MONROVIA, Liberia – The Newly installed President of the House of Representatives Chiefs of Office Staff (COS) Network, Garmai Roberts has described her election as a defining moment in the history of the Network, pledging inclusive leadership, renewed advocacy for staff welfare, and strengthened professional collaboration.
Speaking during her acceptance address, madam Roberts gave thanks to Almighty God for His grace, guidance, and protection, noting that the occasion marked a milestone in the collective journey of the COS Network.
She expressed deep appreciation for the confidence reposed in her by members to serve as President.
The COS Network President paid tribute to the foundational leadership that helped establish the Network as a symbol of unity and resilience within the House of Representatives. She particularly acknowledged former Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa late Chief of Office Staff, Mrs. Helen Howard, whose leadership and commitment to institutional growth laid important groundwork for staff engagement and professionalism.
She further called for a moment of silence in honor of the late Mrs. Helen Howard, describing her service and dedication as enduring legacies that will forever remain in the hearts of colleagues.
Reflecting on the history of the COS Network, the President recalled that the body was founded in early 2024 to provide Chiefs of Office Staff and legislative staffers with a unified voice, professional identity, and organized platform to advance their collective welfare.
She noted that during the formative stage of the Network, she served as Secretary General under the acting leadership, gaining firsthand experience of the challenges and aspirations of staffers.
She outlined the core objectives of the Network, including promoting unity and harmony among COSes and legislative staff, providing a platform for interaction and dialogue, advocating for improved salaries and benefits, ensuring a conducive working environment, and fostering solidarity among members during moments of joy and sorrow.
The President expressed profound appreciation to Mr. Jeremiah Paye, who served as Acting President of the COS Network, for providing stability and direction during a critical transition period.
She highlighted the successful advocacy for staff transportation as one of the notable achievements of that period, pointing to the availability of buses for staffers as a tangible result of unity and sustained engagement.
Looking ahead, President Roberts unveiled the vision of the new leadership, emphasizing dignity, professionalism, and empowerment for staffers. He congratulated members of the newly elected leadership team, including St. Marcus Solroe (Co-Chair for Administration), Levi Page (Co-Chair for Operations), Cdr. Wuotema Abraham Suah (Secretary General), Amb. David Kpanie (Deputy Secretary General), Mr. Nathaniel Sawyer (Financial Secretary), Cdr. Annie Monica Kollie (Treasurer), and Cdr. Lawrence Youwoh Yesso, Sr. (Parliamentarian).
Addressing staff welfare, the COS Network the President assured members that cries for dignity would no longer go unheard. He announced that, following engagements with Members of the House of Representatives, incremental improvements in staff salaries are expected to begin in January, while efforts will intensify to secure additional benefits and capacity-building opportunities at both national and international levels.
She reaffirmed her administrationโs commitment to restoring the dignity of staffers of the Honorable House of Representatives and transforming the COS Network into a credible and respected professional body.
In closing, the President called on all staff members to take ownership of the Network and actively participate in its activities, stressing that its success depends on collective responsibility and unity.
โLet us move forward with unity, courage, and determination,โ she declared.
