GBARNGA, BONG COUNTY, LIBERIA-Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has lauded the United States Government and other international partners, for their support in strengthening correction centers across the Liberia.

Madam Taylor underscored the significance of making the rule of law sector effective for the stability and prosperity of the Country.

She said:” Inadequate number of Correction Officers in Liberia is a major challenge impeding the role of the sector in the Justice System.”

Vice President Taylor also called for budgetary allocation to the sector to enhance its operations, while admonishing the new correction officers to execute their duties with commitment.

Madam Taylor spoke recently in Gbarnga, Bong County, when the Justice Ministry and the American Bar Association’s Rule of Law Initiative graduated more than fifty correction officers from its Alpha and Bravo Training Classes.

Meanwhile, Assistaant Justice Minister for Corrections and Rehabilitation, Eddie Tarawali, is cautioning Correction Officers against wearing political party T-shirts or partaking in politics.

Assistant Minister Tarawali reminded the officers and all military and paramilitary personnel of their oath to defend and protect all citizens and residents of the Country, with neutrality and professionalism.

According to him, the involvement of Correction Officers in politics is a violation of the Prison Standing, as Law Enforcement personnel in Liberia.

He further revealed that in the past budget years; budgetary allocation for the Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation has been reduced from two-point-five-million to four-hundred-thousand US Dollars.

Assistant Minister Tarawali said:” Over crowdedness of prison facilities continues to overwhelm the sector.”

By: Papa Morris