by Rocheford T. Gardiner
HARPER, Maryland County – In a show of civil-military cooperation, the Liberian National Coast Guard (Navy) has announced a massive cleanup campaign across Maryland County. The exercise is part of preparations leading up to the 69th Armed Forces Day celebration on February 11.
Navy Commander PO1 Aloysius Bondo, speaking on behalf of the detachment, confirmed that the initiative is a joint effort involving various units of Liberia’s Joint Security and the municipal authorities of the county’s two primary hubs, Harper and Pleebo.
Cleaning Up the Cities
The campaign is set to kick off in Pleebo City on Friday, February 6, before moving to other key locations. According to Commander Bondo, the goal is not just to beautify the cities for the upcoming holiday but to foster a stronger bond between the military and the communities they serve.
A Year of Growing Presence
This exercise highlights the increasing visibility of the Navy in southeastern Liberia. The Coast Guard was deployed to Maryland County a little over a year ago, marking their first permanent presence in the region in more than 30 years—a gap that began during the Liberian civil war.
Despite facing limited resources and logistics, the unit has been highly active. Key accomplishments over the past year include:
- Border Security: Conducting regular joint patrols along the Cavalla River, which serves as the natural border between Liberia and Ivory Coast.
- Up Cape Restoration: Carrying out security cleanups in the Up Cape area of Harper, where the Navy is currently based.
Tackling “Ghetto” Hideouts
The cleanup in the Up Cape area is particularly significant for local safety. In recent years, the neighborhood had become a hub for drug abusers who established hideouts in abandoned homes and dilapidated buildings. By clearing these areas and maintaining a constant presence, the Navy is helping local police reclaim the community from criminal activity.
As Maryland County prepares for the official Armed Forces Day parade and festivities, the Joint Security forces are calling on all residents to join the “cleaning fever” and support the men and women in uniform in keeping the county safe and clean.