VP Taylor Declares Fisheries & Aquaculture Science College Tuition Free ~~ Says the government will contribute half a million dollars to the start of the program.

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By Charles B. Yates 

The Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, Chief Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor has officially launched the Fisheries and Aquaculture Science College at the University of Liberia with a pledge that the college will be free of charge to the students. VP Taylor also encouraged female students to take advantage of the program.

For his part, the keynote speaker, Deputy Speaker of the 54th National Legislature, Cllr HonCllr J Fonati Koffa thanked the National Fisheries And Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA and its partners for the farsightedness to establish the fisheries and science college at the UL. 

He  expressed his concern about the future of Liberia’s fisheries sector and  said the sector should not be like the rubber industry that has been operating in Liberia for over 100 years without producing car tires in Liberia but only exporting the raw material from the country.

“Firestone has been here for over 100 years and we don’t have tires made in Liberia or rubber materials made in Liberia.”  Deputy speaker Koffa asserted. 

He however  challenged the international partners of the fisheries sector to not make Liberian Fisheries for Europe. “Let us process our own fish and build the capacity of our fishermen,” he added. 

Meanwhile,  he  thanked the World Bank and EU for their support to Liberia’s recovery Programs. 

In remarks, the World Bank Global Director of Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy, Dr. Valerie Hickey challenged Liberia to become the leader in the fish market and not just to access it. 

She said, food security is a global concern and the world has become more difficult and dangerous since the COVID crises that took over millions of lives . 

According to her,over 800  millions people do not know where their next meal is coming.

 She also challenged Liberians to make sure that those industrial boats are owned and operated by Liberians  instead of foreign partners. 

Meanwhile the European Union representative to Liberia said Liberia is blessed with lots of resources. Adding that those resources should be protected and must benefit the people. The program was graced by several dignitaries and the students community including  the  National Fisheries and Aqua Authority NaFAA Director General Emma Metieh Glassco  who gave  the overview of the program.

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