UNSETTLED IN THEIR GRAVES

By Jamesetta D Williams

The Palm Grove Cemetery remains in the state of dilapidation, leaving thousands of Liberians buried at the once famous boneyard unsettled in their graves due to the decimation visited upon their homes or graves.

The Cemetery became a center of national attention and embarrassment almost a decade ago after wayward youthful Liberians otherwise referred to as “zogos” broke into graves and eventually turned it into abodes for hooliganism, drugging and smoking.

The cemetery, homed to some of Liberia’s famous statesmen and great sons and daughters, is closed to burial activities and has since lost its status as Liberia’s oldest national cemetery, leaving the spirits of its occupants wandering.

Through Monrovia City Corporation then headed by Madam Mary Broh, the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf took proactive steps to restore the dignity of the cemetery by fencing it but to no avail as Zogos relentlessly brought it down.

But the current administration of President Joseph Boakai  is mulling the possibility of finding lasting remedy to the Palm Grove Cemetery saga.

Delivering his Annual Message last week, President Boakai announced plans to take immediate action to address long-standing national concerns related to Liberia’s concession framework and the relocation of the historic Palm Grove Cemetery.

Speaking during his concluding remarks before the Legislature, the Judiciary, and members of the Cabinet, President Boakai called for a moment of national reflection, emphasizing the need to act in the supreme interest of the country. He acknowledged that despite progress made in governance and development, unresolved issues continue to affect Liberia’s dignity and national conscience.

The President announced that his administration will undertake a comprehensive review of Liberia’s concession framework to address historical inequities in the extraction and management of the country’s natural resources.

He said the reform process is intended to ensure that Liberia and its citizens derive fair, equitable, and sustainable benefits from concession agreements.

“Beyond the progress we celebrate today, there remain unresolved matters that continue to weigh on our national conscience and demand decisive action,” President Boakai said.

In addition, President Boakai disclosed plans to immediately resolve the long-standing issue surrounding the relocation of the Palm Grove Cemetery, which contains the remains of former Liberian Presidents and other distinguished citizens.