Quite honestly, I am always overwhelmed with a perplexing and terrifying feeling whenever Liberia celebrates Independence Day. The knowledge that Liberia is advancing in age but with little accomplishment is sufficient reason to make any patriotic Liberian feel uneasy. As we observe the 163rd Independence anniversary come Monday, July 26, 2010, it is disheartening and pitiful to note that Liberia is still in a totally embryonic stage.
The question that springs forth is: “Is this observance of independence day a time of national, tumultuous joy?” I say a resounding ‘N’, but rather a period to solemnly reflect on the way forward to forging national growth and development. We must take into consideration the disparity in economic growth and development between Liberia and young nations like Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal.
At this juncture, the Sirleaf administration must be applauded for the substantial gains made since its ascendancy to power about 4½ years ago. Notably, this administration has made rapid strides in the areas of health, education, road construction, debt relief and modernizing the Liberian economy after decades of poor economic management, corruption and civil war. A handshake of gratitude also to Liberia’s international partners for their generous assistance to the nation’s post-conflict recovery process.
In her commentary captioned “The Nascent Liberian Miracle” (copyright: Project Syndicate, 2010) published in the Thursday, July 8, 2010 edition of Daily Observer, Madam Antoinette Sayeh, Liberia’s former Finance Minister, rightly asserts “Although debt relief and the related policy reforms are a major political and economic achievement, they are not a panacea for Liberia’s considerable challenges.”
Without a shadow of doubt, there are formidable challenges. One of the pressing, if not the most, is the formulate and implementation of the necessary strategies in unifying the largely disintegrated Liberian people. To strategize the way forward, the divergent views of the Liberian people must be reconsidered. First and foremost, a sense of common national identify must be gained. In other words, aLiberian must first think of himself or herself as a Liberian, rather than consider oneself first as a Nimbanian, Cape Mountainian or Bassonian.
Admittedly, words are easily said that done. Quite frankly, the unquestionable reality is that Liberians are fully knowledgeable of those formidable problems confronting the nation but the obvious fact is: they lack the will power to foster changes. There is this misconception adopted by Liberians that aged old problems can not be solved by this present generation.
Sadly, survival of the fittest has become the order of the day because many Liberians, most especially those in the hierarchy of government, think there is no hope in organizing a united front to withstand the challenges. They then decide that the best thing to do is to strive to become someone of importance through the accumulations of money, power and position without thinking about the good of the majority. It is this attitude of self possessiveness and selfishness which are engendering within Liberians the urge to engage in corruption, lasciviousness, nepotism and other vices which are impeding national growth and development.
The Greek philosophers have said, he who does wrong is not really conscious that he is doing wrong; he believes that he will obtain what is good, but is ignorant of what is real and unreal.
The failure of the state to meet the socio-economic needs of the majority of the Liberian people, have left community dwellers disillusioned and increasingly taking matters into the their own hands. Regrettably, many policy makers and planners, including those who claim to be well learned, are simply ignorant of the negative implications of their attitudes and actions. Without remorse, they propagate a system that exhibits cruelty towards the weak.
The harsh reality is shaming. A minute portion of the Liberian people are the privileged few who enjoy unprecedented luxury while more than ninety nine percent of the population live in abject poverty without sufficient food, water, health, education and sanitation. This poses inherent danger to Liberia’s fragile peace and development.
In going further, let me echo the words of wisdom written by the famous Scottish economist, Adam Smith, in his book “The Wealth of Nations”. Adam Smith wrote: “No Society can surely be Flourishing and Happy if the Greater Part of its members are poor and miserable”
Without adequately addressing the problem of poverty, the development goals of this administration or successive ones will remain illusive. Hence, the Sirlefaf administration can achieve poverty alleviation by instituting more pragmatic approaches involving a broad spectrum of the Liberian society. The Liberian people must become active participants in the nation building process rather than play the role of the passive spectators who must dance to the tune of the “caucus of technocrats”.
