As he delivered his Easter message, the Head Pastor of the Light Stream Solution Outreach Ministries (Light Stream Chapel) urged the government of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to cut down waste amid the withdrawal of major donor partner USAID.
The General Overseer of the Ministries, Rev. David Saa Fartoma, encouraged the government and the people of Liberia to seize the opportunities that come through this storm and move on; hence, one of such means, he said, is through jettisoning (cutting down on waste).
“Liberia is a donor-driven country. Nearly all government projects depend on some aid, especially USAID, which has ceased support. Notwithstanding, Liberians need to re-examine the opportunity to grow and this can be done when the government cuts down on spending in the middle of the storm,” he asserted.
Pastor Fartoma, who is also the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Joseph Nyuma Boakai Foundation (JNB Foundation), believes that for the “Rescue Government” to meet the aspirations of the people, it needs to oust individuals and situations that tend to undermine the progress of the country.
“Liberia must grow in the storm. There are opportunities in the storm and the nation must seize these opportunities, rise up and make progress. This rescue boat that is sailing to bring rescue to the people must cut down to keep the boat afloat. Whosoever or whatsoever on this boat that will cause it to sink must be cut off.”
“The Executive and the Legislature need to hear this because they make the major decisions. Anyone who is on this rescue boat that wants to scoop the Liberian people up, there must be a decision on them for this rescue boat to be successful. There is an opportunity to realign.”
“There must be a cut down in the salaries and benefits of public officials, including lawmakers. There must be cut down in the number of foreign travels; cut down in purchases of expensive vehicles – minimize wastes.”
Clergyman Fartoma, whose Easter month message is carved on the theme: “Growing in the storm” with reference taken from the Book of Matthew 14:22-33, also implored the government to lead the charge in ensuring that the country’s resources are properly utilized.
