PHOTO: L-R, the donated rice and Rep. Cole during the ceremony
By Emmanuel Mafelah, mafelahemmanuel29@gmail.com
GBARNGA, Liberia- Representative Josiah Marvin Cole has made a compassionate donation to residents of district #3 in support of the July 26 Independent; as part of humanitarian gift to citizens in this central county.
The donation includes one thousand bags of rice, several pieces of nose masks and $7 million Liberian dollars, which come in the aftermath of Liberian Lawmakers’ receipt of US$30,000.00 each as “Legislative Engagement fund”. The current exchange rate in the country is one US dollar to 170 Liberian dollars.
Their pocketing of this huge amount has drawn serious public criticisms, with many Liberians calling on the 103 Senators and Representatives to return the money to the national coffers to carry out worthwhile development in the health, education and agriculture sectors.
Rep. Cole’s gift one thousand bags of rice is being shared among inhabitants of the district and other parts of the county also included cash.
The rice, cash and anti COVID-19 materials, according to the district Lawmaker, is his initial contribution to his people in the County as they prepare for this year July 26 celebrations.
Said Rep. Cole: “I announced in the county recently that I have secured 1000 bag of rice, over $1.7 million Liberian dollars and 1000 pieces of nose masks, you think that i were joking. Every towns and villages if not all in my district will receive rice, money and masks so that they cannot be hungry during this independent day celebration. I believe strongly that when our people have food on their table, they will not go in the streets looking for food for their children in this serious health crisis.”
As Representative of the people, hon. Cole started that the tears of his people will be wash away under his watchful eye as their leader in spite of the current economic conditions, particularly the outbreak of the third wave of coronavirus pandemic.
“Just to let you know if you’re not aware, over the weekend, we were in the Gbarnga central market distributing money to our people in the tone of little over 1million Liberian dollars. This is not our first time, we have always been doing this since we got elected to the House of Representatives and this will not be the end especially where we are fighting an unwelcome stranger into our country,” he added.
During one of the presentation in Melekei, Rep. Cole praised his people for elected him during the 2017 election. His election, according to him wasn’t a mistake, but a new day for residents of District number three.
“You never made any mistakes by elected me as your lawmaker, as long as I am your leader, your lives will never remain the same.”
He used the occasion to call on his people to give him a chance in steering the affairs of the district and later judge him and decide during the 2023 general elections.
Rep. Cole further urged them to be patient and give him more time to continue working with his colleagues at both houses, the president and friends in and outside of the country for a better district number three.
“I have never seen a leader like this man. He is down to earth, since he got elected he has never failed to come back to his people. He is a very good man, whether I receive or not, I will always pray for this honorable to succeed,” Alfred Spencer, a resident of Melekei said.
Another beneficiaries, Habakkuk Leetor, Youth President of Kayata asked God to continue blessing hon. Cole as he strive to bring meaningful development to the District.
Rep. Cole also called on all residents of Bong County to continue adhering to public health preventive measures, something he believes will reduce the spread of COVID-19.