CARI New OIC Calls for Inclusivity
By Matalay Kollie, Bong County correspondent
SUAKOKO, APRIL 2, 2024: Taking over the gavel of authority on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at the central office in Suakoko, Dr. James Sulonkwiley Dolo, newly appointed Officer-In-Charge (OIC) of the Central Agricultural Research Institute outlined “Inclusive Decision Making and Participatory Team Work” as key instruments to the successful improvement and upliftment of the institute.
CARI was established by an Act approved by the national legislature on March 22, 2014, as an autonomous agency. The institute is an apex public agricultural research center with statutory responsibilities to guide, coordinate, and provide general oversight to all aspects of agricultural research in Liberia.
Dr. Dolo’s appointment comes following seventeen years (17yrs) of service in diverse capacities at CARI, including Acting Head of crops program and a focal person for many other research projects under the leadership of different Director Generals who have served the Central Agriculture Research Institute.
The new OIC at CARI further expressed gratitude to the Board of Directors of CARI for the trust and confidence reposed in him to lead the team, thus hoping to level up as Director General of the institution.
At the same time, Dr. Dolo described the speedy reconstitution of the Board of Directors of CARI as a clear demonstration of President Joseph Boakai’s commitment to the successful implementation of the ARREST Agenda of the Liberian government, amongst which Agriculture is a top priority.
He has further promised to exhibit the highest standard of integrity, dedication, and services in carrying out his duties at CARI, adding that this trust reposed in him comes with the anonymity of responsibilities, as such; he remains committed to his functions.
“I am therefore fully aware of the anonymity of responsibilities that come with this appointment, and I am committed to exhibiting the highest standard of integrity, dedication, and service in carrying out my duties at CARI because of my seventeen years of service at CARI” Dr. Dolo committed.
The new CARI OIC further used the medium to apologize to any worker of the institution whom he might have knowingly or unknowingly offended over the years, thus pleading for mercy, with a call for collaborative teamwork.
The Board of Directors of CARI is expected on Friday, April 5, 2024, to vet and appoint a Director General of the institution in communication and consultation with President Joseph Boakai.
Moreover, Dr. James Dolo has vowed to Work diligently with everyone at the Institute for the improvement and forward match of CARI, stressing, that it can only be achieved through the cooperation, participation, and inclusiveness of every individual working at CARI.
“What l want to see at CARI is a group of Scientists, Team members, and Officials sitting at a round table on CARI’s compound discussing and debating issues surrounding the growth and development of our institution to restore the image and dignity of the CARI in the past, instead of engaging in discussions that would politicize our believe CARI” Dr. James asserted.
Meanwhile, Dr Dolo has cautioned officials of the Institution against Politicizing the Research Institution, noting that depoliticizing CARI should be the responsibility of everyone.
He believes if CARI is to move forward by regaining its status, Participatory decision-making and inclusive teamwork void of political sentiment are key to achieving that goal.
The Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) located at Suakoko, some 180 km northโwest of Monrovia was created in 1980 from the Central Agricultural Experiment Station (CARES) to conduct both adaptive and applied research in agriculture.
