Senator Abraham Darius Dillon, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, has backed this year’s National Orator’s sharp critique of the United States. Dr. Robtel N. Pailey’s criticism of the United States Government sparked a dramatic scene when the U.S. Embassy’s Charge d’Affaires (CDA), Catharine Rodriguez walked out of the official event on Friday. But Senator Dillon, despite being a member of the ruling establishment that distanced itself from Dr. Pailey’s speech, voiced his approval on Facebook stating: “The Hard Truth That Hurts, Can Also Heal.”
“When the National Orator criticized the Legislature to our faces, Executive members and citizens, both at home and abroad, applauded her. When she addressed the Executive directly, even to the President’s face, the Legislature and citizens applauded her. Then, when she criticized the citizenry and society in general, the Executive and Legislature applauded her. We must not only applaud the parts that criticize others. We must embrace the harsh truths and work to improve for the common good, free of personal, political, or partisan biases,” Senator Dillon said.
He added, “We shouldn’t wait for another Orator next year to repeat the same points, only to applaud the parts we agree with and dismiss the ones we don’t.”
Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah quickly clarified the government’s stance, stating, “The orator does not speak for the government. She doesn’t work for the government. She is a private citizen.” The U.S. Embassy in Monrovia released a statement explaining that the CDA’s exit was a deliberate response to the orator’s comments.
“Independence Day is a time for hope and unity. CDA Rodriguez’s decision to walk out was a measured response to the orator’s comments. While the orator is entitled to freedom of speech, the CDA chose to exercise her right not to listen to such remarks,” the statement read.
The Embassy emphasized that the United States remains a steadfast partner to Liberia, dedicated to fostering a positive and collaborative relationship based on shared values and mutual respect. “We look forward to continuing our work together, now and in the future, for the benefit of both nations,” the statement said.
