(Monrovia, Liberia)  Monrovia, Liberia: President George Manneh Weah Friday, May 10, 2019 dedicated a Patrol Boat donated to the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) by the Government of Wales. The President also renamed the Boat, formerly “FPV Aegis” or Pride of Wale, as MPV Lonestar.

During a program held at the Mesurado Pier on the Bushrod Island, the Liberian Leader applauded the government and people of Wales for the donation which he described a generous and timely.

President Weah acknowledged the relieving nature and significant impact that the donation brings to NaFAA’s efforts in managing and protecting the territorial waters, marine resources and coastal lines of Liberia.

“This vessel will add to the existing fleet of the Coast Guard and help the entity enhance its sea-going capacity and ensure the protection of our marine resources,” the President stressed.

President Weah said the Welsh donation came at time when Liberia is working hard to improve the fishery sector, reduce rising incidents of illegal and unregulated and unreported fishing in Liberia’s territorial waters.

He underscored the importance of the MPV Lonestar in bolstering economic dividends for the country from fishery sector.

President Weah thanked Liberia’s partners, mainly the World Bank Group, for their role in securing the Boat.

The World Bank, he disclosed, played a pivotal role in the shipment of the Boat to Liberia. “We are also pleased with the level of coordination and cooperation coming from our donor and bilateral partners in terms of their continued support to the sustainable management of the country’s fishery sector,” the Liberian leader said.

The President also assured the country’s international partners that his Government would utilize the donation of the Boat for the effective management and protection of the country’s coastal and territorial waters.

“Liberia will continue to count on your support to improve the management of this sector so as to positively impact the economy and improve the livelihood and nutritional needs of all Liberians,” the President implored donor partners.