By Philip N. Wesseh (PNW)

It is not gainsaying that the most important day in a country's life is the day on which that country declared itself as an independent state. And as a way of remembering that significant day, independent countries usually mark this day with events, perhaps colorful parade, merry making and conviviality. Diplomatically, embassies of these independent countries normally hold reception or other activities in the country they are designated to share this day of happiness or day of sober reflection with their counterparts and citizens of those countries in which they represent their country. It is in this light that the Embassy of the People's Republic of China will tomorrow hold an event in Monrovia to mark the 59 anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, sometimes referred to as "Mainland China" or "Red China' because of its emblem...

Actually, an independence day is like one's birthday, a day on which one sits and reflects on what he or she has achieved over the years. In short, whether it is independence day or birthday, it is actually a time for self-examination or self-evaluation of one's past and how one can predictably look up to the future for positive outcome. It is in view of this that during Independence Day remarks, a country usually outlines its achievements or accomplishments over the years and at times states its challenges in the future.

Today as we join the Chinese people, I want to do so to see how best we can make use of this relationship with the Chinese people by transplanting or coping with some of the good things of that country, especially in the area of agriculture and tourism. I say this because of the philosophy of the Chinese people in terms of assisting others which states that “it is better to teach a person how to fish than to give him fish.” Interpretatively and simplistically, what this means is that instead of always spoon-feeding someone, it is always good to impact knowledge or to teach them how they can be able to do it by themselves. This is a sound philosophy because it is better to give the person knowledge rather than just spoon-feed them. Moreover, it moves people from the dependency syndrome (as it is in this country for many years) to a state of self-sufficiency and self-reliance.

Self-Sufficiency in Food Production

This Chinese philosophy is necessary for this country which over the years or since its independence continues to be on the receiving side. Even recently some independent countries are far ahead of Liberia in terms of economic growth and development. Disappointingly, despite the enormous resources of this country, Liberia continues to be on the receiving side. And so on this day as we join our Chinese brothers and sisters, we should begin to live by this philosophy to be able to fish, instead of receiving fish. Incredibly, the Chinese, despite its gigantic population, is self-sufficient in food production, meaning that the Chinese people feed themselves and even export, unlike Liberia which still spends huge amount of money to import its staple food. We need to copy the secret of this success story of the Chinese agricultural program. What did the Chinese do to be able to feed themselves? What were some of the measures initiated or instituted to be where they are today as proud people who can feed the millions of people? Paradoxically, Liberians are not many and moreover this country is blessed with fertile soil, yet, we are still importing our staple food, rice, which today is now considered as a “political commodity.”

As we continue our relationship with the Chinese, we should not always “show hand to receive,” but to be able to tap on their expertise in the area of agriculture because agriculture is crucial to any nation’s sovereignty and survival. As it is always said in the Liberian parlance that, “empty belly cannot stand,” therefore, everything should be done to fill that belly. But this can only be done by seeking or acquiring the knowledge to do it by ourselves. Traditionally, even in the home if the father cannot provide for the household, this will diminish his respect.

For too long, this country has spoken about self-sufficiency in food production, but nothing concrete has been done to make this a reality. At one time this country launched a "Green Revolution" program with a voluminous document. How-be-it, we are blessed today that the Chinese are with us. Even though they are contributing towards the country's post reconstruction program, the nation can still utilize their expertise in agriculture so that this country, endowed with resources in abundance and fertile land, can be able to reach the height of self-sufficiency in food production. Liberia's relationship with the Chinese should not only be on the receiving side; let us learn the secret of the success story of self-sufficiency in food production by the Chinese.

Tourism Program

As we celebrate with the Chinese people today, one other area we can learn to improve some aspects of our country's development is the area of tourism. During my visit to that country, few years ago, I was so impressed with the refurbishing of structures which have been in existence for many years and also marveled at the way and manner in which the Chinese continue to upkeep their cultural heritage of their country. In short, I admire the Chinese for their respect for their culture. Even though that happened hundreds of years ago, but their culture is still being preserved. Not only that they preserve these artifacts or relics, but it is also used as income-generating venture. I can vividly recall when we, as African journalists on a workshop in September 2004 in China and were taken to the Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City and other tourism areas, where we observed serious business transactions Those areas provide means for employment and economic activities as people use the visits of tourists to sell souvenirs and other important literature and costumes of the Chinese people.

This country is blessed with many historic sites, including the Providence Island, where the freed slaves landed in the 1800's and the Providence Baptist Church on Broad Street, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. These facilities can be prepared as good tourist sites. Even at one point I visited Grand Cape Mount County and saw many areas which can be used for tourism. I am sure beside this county there are other areas in this country that can be used for tourism. If we do not have the knowledge, let us ask the Chinese about how they have been successful with their tourism program.

Structurally, this country has all of the institutions or bureau to move it forward, but regrettably, nothing has been achieved in this country. The national Museum is a mockery and disgrace to a country with a rich culture. For example, in the government there is a bureau for culture and another for tourism. What are they really doing in terms of protecting or promoting the country's cultural heritage? Suppose a visitor comes to this country today and ask to visit tourism sites, where do we carry such person? This is anybody's guest. Someone jokingly said to me once that the greatest embarrassment he had in his life was when a visiting friend asked him to take him on a tour of tourism sites. He said because of the embarrassment, he used the war as an excuse in that those sites were destroyed. And to his surprise, the visiting friend said to him, "I am sorry." He said he then felt relieved. But we cannot continue this way. We have to ask the Chinese to teach us in this direction for a better tourism program.

A Brief History

According to research, China is a huge country in eastern Asia and is the world's largest country in population and the third in area. About a fifth of the world's people live in China. The Chinese call their country “Zhongguo,” which means :“Middle Country.” The research says the name China was given by foreigners, who may have taken the name from "QIN" (pronounced Chihn) the name of an early Chinese dynasty (series of leaders from the same family.).

Agriculture has always been the chief economic activity in that country. About 74 percent of the people live in rural villages and about 60 percent of all workers are farmers. China has the world's oldest living civilization. Additionally, agriculture accounts for less than 25 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP), but it ranks as the country's largest employer thus far. China produces more cotton, pears, rice, tobaccos and wheat than any other country. It grows 85 percent of the world's sweet potatoes. Also, it is a leading producer of apples, cabbages, carrots, corn, melon, potatoes, rubber, sager, beets, sugar cane, tea and tomatoes. The Chinese were the first to develop compass, paper, porcelain and silk cloth.

Again, as we celebrate with the Chinese tomorrow, let us make use of their philosophy so that we will learn how to do things for ourselves, instead of always asking, asking, and asking. If the Chinese with that kind of gigantic population can feed themselves, then, we, with our small population with fertile soil can do the same. Hence, we should not always ask for fish, but should ask to be taught how to fish for a better Liberia tomorrow.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY TO THE CHINESE-PEOPLE!

Source: The Inquirer, Septermber 30, 2008

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