Surgical Instruments Repair Center for Liberia
Originally published March 7, 2008 by: The New Liberia - Monrovia, Liberia
Posted to this site: April 4, 2008
Robert S. JamesMonrovia, Liberia - March 7, 2008: A Liberian Surgical Instrument Technician based in the United States, Mr. Robert S. James has disclosed plans to establish a Surgical Instrument Repair Center in Liberia. Mr. James is a Member of the North Jersey Chapter of UNIBOA. Mr James disclosed his plan during a recent visit to Liberia.
Mr. James, who has a 37-year professional experience in surgical instruments repair, has worked with several health institutions in the United States including the J.F.K. Medical Center and Muhlenberg Reginal Medical Center based in New Jersey, Independent Surgical Instrument Repairs, Inc. in New Jersey; Pilling Weck Company in Fort Washington, Edward Weck and Company based in Santa Monica, California, among others.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The New Liberia on Thursday, March 6, at the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism on Capital Hill, Mr. James said when established, the center will be called the Liberia Surgical Instrument Repairs Incorporated. “This is mainly what I have been doing in the States. In 1977, I decided to establish my own company”, he added.
According to Mr. James, preliminary talks have already begun with health authorities in Liberia, including Health and Social Welfare Minister, Dr. Walter T. Gwenigale and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Bernice Dahn relative to his intention.
“Although I do have a very good job, and living quite well in one of the smallest cities in the State of New Jersey with excellent surroundings and living comfort, I would be interested in more details about existing circumstances of exactly what our country is prepared to offer, referent terms and conditions”, he pointed out.
He said an initial investment capital of US$50,000.00 is being earmarked for the established.
The Liberian technician, who has resided in the United States since 1973, had earlier donated 347 pieces of general surgical instruments to the J.F.K. Memorial Hospital in Monrovia. “As a son of this country, this is my home”, he emphasized.
Giving his impression of life back home since he arrived in Liberia two weeks ago, Mr. James noted that there are lots of idle citizens roaming the streets of Monrovia who should be in the counties to engage in productive ventures to help improve the social-ecomic condition of the country after the civil war.
He said upon his return to the United States, he is going to encourage more Liberians there to come home and contribute their expertise to the rebuilding process of their motherland, saying, “I will tell them that it is now time to go back home; the opportunity is there; it is time to put Liberia first.”
The Liberian entrepreneur, who hails from Compound #3 in Grand Bassa County, said the center he intends to establish will also provide training opportunities for young Liberians to build the human resource capacity of the country.
Meanwhile, Mr. James has commended the Government of Liberia and the international community for the level of progress achieved thus far, which has restored relative stability to the once ravaged nation.
NOTE: Mr. Robert S. James is a member of the United Bassa Association of North Jersey, a chapter of the United Bassa Organization in the Americas, Inc.(UNIBOA). Mr. James is currently a local Board member of the North Jersey Chapter.
