A meaningful proverb of life says, ‘give a man his flowers when he is alive’. This proverb was clearly demonstrated by employees of the Liberia National Commission on Small Arms when they gathered in the Conference’s Room of the Commission to appreciate the Chairman, Hon. James M. Fromayan for his invaluable contributions toward the Commission’s success on the afternoon of Friday, September 14, 2018.
The appreciation which was in the form of an official program, was graced by partners from the government of Liberia including, security personnel and other national and international non-governmental organizations.
Making a statement of appreciation on behalf of the employees, Commissioner Benoni Knuckles bestowed heap of praises on Chairman Fromayan for the worth of excellence he brought to the commission. Commissioner Knuckles said, Chairman Fromayan has over the years demonstrated dedicated services to the growth and development of the Commission, and has also established strong relationship with employees.
He intimated that under challenging circumstances over the last five years, the Chairman, Commissioners, Members, and staff of the Secretariat have all worked tirelessly together to in improving the Commission and attracting both national and international funding to support the Commission’s mandate to curtail the flow of illicit arms in Liberia and bordering countries. Commissioner Knuckles identified Passage of the Firearms and Ammunition Control, Ratification and current domestication of the Arms Trade Treaty, marking and recording of all government arms and ammunition, along with other milestones as accomplishments of the Commission under Chairman Fromayan’s leadership.
He noted that whether , His Excellency, President George M. Weah retains Chairman Fromayan for the level of work done to advance the Commission’s philosophy to partners or if the Chairman was reassigned or could not be retained, we pray for his successful and prosperity for his family and in other areas of work for the Liberian people.
International and national partners of government that attended the appreciation program confirmed that Chairman Fromayan has worked so hard to attract funding to support the Commission in other areas of work, such as the ECOWAS-EU Small Arms Project, the British Project, Arms Trade Treaty and the Firearms and Ammunition Control Act. The partners, in a nutshell, indicated that they have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with the Chairman and wished him the best if he is retained or not. They labelled Chairman Fromayan’s service to the country as a patriotic example for others to follow.
In response, Chairman Fromayan said the success of the Commission has always been a collective effort by both the Commissioners and employees. ‘Had it not been collective and innovative initiative, the Commission still would have been stagnated, the Chairman asserted.
The Chairman extolled International partners as well as collaborating partners of government for the level of work done to enhance and support activities of the Commission.
In a delightful disposition, Chairman Fromayan lauded ECOWAS, European Union, National Security Agencies of the Liberian Government and Civil Society, especially in the fight against illicit arms in Liberia.
The Chairman concluded by saying, he hopes to see an arms free society and that the Commission will be the one to champion that cause.
Hon. James M. Fromayan was appointed in 2013 by Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as Chairman of the Liberia National Commission on Small Arms. The position, which has five-year tenure, ends September 2018.
