Full Speech Delivered by Vice President Howard-Taylor at the Start of the Liberian Senate's 6th Regular Session

The Honorable President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate, Senator Albert T. Chie;

Distinguished Members of the Senate Leadership;

Distinguished Senators of the Liberian Senate;

The Secretary, Chamber Officials, Directors and Staff of the Liberian Senate;

Our International Partners and Friends of Liberia;

Esteemed Members of the 4Th Estate;

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen:

As we gather here in these hallowed halls this morning; I count it an extraordinary privilege to be able to convene the 6th Session of the Honorable Liberian Senate;  once more.

This is a uncommon privilege indeed, because the Almighty God has allowed each one of us; the opportunity to be the Representatives of our People; and has bequeathed unto us the enormous responsibilities to serve our Beloved Nation, in a way which provides for the benefit, happiness and safety of all who reside within out Borders. Keeping in mind that our ACTIONS, INACTIONS and or KNOWLEDGE sets the pace for the forward move or retrogression of those we represent.

Distinguished Senators, as we begin this 6th Regular Session; it is my prayer that we each do so FIRSTLY, with a deep sense of reverence to God our Creator; who looks upon us and how we perform our duties; and judges each assignment given as gold purified through fire; and then SECONDLY, the Patriotic Grace required of all of US, especially during these challenging times.

The kind of GRACE which looks at how far we have come; how farther still we must travel; and looking beyond the points which seem to drive us apart, for if we must climb higher than we have ever been before, we must travel together.

Leaving behind the old political tricks which only seek to divide us to a point that is not healthy.

It is time for the NATIONAL RALLYING CALL - one to the other; as we summon the courage and tenacity to join in the fight to face our common challenges together; as one NATION, one PEOPLE; and one DESTINY.

This 6th Regular Session is not only historical because it climaxes the constitutional responsibilities of the 54th Legislature, but it also sets the democratic platform of electioneering which mandates all of us to stand on the side of Democracy. We must replicate the posture of peaceful coexistence, the Rule of Law and upholding the tenets of Democracy which we exemplified in 2017.

Let us be reminded that the collective interests of our people are bigger than our individual ambitions. I am convinced by the Grace of God; that the confluence of the 7th Regular Session which will usher in the 55th Legislature in January 2024, will be a resounding statement to the world that Liberia is indeed a post-conflict success story!

Mr. President Pro-Tempore, Honorable Senators; Distinguished ladies and gentlemen;

The assignment we have been chosen to perform, as crafted by the Forbearers of our Democracy; makes the assignees THE PALADINS OF OUR DEMOCRACY. PALADINS under a Democratic System of Governance are those who champion the cause of Democracy, keep the democratic tenets alive and do all they can to protect the State and its People.

As we commence our assignment; please keep in mind that this role requires unanimity of purpose; the cohesion of a team united and committed to do all within their powers to keep the system working properly and provide the necessary checks and balances; to defeat the element of fear and embrace the batch of honor ignited by the commonality of our purpose to build a better Nation for ALL.

Honorable Pro Tempore, Distinguished Senators; as we begin this 6th Session; I am persuaded that a soft reminder of the critical Roles and Responsibilities of the Members of this Upper House is important now more than ever before.

Firstly, because our Nation is again confronted with a period of elections which is a fundamental requirement for upholding democratic tenants. The World will be watching again to see whether or not we value the Life Blood, Growth, Development, Unity, and Happiness of the people we serve by the decisions we take in this chamber and our adherence to democracy and the rule of law.

Secondly, because the gross effect of decisions taken here will remain the collective responsibility of each of us.

And Lastly, because in few months, eligible voters will go to the polls to elect Presidential and Legislative Candidates for a new term of service; and the effect of the decisions made in these Chambers will determine the outcome of those elections at ALL LEVELS. By your Actions or Inactions – YOU WILL BE COLLECTIVELY HELD RESPONSIBLE AS MEMBERS OF THE FIRST BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT.

MR. PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, Distinguished Senators; Ladies and Gentlemen; as we commence our duties; permit me to bring to your kind attention the following issues for your consideration:

1. 2023 National Budget – I am informed that the Budget was submitted at the time when this Honorable House was on its Legislative Break. I entreat your good offices to begin immediate deliberations as we commence this 6th Regular Session and take a deeper look at the budget proposal sent for your concurrence.

We must be reminded that this is President’s Weah’s  last budget which concludes its first term in office;  especially as we prepare for the conduct of National elections.

I am confident that you will ensure that this budget will address the alarming situation of youth unemployment and drug abuse, improving the educational sector by looking at all issues and putting forth a comprehensive Educational Reform Program beginning with Governments commitment to place at least 15% of the National Budget to Education;  increasing access to Agriculture financing and support, especially to local farmers who have begun processing all they grow. 

Thus ensuring that Government subsidies are made available to sectors which will improve economic activity and food security (ie the Rice Sector) supporting, financing and providing Agro processing facilities to Farmers, and improving our infrastructural facilities to jump start PROCESSING WHAT WE GROW.

Ensuring that the Operational components are provided, especially in Foreign Affairs, Security, Health, Gender, Education and Youth and Sports amongst others.

As this budget reflects the operational framework of our Government; we hope the Legislature will Provide financial support to all County Capitals and County Educational Systems; to ensure the inclusion on the payroll of all volunteer Teachers, local Government personnel and Health Care Workers.

It is also important to provide support for the improvement and revitalization of other key sectors such as Tourism and Economic empowerment for strengthening vulnerable groups.

