The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to Liberia, Zhou Yuxiao, has reaffirmed support from the Chinese government for the resuscitation of the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) to ensure that LBS continues to disseminate professional, factual and effective information to the Liberian people.

Speaking at the premises of the LBS Tuesday during an acquaintance visit, the Ambassador stated that the LBS might find it difficult to play its role, which is to disseminate effective, efficient and professional information to the public, in the absence of the needed support.

 

The Chinese Ambassador told LBS management that he could not make detailed pronouncements on other future support to the system, but promised to make the appropriate proposals aimed at resuscitating LBS to his government for the resuscitation of LBS.

 

Following several years of civil unrest in Liberia, Ambassador Zhou noted that Liberia is currently undergoing what he described as the most difficult period when it comes to reconstruction and uniting the Liberian people.

 

The Chinese Ambassador spoke emphatically about the crucial role required of LBS during such a challenging period, adding that the Chinese Embassy in Liberia and the government of China would continue with their support toward the expansion of LBS in all aspects, including manpower development and training opportunities. He then donated two computers to LBS for use by its Television Department.

 

During the acquaintance visit, Ambassador Zhou was taken on a guided tour of the system's facilities, including the News, Personnel, Television and Radio Departments and the dilapidated main building which once3 housed the system prior to the outbreak of the civil war in Liberia, as well as the expansion site within the compound of the station in Paynesville, among others.

 

The Ambassador lauded the Chinese firm that is currently carrying out the reconstruction exercise, for the smooth manner in which the job is being done, urging the firm to speed up work before the rainy season.

 

Welcoming Ambassador Zhou Yuxiao to the LBS earlier, the system's Director-General, Charles A.Snetter, Jr., thanked Ambassador Zhou and his delegation for the visit. Mr. Snetter noted that the visit by the Chinese Ambassador spoke volumes about the close working relations between LBS and the Chinese Embassy.

 

The LBS Director-General added that the ongoing expansion of the national station would provide Liberians the opportunity to know what their Government is doing and for the Government to know what the people are thinking. He said his administration is determined more than ever before to put LBS at par with other broadcasting entities in the sub-region and beyond.

 

Mr. Snetter also disclosed the arrival of some equipment from England and an acquired small transmitter for the TV Department of the system. He also commended the Chinese government for its continued support to the system.

 

The LBS Director-General, however, appealed to Ambassador Zhou to use his good office to appeal to the China Central Television (CCTV) to provide ELTV with some documentary programs.

 

The ceremony was attended by LBS Deputy Director-General for Broadcasting, Ms. Juliana Buoro, and other senior staff members.

 

Source: The Daily Observer Newspaper (Feb.8, 2008)