By Mark N. Mengonfia-mmenginfia@gmail.com
MONROVIA-The Liberian Vice President, Jewel Howard Taylor, has recounted gains made by the Coalition for Democratic Change Government headed by President George M. Weah thus committing herself to the second term bid of the Liberian.
In an interview with Michael Adeboboye, President, Congress of African Journalists/CAJ International Magazine Editor-in-Chief, Madam Taylor, said that amidst the challenges, the government inherited an economy grappling with the shocks of a decline in Foreign Direct Investment, through the scaling down of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), the departure of major Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and the alarming rate of donor fatigue.
These occurrences according to her were occasioned by the fact that Liberia had enjoyed relative peace and stability for more than 10 years and should be prepared to take ownership of its economy.
“We embraced these challenges from day one and began working with the IMF to help in creating macro-economic stability and reducing inflation” the Liberian VP said.
She further praised their government by saying, “We created a balance in wages through harmonization, reduced recurrent expenditure, and created fiscal space for expenditure on various developmental projects.
She said through fiscal discipline and expansion of their tax base, the CDC government has increased internal revenue capacity which she said has augmented their current budget to about 794.5 million United States Dollars, the largest in post-war Liberia.
“At this point, I am truly proud of what we have achieved, considering COVID- 19 and the global economic Crisis. There are marked improvements in Education, Health, Agriculture and Gender amongst other sectors” she said.
She said, “For example, in our Energy sector through the expansion of electricity across the country; is becoming relatively stable, thanks to the purchase of additional power under the ECOWAS Power Pool.”
She said in health, the county systems are improving, some highlights in this sector are the construction of a fully equipped facility for the Military (the 14 Military hospitals); there is a brand new, fully furnished and equipped Emirates Hospital in Gbarpolu.
She said, “We can now boast of the opening of our first post-war Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company, and we are doing more to equip JFK and all public hospitals across our country. We have also improved the wages of Doctors, Nurses and other health practitioners.”
The Liberian Vice President during the interview also highlighted education stating that they have instituted a free tuition policy for public schools at tertiary levels; the payment of WASSCE fees for 12 graders across the country; building and equipping TVET institutions across the country and the building of needed additional schools in the country.
She said, “On the overall, I am proud of the achievements so far and the commitment of our partners to do more. President Weah will take the message of our achievements across the nation to seek a second mandate.”
With confidence she said, “This will be done on our Governance Record.
She said, “I am however, looking at the realities across our nation, expect a resounding mandate from the people of Liberia for a second mandate to continue the amazing work being done.
The VP said, “I am fully committed to supporting President George Manneh Weah in his bid for a second term and I am doing all I can in whatever capacity I am asked to serve. Indeed, President Weah as my full commitment and support.”