LBDI Rescues Olympic Village Project
By Julu M. Johnson, Jr.

The President of the Liberia National Olympic Committee (LNOC) broke the biggest news that the sporting public has long been waiting for.

As head of the LNOC, Mr. Philibert S. Browne, speaking at the headquarters of the LNOC on Thursday on Benson Street, decided to acquaint the sporting public with information relating to the Olymp Afric Foundation Project.

He revealed that the Liberian Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI) has agreed to give a loan of 1.8 million Liberian dollars that would go towards the US$30,000.00 needed to kick off the project as soon as possible.

Prior to securing the loan, Browne stated that his group had been trying recently to see how best a loan would be secured with the bank that the LNOC has been saving with for the past ten years.

Accompanied by the Deputy Minister for Sports, Marbue Richards and other LNOC officials, Mr. Browne said they met with the President of LBDI, Francis Dennis and made him to see reasons why the loan should be given.

"Owing to our good financial standing and being a long customer for ten years, we were promised a loan of 1.8 million LD, US$30,000 at the rate of 60.

"Mr. Dennis said it was easier in Liberian dollars since everything would be done at home," Browne indicated.

The LNOC boss then expressed gratitude to both Mr. Dennis and the LBDI for agreeing to give the loan to start the Olympic Village that is geared towards improving and accommodating numerous sports in the country. Mr. Browne is hopeful that the necessary paperwork would be done at the end of the week so that the project can start immediately.

He lauded the Ministry of Youth and Sports, headed by Cllr. Jamesetta Howard-Wolokollie, for being honest in its dealings as far as securing the loan is concerned.

"The Ministry of Youth and Sports did what it promised to do by accompanying us to the LBDI. At least, we have seen the light that the project is going to start."

He said that the effort of the Government of Liberia is being sought in all sectors in order for the Olympic Village to be a success story.

Mr. Browne added that the Ministry of Public Works has been informed, at the time through Minister Willis Knuckles (now Acting Minister of State for Presidential Affairs), for the purpose of maintaining a road leading to the site, an architect and a technician.

Before he was transferred, Mr. Browne said Hon. Knuckles made a promise through a formal letter.

Meanwhile, the LNOC President noted that his group would meet with the Acting Minister of Public Works, Lusinee Donzo on the matter.