Realistically speaking, it is illogical to expect the majority of Liberians who are wallowed in poverty and misery, and concerned with their daily survival to divert from the path of the ‘passive spectators’. The way forward therefore is for the government and the group of enlightened Liberians. I usually refer to as the ‘conscious few’ to take the lead in formulating and implementing programs and projects to alleviate poverty.
Let me again echo a line from the commentary mentioned above written by Madam Saye. It states “While poverty remains deep and widespread, Liberians’ aspirations for substantial economic improvement are now more clearly within reach than ever before. “This statement was inspired by the windows of opportunity now opened to Liberia through debt relief.
Recently, Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan said that the government will contract loans only to build infrastructures such as roads, ports and electric power that will make economic impact on the country. The former Finance Minister Madam Sayeh made a similar assertion. Of course, I have absolutely no qualm in the contracting of loans to build roads, ports and electric power, it is a brilliant idea. Let me, however, further add that the financing of critical projects should include housing, schools, health centers, job creation and other undertakings that will directly impact the lives of ordinary Liberians.
Particular mention must be made of the urgent need to finance undertakings that will help review the dying Liberian art and culture. Art galleries, museums, cultural villages, libraries, halls of fame, etc. need to be established to exhibit Liberia’s great civilization that will, amongst others, promote tourism.
Remember, improving the livelihoods of impoverished Liberians will in turn enhance economic growth and accelerate development. There is no reason why Liberia will glide into heavy debt if Liberians are financially empowered and working in close collaboration to foster a system of integrity, transparency and accountability. Unquestionably, an enlightened and empowered citizenry will transform the nations deficit into surplus.
Jahbulleh Cicero Dempster is former Co-chairman for Operations of Saye Town. His letters, which are often published in the Letters Column of the Daily Observer as well as his articles, reflect his ardent desire for social reforms in the Liberian society. He can be contacted at: jahbullehdempster@yahoo.com
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Updated: July 29, 2010 - 10:42am
Quite honestly, I am always overwhelmed with a perplexing and terrifying feeling whenever Liberia celebrates Independence Day. The knowledge that Liberia is advancing in age but with little accomplishment is sufficient reason to make any patriotic Liberian feel uneasy. As we observe the 163rd Independence anniversary come Monday, July 26, 2010, it is disheartening and pitiful to note that Liberia is still in a totally embryonic stage.
The question that springs forth is: “Is this observance of independence day a time of national, tumultuous joy?” I say a resounding ‘N’, but rather a period to solemnly reflect on the way forward to forging national growth and development. We must take into consideration the disparity in economic growth and development between Liberia and young nations like Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal.
At this juncture, the Sirleaf administration must be applauded for the substantial gains made since its ascendancy to power about 4½ years ago. Notably, this administration has made rapid strides in the areas of health, education, road construction, debt relief and modernizing the Liberian economy after decades of poor economic management, corruption and civil war. A handshake of gratitude also to Liberia’s international partners for their generous assistance to the nation’s post-conflict recovery process.
In her commentary captioned “The Nascent Liberian Miracle” (copyright: Project Syndicate, 2010) published in the Thursday, July 8, 2010 edition of Daily Observer, Madam Antoinette Sayeh, Liberia’s former Finance Minister, rightly asserts “Although debt relief and the related policy reforms are a major political and economic achievement, they are not a panacea for Liberia’s considerable challenges.”
Without a shadow of doubt, there are formidable challenges. One of the pressing, if not the most, is the formulate and implementation of the necessary strategies in unifying the largely disintegrated Liberian people. To strategize the way forward, the divergent views of the Liberian people must be reconsidered. First and foremost, a sense of common national identify must be gained. In other words, aLiberian must first think of himself or herself as a Liberian, rather than consider oneself first as a Nimbanian, Cape Mountainian or Bassonian.
