”
The source of this story is Front Page Africa.
