In hopes of strengthening the national security Sector, the Liberia National Commission on Small Arms (LiNCSA) has concluded three-day training on armoury management and arms transfer procedures for personnel from state security.
The training, which started December 19-21, is in response to support the physical security and stockpile management project supported by the British Government through its embassy near Monrovia.z
Speaking and presenting certificates during the closing program, LiNCSA Chairman, Marvin M. Sarkor pointed out that national security and the general safety of the Liberian people is a key priority of the Liberian Government.
Chairman Sarkor said, one of the surest ways to fulfil the national security needs of the people, is to ensure the training of state security armourers in line with international standards.
“When it comes to the storage and stockpile management of arms and ammunition, LiNCSA will champion the training of state security armourers to help in the fight against trafficking and proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country”.
Honourable Sackor told participants that one of his major priorities, as Chairman of LiNCSA is to ensure the decentralization of the Small Arms Commission in all of the counties of Liberia.
The Chairman, while urging national security actors to practicalized what they have learned, called for strong collaboration if they must succeed in the fight against illicit arms circulation.
LiNCSA Chairman thanked authorities of Grand Bassa for giving support and equally participating in both the opening and closing exercises of the training.
Mr. Flee Glay, Development Superintendent of Grand Bassa County noted that the training is in the right direction, especially for state security who has the mandate of protecting the people.
Mr. Glay said, that LiNCSA is moving in the right direction by bring together national security actors to discuss issues of national concerns.
Grand Bassa County Development Superintendent noted, if arms and ammunitions must be control, it must start with the training of security actors, especially armourers.
Mr. Glay called on LiNCSA to raise more awareness against the trafficking and proliferation of illicit small arms in the country.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Captain Semikeh Lepolu Gbowee of the Armed Forces of Liberia lauded LiNCSA and the British Government for the partnership to train state security armourers.
Captain Gbowee said, the training has further improved their understanding on armoury procedures, especially when it comes to storage and stockpile management of arms and ammunitions.
About 21 state security personnel from the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), Liberia National Police (LNP), Executive Protection Service (EPS), National Security Agency (NSA), Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) and the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA) were trained and certificated in arms transfer procedures, inspection and on physical stockpile and storage management.