Admittedly, words are easily said that done. Quite frankly, the unquestionable reality is that Liberians are fully knowledgeable of those formidable problems confronting the nation but the obvious fact is: they lack the will power to foster changes. There is this misconception adopted by Liberians that aged old problems can not be solved by this present generation.
Sadly, survival of the fittest has become the order of the day because many Liberians, most especially those in the hierarchy of government, think there is no hope in organizing a united front to withstand the challenges. They then decide that the best thing to do is to strive to become someone of importance through the accumulations of money, power and position without thinking about the good of the majority. It is this attitude of self possessiveness and selfishness which are engendering within Liberians the urge to engage in corruption, lasciviousness, nepotism and other vices which are impeding national growth and development.
The Greek philosophers have said, he who does wrong is not really conscious that he is doing wrong; he believes that he will obtain what is good, but is ignorant of what is real and unreal.
The failure of the state to meet the socio-economic needs of the majority of the Liberian people, have left community dwellers disillusioned and increasingly taking matters into the their own hands. Regrettably, many policy makers and planners, including those who claim to be well learned, are simply ignorant of the negative implications of their attitudes and actions. Without remorse, they propagate a system that exhibits cruelty towards the weak.
The harsh reality is shaming. A minute portion of the Liberian people are the privileged few who enjoy unprecedented luxury while more than ninety nine percent of the population live in abject poverty without sufficient food, water, health, education and sanitation. This poses inherent danger to Liberia’s fragile peace and development.
In going further, let me echo the words of wisdom written by the famous Scottish economist, Adam Smith, in his book “The Wealth of Nations”. Adam Smith wrote: “No Society can surely be Flourishing and Happy if the Greater Part of its members are poor and miserable”
Without adequately addressing the problem of poverty, the development goals of this administration or successive ones will remain illusive. Hence, the Sirlefaf administration can achieve poverty alleviation by instituting more pragmatic approaches involving a broad spectrum of the Liberian society. The Liberian people must become active participants in the nation building process rather than play the role of the passive spectators who must dance to the tune of the “caucus of technocrats”.
Realistically speaking, it is illogical to expect the majority of Liberians who are wallowed in poverty and misery, and concerned with their daily survival to divert from the path of the ‘passive spectators’. The way forward therefore is for the government and the group of enlightened Liberians. I usually refer to as the ‘conscious few’ to take the lead in formulating and implementing programs and projects to alleviate poverty.
Let me again echo a line from the commentary mentioned above written by Madam Saye. It states “While poverty remains deep and widespread, Liberians’ aspirations for substantial economic improvement are now more clearly within reach than ever before. “This statement was inspired by the windows of opportunity now opened to Liberia through debt relief.
Recently, Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan said that the government will contract loans only to build infrastructures such as roads, ports and electric power that will make economic impact on the country. The former Finance Minister Madam Sayeh made a similar assertion. Of course, I have absolutely no qualm in the contracting of loans to build roads, ports and electric power, it is a brilliant idea. Let me, however, further add that the financing of critical projects should include housing, schools, health centers, job creation and other undertakings that will directly impact the lives of ordinary Liberians.
Particular mention must be made of the urgent need to finance undertakings that will help review the dying Liberian art and culture. Art galleries, museums, cultural villages, libraries, halls of fame, etc. need to be established to exhibit Liberia’s great civilization that will, amongst others, promote tourism.
Remember, improving the livelihoods of impoverished Liberians will in turn enhance economic growth and accelerate development. There is no reason why Liberia will glide into heavy debt if Liberians are financially empowered and working in close collaboration to foster a system of integrity, transparency and accountability. Unquestionably, an enlightened and empowered citizenry will transform the nations deficit into surplus.
Jahbulleh Cicero Dempster is former Co-chairman for Operations of Saye Town. His letters, which are often published in the Letters Column of the Daily Observer as well as his articles, reflect his ardent desire for social reforms in the Liberian society. He can be contacted at: jahbullehdempster@yahoo.com