There is also a critical need to fully Fund the National Elections Commission so it is able to perform all its electoral activities in a timely manner; provide funding for strengthening  the Judiciary to be able to deal with the electoral issues which may arise from the elections; the consideration of funding for the completion of the long awaited coastal corridor to the South East and last but never the least ; to provide funds for the pension of Civil Servants who have served and need to be compensated for their long tenure of Service to the State.

I am hopeful, that the relevant committees will make the necessary adjustments in consideration of the progress made by our Government, with the expansion of our national revenue envelope by considering programs which directly impact the growth and development of our people.

2. Legislations Passed-

Amidst the daunting challenges which appertain to the discharge of the constitutional duties of the Honorable Senate, I applaud this august body for the passage of 58 Legislations which I believe are cardinal for the growth and development of our Nation and the strengthening of our Democracy.

Key amongst these legislations include The Revised Drug Law of Liberia, An Act to ratify the Loan Agreement between the Republic of Liberia, the African Development Bank and the African Development Fund (Mano River Union road development and transport facilitation programme phase 3), An Act to amend the public law of Liberia to establish the Center for the Coordination of Response Mechanism (NCCRM), An Act to repeal the 2010 Act establishing the Lofa County Community College and to establish in lieu thereof a Lofa County University and grant its charter, amongst others.

3. Pending delayed Legislations still with Committees –

During the year in review, there was a serious backlog of bills in Committee Rooms which required the urgent attention of the Honorable Liberian Senate; some of which are An Act to endorse the National Youth Policy of Liberia, an agenda for Action for our Young People – long delayed;  An Act to provide for the regular budgetary allocations in the National Budget for all Capital cities in the Republic of Liberia; An Act to create a special education fund to support and sustain tuition scheme for private Universities and Colleges and the to institutionalize funds for free WASSCE for 9th and 12th graders; An Act for the elimination of FGM; An act to establish the National Motorbike Union of Liberia, and the Ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement  amongst other key draft Legislations.

4. National Census- I commend the Government, the members of the Liberian Senate and House of Representatives and our International Partners for playing a pivotal role in supporting the conduct of our National Census. While the Census activities were initially confronted with challenges due to administrative, logistical, financial and other structural issues, our government and its partners worked assiduously to ensure that the Census was actualized. I am proud to inform you that this 2022 census is a landmark initiative; because of the the fact that this is Liberia’s and West Africa’s first digital census.

I applaud the wisdom of the National Legislature for extending the Census activities to January, 2023 which provided enough time for the Census to be fully executed.

As we await the results from LISGIS and our development partners to be submitted to His Excellency President Weah, we remain confident that the data to be presented will meet international standards and provide the basis for our next 10-year Development Plan.

Let me once again appreciate all Liberians and the young people who executed this important mandate under challenging circumstances but did not give in to them but persevered until the assignment was done. I say BRAVO TO EACH OF YOUU ALL OVER THE NATION.   

    Honorable Pro Tempore, Distinguished Senators, these are just a few of my concerns as we commence this 6th Session.

I remain hopeful that each of you will engender a renewed sense of responsibility and dedicate your time and efforts to resolving these and many other National issues which will enhance our Nation’s democratic credentials and bring relief to our people.

Mr. President Pro-Tempore, Distinguished Senators, Ladies and Gentlemen;

This House of Elders has, both a statutory and moral responsibility to ensure the proper functioning of the “trias political” within our governance system; and to ensure the full actualization of all activities that must be executed by the Executive and Judiciary Branches of Government.

Let us begin this journey, bearing in mind that our Nation and People demand our ultimate sacrifice and commitment to making Liberia BETTER; especially in this electoral year where 15 of Senators seated will be going out to seek reelection.

It is my prayer that the Liberian Senate; will in this first period before the Easter Break; do all within their powers to complete all draft bills before it; so as to ensure that the work of the Liberian Senate is not hampered by those who will be out campaigning or better still constitute the Liberian Senate into a committee of the whole to deal with these and many other pertinent issues    

In closing, it would be remiss of me, were I not to mention or ignore the enormous contributions and sacrifices of Our Government; led by His Excellency President George M. Weah; Our international partners and friends of Liberia, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, religious institutions, the youth, the media, the people of Liberia and all other stakeholders who continue to work to protect our Democracy and contribute to our Nation’s sustained growth and development.

Permit me to add my voice to the many commendations being made by saying - I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

As we struggle to MAKE LIBERIA A POST-CONFLICT SUCCESS STORY; may we never forget that the most important ingredient for Nation building is PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE; an expensive commodity and should not be taken for granted. Please permit me to remind all political parties, auxiliaries and partisans that this election is about ideas, options and frameworks for the growth of Mama Liberia – not a contest of wills and not hatred and abuse.

My prayer is that all parties will exhibit the respect and love which comes to a nation which is more than 175 years old; and that the media – the 4th estate will help us keep the peace by not publishing any inflammatory or inciting stories.

It is therefore, prayerfully my request, to the Almighty God; that in his mercy he will continue to show us the path of true reconciliation and unity; in the interest of the people of Liberia; whom we have been asked to represent; AND PERMIT US TO SEE ONE ANOTHER AS OUR BROTHER’S KEEPERS. THUS ENSURING THAT THIS ELECTORAL YEAR WILL ME THE BEST EVER; AS WE CAMPAIGN FOR OUR VARIOUS INTEREST UNDER AN ATMOSPHERE OF LOVE AND UNITY. 

It is now therefore, a most pleasing duty, as President and Presiding Officer of the Liberian Senate, to welcome each Distinguished Senator of the 15 Political Subdivision of Liberia; back into this sacred Chamber.

I wish each of you a Happy New Year and a successful 6th Session.

 May God bless us and save the State.

I thank you.