CAB Welcomes Efforts for WECC Establishment
— Lauds President Boakai for appointing a member of the Visually Impaired Community in top position
By Evans P. Doahwor
The Liberia Christian Association of the Blind (CAB) has expressed support for the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia by the government.
The group said some members of the disabled community were the prime victims of the civil crisis and, as such, the establishment of the WECC to bring perpetrators of heinous crimes during the war.
“We welcome the steps that are being taken for the establishment of the war and economic crimes court in the country,” the CAB statement, released last week by its leader, Mr. Beyan Kota, said. “The country has had enough and there is a need for closure to all of the injustices that Liberians have faced over the years.”
The House of Representatives has since unanimously signed the resolution for the creation of the court, and the Senate just did the same last week. This means that the Executive branch of government under the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has now been given the authority to lead a process that will eventually see the court being established.
CAB also underscored the significance of implementing the recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to maintain peace and unity in Liberia. The establishment of the TRC in the aftermath of the comprehensive peace accords of 2003 was seen as crucial for truth-telling, reconciliation, and national healing following years of violence and conflict in Liberia.
The CAB’s statement also commended the peaceful transfer of power to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on January 22, 2024, highlighting a sense of hope and renewed commitment to inclusivity within the nation.
CAB specifically acknowledged President Boakai's efforts towards inclusivity, such as appointing a visually impaired individual, Noah Z. Gibson, to a key position at the Liberia National Transit Authority.
The group sees this gesture as a significant step towards breaking down barriers that have historically restricted the full participation of blind individuals in national affairs.
CAB emphasized the importance of the government's agenda, focusing on agriculture, road infrastructure, education, sanitation, and tourism. The organization viewed this agenda as an opportunity to create a more equitable society by addressing the specific needs and concerns of blind and partially sighted individuals.
In particular, CAB highlighted the potential for the agricultural sector to be transformed through inclusion, with the use of innovative technologies and tailored training programs tailored to the needs of the blind community.
The organization stressed the importance of accessible road infrastructure for independent mobility, citing the white cane as a symbol of independence and mobility for the blind.