The Perspective
Atlanta, Georgia
May 21, 2019

The countdown is on for June 7, 2019, and with the recent meeting of the minds, while expressing security concerns among other arguments, the government’s position on the looming, planned Peaceful March to present public grievances to President Weah and the ruling body- the Administration – IS NOT BLOCKING THE DEMONSTRATION.  It’s a win for all, with a serious caveat - The eyes are now on the Public to allay the genuine security concerns of the President, by proving that Liberia has come of age, settling her differences through Peaceful Means.

It should not, and must not be a countdown to “Doomsday”, as concerns flow to border towns about impending catastrophes, spooking residents to move family members across to neighboring countries. The war-weary citizens do not deserve to live in this kind of life-altering fear. This shouldn’t be, if both sides work within the law. There should be no clashes between the Government and the Public.

A PEACEFUL MARCH is emphasized by the organizers, so it is on them to conduct orderly participation by all. It is incumbent on Government to work with the organizers to hammer out modalities to bring about a secured execution of the demonstration.

Also incumbent on the Government is to listen to the grievances.  The People are simply exercising their rights to peaceful assemblage, as allowed by the Constitution.
We have found ourselves at this juncture before.  Suffering People just want to be heard, hoping, perhaps, that Government would focus on their plight, from the marked day forward.

It is safe to say that a poll would reveal that a lot of those voicing out grievances now, voted for this administration. They are crying out for what they are feeling and living in real time.  The Public is not up in arms in trying to get their messages across. They should not be tossed aside now, and their only avenue to speak out must not be blocked. That would be a mistake; it would only compound their plight.

This is time for the Administration to “take a deep breath”, check itself for the brief time at the helm, and be honest to the People. It is a good time to reflect and chart a modified or New Course, if necessary. No one said it was going to be easy to turn Liberia’s economic conditions around in a short period of time.  No one expected that.  However, there’s a right way to move towards alleviating the suffering, and there is a wrong way.   Clearly, the People see how corruption is blocking development; it is only natural that they letting it known, and demanding it is stopped.

There is always time, and there are many ways to turn things around.  The Weah Government can take a bold step to move in the direction of the People. What the People want, and pray for, is a successful Government. A PEACEFUL MARCH is not a bad thing; IT’S A GOOD THING. In the humblest terms, it is an advice from the Masses to Government.

Let’s assess the grievances: Poor living conditions- This can be met with Liberia's own “GREEN NEW DEAL” - massive FARMING and RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAMS. With the promised ROAD NETWORKS creating the necessary infrastructure, the economy would benefit greatly – employment, and much more, entrepreneurs, could sprout out. Exporting can be enhanced by the availability of power/energy in rural Liberia to aid in mechanized farming and food processing and packaging. What a boost to the economy that would be! Not to mention, Liberia would creep to the ever too important food security for the country.

The second grievance is Corruption- We all know this has been, and still is a public enemy. What corruption does to the Masses is stymie their progress, since funds that could otherwise engender development programs are been siphoned from everywhere. This can be met with emphasis on accounting at every Government entity, and audit findings must be followed up – prosecutions and firings made where must, to say the least.

For God’s sake, people in high government positions are paid, right before the very eyes of the poor Masses, ridiculously lopsided salaries. One would think they would be grateful to the People, and do their jobs well. But, no, they also take all the crumbs, too, but still come up with no development programs. That’s what the People are crying about; that’s what the People want to talk about.

The System is not working, and the People are just saying.
They have to be heard.
The System Can Be Fixed!
Bold Steps are needed!
Let’s not fight; let’s do it!
ALL HAIL LIBERIA, HAIL!

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