The Liberian Coast Guard has received a significant boost to its operational capacity with the donation of a patrol vessel, MPV Lonestar, by the Government of Wales, United Kingdom. The handover ceremony, held at the Mesurado Pier in Monrovia, marked a milestone in the collaboration between the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) and the Liberian Coast Guard. The vessel, originally donated in 2019, is intended to enhance the protection of Liberia’s territorial waters against a range of maritime threats, including illegal fishing, piracy, and trafficking. This donation underscores the importance of international partnerships in bolstering maritime security and protecting valuable marine resources.
NaFAA Director-General Emma-Metieh-Glassco emphasized the critical need to safeguard Liberian waters from illegal fishing and other activities that contribute to the depletion of marine resources. Recognizing the Liberian Coast Guard’s limited resources, NaFAA deemed it crucial to transfer the patrol vessel to enhance their operational capabilities. This gesture reflects NaFAA’s commitment to collaborative efforts in protecting Liberia’s maritime interests and ensuring the sustainable management of its marine ecosystem. The donation also highlights the enduring partnership between NaFAA and the Liberian Coast Guard in addressing maritime security challenges.
Major/General Davidson F. Forleh, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, accepted the vessel on behalf of the Liberian Coast Guard, assuring the public of a more robust maritime presence. The addition of the patrol vessel is expected to significantly strengthen the Coast Guard’s ability to combat various maritime crimes, including illegal fishing, piracy, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and armed robbery. General Forleh acknowledged the challenges faced by the Coast Guard in the absence of adequate patrol vessels and emphasized the vessel’s crucial role in enhancing maritime security and protecting Liberia’s sovereign waters.
William Y. Boeh, Deputy Director General for Technical Services at NaFAA, provided a historical context for the vessel’s donation, highlighting its initial provision by the Welsh Government on behalf of the United Kingdom in 2019. The vessel’s primary purpose was to bolster monitoring, surveillance, and patrol activities within Liberian waters. This historical perspective underlines the ongoing commitment of the UK to supporting Liberia’s maritime security efforts and fostering a strong bilateral relationship between the two nations.
Ms. Joanna Markbreiter, Head of Mission of the United Kingdom to Liberia, characterized the handover as a testament to the strong partnership and cooperation between the UK and Liberia. She emphasized the shared maritime interests of both nations as seafaring entities with significant fishing and shipping activities. Ambassador Markbreiter highlighted the common challenges faced by both countries in maintaining maritime security and reiterated the UK’s dedication to supporting Liberia in addressing these challenges through the provision of resources like the patrol vessel.
The donation of the MPV Lonestar represents a significant step towards strengthening Liberia’s maritime security capabilities. The vessel will play a crucial role in combating illegal fishing, piracy, and other maritime crimes, protecting Liberia’s valuable marine resources, and enhancing the overall security of its territorial waters. This collaborative effort between Liberia, NaFAA, the Liberian Coast Guard, and the United Kingdom demonstrates the importance of international partnerships in addressing shared maritime security challenges and promoting sustainable ocean governance. The increased patrol presence will contribute to a safer and more secure maritime environment for Liberia, fostering economic growth and stability in the region.
