(From L-R) US Embassy Chargé D’ Affaires,Joseph E. Zadrozny and CNDRA, DirectorGeneral, D. Nelson Bearngar
By Jonathan O. Grigsby, Snr. Contributor Writer
A delegation from the United States Embassy near Liberia’s capital Monrovia, Liberia headed by its Chargé D’ Affaires, Joseph E. Zadrozny, has concluded a day-long tour at the Center for National Documents and Records Agency (CNDRA)in the Sinkor suburb of Monrovia.
The US Embassy delegation on Wednesday at the CNDRA was to formalize themselves with operations on the Center, and how the United States Embassy can help in enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency, as it carries out its statutory mandate.
At the CNDRA, the delegation was taken on a guided tour of several sections of the National Archives, including the Repository, Digital Scanning Center, Information Technology (IT Section), Public Records Section, Archival Sections, Projects, Programs and Planning Unit, Marriage Records Section, and the Mini Exhibition Hall.
In his brief statement, Chargé D’Affaires, Zadrozny, underscored the need for Liberia to preserve its history and national artifacts, documents and records, so they can be shared with Liberians and other people around the world.
Zadrozny said, “Understanding and preserving Liberia’s history is important for every county and community. The country’s history is extensive and must be properly documented and protected for future generations.”
The Center for National Documents and Records Agency, commonly known as the National Archives, commended the institution’s management and staff for their continued efforts to preserve Liberia’s historical records.
The US Diplomat reiterated the US’ continued support to the Center for National Documents and Records Agency (CNDRA) to enhance the functions of the Center in providing the necessary services to the public.
In his interactions with Heads of the various Sections, the US Diplomat praised them for the tremendous work they are doing with the countless challenges they are faced with and encouraged the CNDRA’sDirector General, D. Nelson Bearngar, Senior and Middle Managers to continue preserving Liberia’s historical documents and records, which vital.
For his part, CNDRA Director General, D. Nelson Bearngar termed the US Embassy delegation visit at the Center as significant.
Mr. Bearngar explained that their visit was initiated at the request of the US Chargé D’ Affaires, with the intended to strengthen partnership and cooperation between the US Embassy and the National Archives.
CNDRA’s Director General said, “We are pleased with the visit and reaffirmed the Archives’ commitment to serving the Liberian people and supporting the government’s development agenda.
The National Archives boss, however, urged Liberians to make good use of the Center by seeking their marriage certificates to use the proper channels when obtaining the documents to avoid difficulties or embarrassment, particularly when presenting them at the US Embassy.
Mr. Bearngar also identified digitization of the National Archives, decentralization, and logistical constraints as some of the major challenges confronting the Center for National Documents and Records Agency (CNDRA).
He pledged that the National Archives would continue working to overcome these challenges while protecting and providing access to Liberia’s historical records, through the support of the Liberian Government, partners, particularly the United States Embassy in Liberia.
