In its effort to support democracy, the United States Government will spend over U$75m to assist in the rebuilding the private sector, US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield disclosed here Tuesday.

Speaking Tuesday when she and President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf cut the ribbon to officially open the new US Embassy at Mamba Point, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield   said the amount would be necessary because the assurance of lasting peace cannot go without job and dignity.

“This year alone, we will spend over U$75 million to assist in the rebuilding of Liberia’s private sector, because as we have seen in so many African nations, there is no assurance of lasting peace unless people have jobs, dignity, and food on the table,” the US ambassador pointed out.

“We know that the strengthening of democracy and good governance are top priorities for the new administration and we look forward to working with you to build the technical competence of legal professionals and strengthen alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, particularly with respect to land,” she assured President Sirleaf.

She said the US government will continue to build on past investment in the health sector to break the vicious cycle between poor health and poverty.

“In the past 2 years, we have invested over U$70million in support of Liberia’s effort to strengthen the health system, and deliver health service, she noted, adding: “We take this opportunity to reiterate our commitment to continue supporting these efforts.”

“Madam president, from this new facility, we will continue to work with the Government of Liberia to turn on the light, bringing electricity to Monrovia and beyond. We will help increase agriculture productivity and food security by introducing improved seed variety to credit for ordinary men and women, farmers and entrepreneurs. We will partner with your government to increase jobs and the environment to promote job creation,” the US Ambassador further assured.

She underscored the need her government to continue supporting educational excellence at all levers in order to prepare Liberian graduates for future jobs.

She also said part of her government’s effort is the return of more Peace Corps volunteers to Liberia where some 30 Peace Corps volunteers are serving in high schools.

Meanwhile, 15 new volunteers are expected to swear in on 24 January to qualify for service here.