It has been brought to the attention of this media institution the plight of a well-trained Liberian female diplomat, Madam Kakayee James, is at stake and risks deportation if she loses ongoing investigations into her alleged role in procuring a Liberian Diplomatic passport.

Currently residing in the United States, Madam Kakayee is undergoing investigation by the US Immigration Department based on charges of procuring Liberian diplomatic passport and diplomatic visa through fraudulent means. 

According to information gathered, if the Liberian government does not intervene, she would be deported to Liberia soon. 

Madam James, a 2004 graduate of the Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute, was appointed Second Secretary to the Liberian Permanent Mission in New York, USA in 2005 by then Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Abel Momolu  Massalay during the period of the  erstwhile National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL).

There are no indications that Madam James is indeed a Liberian diplomat who has done nothing wrong  that violates the US Immigration laws, but only needs the Letter of  Commission to prove and legitimize her diplomatic passport and  appointment as Second Secretary and subsequently enable her assume her  duty as  such. 

The female diplomat is therefore calling on the Liberian government, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to kindly consider her Plight and take the necessary measures in order to address this crucial matter.

At the same time, the Liberian diplomat said since her appointment and subsequent assignment in New York, the Liberian government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is yet to serve her with a commissioning letter.

According to her, this is hindering her efforts to contribute towards the process of rebuilding Liberia's image abroad, which was destroyed because of the prolonged civil war. 

She said she is deeply troubled by the continued silence and lack of interest in protecting and legitimizing her status as Second Secretary to the Liberian mission by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

In other news, Madam James has again appealed to Senator Abel M. Massalay, Senior Senator of Grand Cape Mount County and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to have the affidavit he prepared on her behalf sworn and Notarized at the United States Embassy in Monrovia as per the U.S. Immigration Court's request. 

Labor Ministry On LAC Back

The Minister of Labor Atty. Samuel Kofi Woods, II says: “The government of Liberia is committed to securing a conducive labor environment for investment while at the same time ensuring that the dignity and right workers are protected in the country”.

	• Min. Samuel Woods

 He called on the management of LAC to improve the conditions of workers at the plantation Minister Woods made the statement Thursday, May 1, 2008 when he met with the management and workers of the Liberia Agriculture Company (LAC) in Grand Bassa County.

The meeting was intended to consolidate the tripartite partnership through social dialogue and respect for the rule of law. The visit which coincided with the observance of International Workers Day came as a result of a three weeks strike action by workers of the plantation.

Speaking in separate meetings with the management and workers of LAC, Minister Woods said his visit was also intended to strengthen social dialogue between the parties and called on both management and workers to continue to dialogue in the interest of industrial peace and harmony.

The General Manager of the Liberia Agriculture Company (LAC), said insecurity was the major problem on the plantation and assured the Ministry of Labor delegation of his management preparedness in improving conditions of workers of the plantation.

The workers for their part expressed gratitude to the Labor ministry family for the visit and assured them that they have resolved to resume dialogue and respect for the rules of law.

It can be recalled that Workers of the Liberia Agriculture Company (LAC), on April 4, 2008 staged a major strike action in demand for additional bag of rice; increase in the purchasing rate of latex; furniture loan (provided to only senior staff); and safety protection materials going.

Meanwhile, reports from LAC say Workers have resumed work following the intervention of the Ministry of Labor.

Members of the government’s  delegation included; Labor Minister Samuel Kofi Woods, II, Grand Bassa County Superintendent Julia Duncan Cassell, Assistant Minister for Regional Labor Affairs, Cole Bangalu, Assistant Minister for Labor Standards, Madam Rosetta N. Jackollie and J. Kortu Nyandibo, Assistant Director for Public Affairs.