The President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate, Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, has outlined a series of reform achievements aimed at transforming the Upper House into a more transparent, accountable, and modern legislative body. Speaking during the official opening session of the Senate on Tuesday, the Grand Bassa County Senator highlighted major progress in human capital governance, financial reform, digital modernization, and strategic planning — all geared toward building what she termed “a future-proof 21st-century Senate.”
Senator Karnga-Lawrence disclosed that the Senate has made significant headway in improving staff management and institutional efficiency.
“We hired the services of a seasoned human resource consultant with vast experience across both public and private sectors,” she revealed.
Under this initiative, the Senate now has a comprehensive employee handbook covering key areas such as recruitment and selection, performance management, attendance and leave, dress code, code of ethics, payroll procedures, anti-harassment policies, and income tax compliance.
She also announced the completion of 98 detailed job descriptions for Senate staff, along with a draft organizational chart designed to clarify roles, functions, and reporting structures across departments. These drafts are currently under review by the Senate Modernization Committee for approval.
A new compensation strategy is also being developed to promote fairness, competitiveness, and fiscal responsibility. According to the Pro Tempore, the strategy incorporates structured pay scales, performance-based incentives, and comparative data from peer legislatures to ensure transparency and meritocracy in staff remuneration.
On the financial front, Senator Karnga-Lawrence reported notable progress in strengthening fiscal discipline and transparency.
“Our financial advisor is working closely with the department to finalize the 2024 annual financial report, which will soon be published on our Senate website — a milestone in our commitment to openness,” she announced.
Additionally, several financial policy manuals have been completed, including those on fixed asset management, fund disbursement, petty cash handling, and financial accountability in procurement.
“These policies will serve as the foundation for responsible financial management and expenditure control moving forward,” she added.
Highlighting strides in technological advancement, the Senate Pro Tempore revealed that the Senate has successfully integrated Starlink internet within its network, ensuring reliable Wi-Fi access across its premises.
“This has greatly improved internal communication and access to digital tools,” she said.
Moreover, the Senate has rolled out the Microsoft 365 email system and a biometric attendance system to monitor staff attendance in real time. Both systems, she noted, are now fully operational and verified for data integrity.
Senator Karnga-Lawrence extended appreciation to the technology and administrative teams for their “dedication in delivering complex systems in such a short time.”
The Pro Tempore also announced the completion of the Senate’s Five-Year Strategic Plan (2025–2029), which provides a clear roadmap for the institution’s priorities and reforms.
“The Senate will hold a working session this week to conclude on the plan’s approval, and it will be officially launched in a few weeks,” she said.
She emphasized that, going forward, the Senate will focus on validating and implementing new HR policies, finalizing the compensation framework, institutionalizing financial manuals, launching staff training programs, and expanding digital public engagement.
“Our mission remains clear — this Senate is not just deliberating, it is building,” she declared. “We are laying the bricks of a 21st-century, transparent legislature that fulfills its constitutional mandate with professionalism and integrity.”
In closing, Senator Karnga-Lawrence briefed her colleagues on her recent official visit to Beijing, China, where she held a high-level meeting with the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress — China’s third most senior leader.
During the meeting, she requested support for the repair of the joint chamber damaged by fire and the renovation of offices at the Capitol Building. According to her, the Chinese official immediately instructed the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs to include the project in China’s approved assistance to Liberia.
She also met with the Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), where discussions included foreign aid support, scholarship opportunities, and exchange programs for legislative staffers — all of which received favorable consideration.
“I will turn over a report to the Committee on Foreign Affairs to continue the process,” she said, adding that official communication will also be sent to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Liberian Embassy in Beijing.
Senator Karnga-Lawrence concluded by thanking her colleagues for their support and reaffirmed her commitment to leading a reformed, transparent, and people-centered Senate.
“This Senate is determined to build a modern, accountable, and efficient legislature that truly serves the Liberian people,” she asserted.
