And “Stand On The Side Of Democracy”
PHOTO: Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor
By Esau J. Farr esaufarr1980@gmail.com/0770838175/0886838175
Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor, who is President of the Liberian Senate, has cautioned members of the Liberian Senate and all political stakeholders to “stand on the side of democracy” during the country’s electoral process this year 2023.
She was making an opening statement at the Capitol Building early this week during the constitutional return of members of the 54th Legislature for their sixth (6th) and final session of that body, which is one of the three branches of government.
“As we begin let us keep in mind that our action, inaction or knowledge that we bring to this august body would set the pace for the forward movement of this country or retrogression of those we represent.” VP Taylor told Lawmaker.
The Vice President urged members of the Liberian Senate to always stand on the side of democracy no matter what, cautioning them to “leave behind those old political tricks”.
Madam Taylor told members of the upper House that all of them who are major political players in the electoral processes of the country must ensure to embrace peace championing the cost of democracy and its tenants warning that anything that goes wrong, all of them will be responsible.
“As we go through these election processes in our country, let us all ensure that we stand on the side of democracy and respect everyone because if anything goes wrong, we will all be collectively responsible as members of the first branch of the government of Liberia during and after the 2023 Elections,” VP Taylor warned.
The former Bong County Senator reminded members of the Upper House that the interest of the people of Liberia is more than the individual interest of the members of the Legislature siting on Capitol Hill and as such, the voice and decisions of the people of Liberia must count and be respected by all.
The President of the Liberian Senate also used the occasion to inform members of the Senate to pay keen attention to several and key legislative instruments for their kindest consideration as they return on Capitol Hill to do the business of the people of Liberia.
She named among other instruments as the Draft 2023 Budget, the Drug Law, Access to Agriculture Finance and the timely operational components of government ministries and agencies among others.
Madam Taylor called on the Legislature in general to ensure that the 2023 Budget reflects the mandate and commitment of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, which calls for each member state to ensure that fifteen (15%) percent of its national budget to be allocated for education.
She at the same time called for the timely appropriation and disbursement of operational components of the budget (funds) to various government’s ministries and agencies especially for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoF).
According to her, Liberians in foreign countries at the country’s embassies across the world receive their operational funds and salaries something she said poises serious challenges to embassy officials in meeting up with their economic needs and obligations as well as cost of schooling.
On the issue of Agro Financing, the Liberian Vice President wants the government of Liberia to ensure that needed supports are provided farmers across the country to help reduce the problem of food security.
She said when farmers are provided the necessary subsidies, they will be moved to work harder leading to great improvement in productivity thereby reducing hunger at an appreciable level.