Monrovia, Liberia - A luxury four-star ocean view resort and villa has formally been opened in Kendeja by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Speaking on June 9 during the opening ceremony, the Liberian President welcomed the investment by the African-American businessman, Robert L. Johnson, describing the occasion as historic. The President expressed satisfaction that Mr. Johnson responded positively to her appeal two years ago to invest in Liberia.The 78-room villas, occupying a 13-acre ocean view stretch of land on the outskirts of Monrovia, is providing employment opportunities for over 150 Liberians.

The President praised the Black American businessman for believing in Liberia’s potential and the investment opportunities it offers. The President also spoke of a USD$30 million investment by Mr. Johnson to provide more business opportunities to Liberian entrepreneurs.

An Executive Mansion release says the Liberian leader welcomed the transformation of Kendeja and renewed Government’s commitment to build a cultural center that would be a true reflection of a national cultural village. A modern secondary school, with support from the People’s Republic of China, has already been built in Kendeja, in fulfillment of Government’s promise.  The President again thanked the Chinese Government for the support. The challenge now, the Liberian leader said, is to help the students stay in school.

Responding, the founder and chairman of the RLJ Companies, Mr. Robert L. Johnson, expressed confidence that Liberia, under the leadership of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, would become a vibrant economy, giving rise to a successful middle class. The Black American millionaire described as friendly the business climate in Liberia, noting that it is easier doing business in Liberia than most countries, including the United States of America. He said the opening of the villas would create a gateway for more interactions between Liberia and the U.S.

The owner of Black Entertainment Television (BET) in the United States, Mr. Johnson said he chose to invest in Liberia because he was inspired by President Johnson Sirleaf when she spoke at former President Bill Clinton’s Global Initiative in New York two years ago, appealing to the American private sector to support her Government’s efforts in national reconstruction.