The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) has taken a significant step toward fulfilling its commitment to the Boker Washington Institute (BWI) through a landmark Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at restoring the institution’s principal residence.
On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, LiMA Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr., turned the first shovel of sand to officially launch the renovation of the historic two-story building that will serve as the residence of the Principal of BWI.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony on the campus of BWI in Kakata, Cllr. Lighe explained that the project stemmed from a request submitted by BWI Principal, Dr. Nancy Teta Freeman, in 2024. He noted that the request underwent a thorough internal review process to ensure that any intervention undertaken by LiMA would have a lasting impact on the institution while aligning with the Authority’s CSR objectives.
According to the LiMA CEO, the principal residence was ultimately selected because of its historical significance to the institution and the need to provide the school’s leadership with a modern and conducive living environment.
“The Liberia Maritime Authority has undertaken several development initiatives in Margibi County, particularly in coastal communities. However, it became necessary for us to expand our outreach inland, and BWI was the ideal place to begin given its longstanding contribution to human capacity development in Liberia,” Cllr. Lighe stated.
“I am happy to be driving the first shovel through this sand. At the same time, I want to emphasize that this project will be closely monitored to ensure value for money and timely completion,” he added.
Responding to the initiative, Dr. Freeman expressed gratitude to LiMA for honoring its commitment to the institution and helping restore a facility that holds deep historical significance for generations of BWI students and administrators.
She recalled fond memories of the building during her years as a student, noting that it once served as a familiar destination for boarding students seeking snacks and refreshments.
Dr. Freeman praised the leadership of Cllr. Lighe and acknowledged the support of the LiMA Board of Directors for making the project possible.
“This is a landmark project for our institution, and we deeply appreciate the support of the Liberia Maritime Authority,” she said.
Also speaking at the ceremony, LiMA Board Chairman Mr. S. Tornorlah Varpilah stressed that the Authority’s CSR efforts extend beyond the maritime sector and are intended to support broader national development goals.
He expressed optimism about the future of the partnership between LiMA and BWI, especially as the institution explores plans to transition into a technical college.
“LiMA has to do more. Whenever a need arises, the Board of Directors will continue to provide the Commissioner and his team with the fullest support to make meaningful interventions,” Mr. Varpilah said. “I was surprised to learn that the principal of such a historic institution did not have suitable accommodation on campus.”
LiMA Board of Directors Vice Chairperson Madam Monjay George Pratt also welcomed the commencement of the project, noting that it will help restore the historical relevance of a structure that has remained in ruins since the 1990s.
For his part, Board Member, Mr. Augustine Vandi underscored BWI’s enduring contribution to national development through education.
“BWI has played a critical role in shaping the minds of many young people, many of whom are now making meaningful contributions in various sectors across Liberia and around the world. This initiative is important because it supports education and creates a more conducive environment for the principal to effectively carry out her responsibilities,” he said.
The renovation project forms part of LiMA’s broader commitment to supporting national development initiatives and strengthening partnerships with educational institutions that play a vital role in advancing Liberia’s human capital development agenda.
