By: Benjamin Kofa Fyneah
Jul 27, 2010
Despite Liberia’s dire economic circumstances, the Unity Party had cause for a pompous display of pageantry to celebrate Liberia’s 163rd independence anniversary.
Considering the overwhelming poverty and widespread destitution impacting MAJORITY of Liberians one would have imagined this occasion and ALL other planned celebrations be observed in a low key manner. It could also be a day of sober reflection of where we are, how we got here, and the way forward.
The Unity Party’s zest for wasteful spending, that adds no value to our national life and or positively impact Liberians needs to stop!
- What is there to celebrate when 80% of your constituents are unemployed?
- What is there to celebrate when over 80% of your constituents live far below the poverty line?
- What is there to celebrate when MOST citizens have no access to portable running water?
- What is there to celebrate when the country is overcome by darkness - lack of electricity?
- What is there to celebrate when the STRATIFICATION of our social and political structures are being enhanced!
- What is there to celebrate when a significant number of your constituents are ILLETERATE?
- What is there to celebrate when the national economy is dependent and CONTROLLED by a FEW powerful elites?
- What is there to celebrate when the very government is overcome by CORRUPTION?
Until the Unity Party can give honest answers to these questions, her LACK of vision and ability to provide solutions to the myriad of problems facing Liberia will always be EXPOSED.
What actually do we celebrate on July 26th? Independence? From whom? Remember, the bulk of Liberians are still feeling the impact(s) of Matilda Newport’s cannon shot!
This strange form of celebration amidst overwhelming poverty is akin to the very “temporary relief” provided by illegal chemical substances - sadly, once their effects wane, REALITY sets in!
We will ALL be in a better position to jubilate and or CELEBRATE when the Unity Party government provides the needed leadership to pull Liberians out of the crippling grips of poverty and set Liberian on a course of sustainable growth and development.
Editor’s Note: Benjamin Kofa Fyneah can be reached at bfyneah@hotmail.com