Liberia: Dismissals, Reshuffle in Government

President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has begun her long awaited cabinet reshuffle here, dismissing one cabinet minister and several deputy ministers, while announcing a new Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Axel Addy. Minister Addy replaces Madam Miatta Beyslow, whose performance to the public has left much to be desired.
Also appointed at the Commerce Ministry are Ms. Candace Eastman, Deputy Minister, Commerce and Industry, and Mr. Cyril Allen, II, Deputy Minister for Administration.
The President has also dismissed Liberia's Solicitor-General Michael Wilkins Wrights, replacing him with Ms. Betty Lamin Blamo, who now becomes the new Solicitor-General of the Republic of Liberia.
Announcing the reshuffle on Monday in Monrovia, President Sirleaf said, "My Fellow Citizens: I have transferred some individuals from one area of responsibility to another, and a few have not been reappointed. This action is intended to provide an opportunity to bring new dynamism to new responsibilities.
In cases where some individuals have not been reappointed, it is mostly because they are better suited to pursue their professions in other areas of endeavor. I thank all of these individuals for their various services to our country, and to those who are not returning to the Administration, best wishes in their future undertakings."
President Sirleaf said the actions are being taken based on the criteria of competence, integrity, commitment and loyalty, saying "By loyalty, I mean that which is not only owed to an individual or to a political party but loyalty to the aspiration of our national vision and to the improvement in the lives of our people. "
"Quite simply, I expect the loyalty and commitment of each member of the Executive to primarily extend to the implementation of our ambitious transformative agenda, and to improving the lives of our people."