Liberia: Charlyne Brumskine Rejects Being Called ‘Political Novice’

Cllr. Charlyne Brumskine, the Vice Standard Bearer of the Collaborating Political Parties

 

….“I understand the realities and how the system works, more than most of the so-called recycled and used politicians…”  — Brumskine 

Cllr. Charlyne Brumskine, the Vice Standard Bearer of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP),  says that she is more knowledgeable about politics in Liberia than most career politicians. 

According to Brumskine, her knowledge of governance stems from working on policies and regulations related to all three branches of the government, which in return has deepened her understanding of the problems facing the country. 

Although Brumskine did not specify which policies and regulations she has worked on, she boasted that the experience has provided her with a greater understanding of how the system works compared to many other politicians who have been in power for an extended period.

“I understand the realities and how the system works, more than most of the so-called recycled and used politicians, having drafted more Legislative policies and work as an educator,” Brumskine said in an interview with OK FM. “I understand the challenges from the administrative standpoint, and also operate my own law firm.”

“A doctor doesn’t need to have malaria to treat malaria, a Lawyer doesn’t have to be a criminal to fight for someone and an Advocate doesn’t have to be a victim of rape to understand how to fight for a rape victim.”

Brumskine’s talk about governance comes as she has been criticized for lacking the political experience to contest for the country’s second highest office on the ticket of the Collaborating Political Parties with Alexander Cummings.

Her critics think that it was wrong for her to abandon her legislative ambition for a Vice President position but the daughter of the late veteran politician, Cllr. Charles Walker Brumskine, holds a different perspective and is relying on, among other things, her legal prowess to effect transformative change in the country if her party emerges victorious in the October 10 elections.

Brumskine, who is also an Associate Professor at the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, University of Liberia, is the founder of the CMB Law Group, which is one of the fast-growing law firms in the country. 

Her status as a young, accomplished professional woman is expected to earn her support from both of the most sought-after voting demographics: youth and women as she is able to champion issues that resonate with these demographics.  

CPP, the best ticket 

Meanwhile, Brumskine claims that her party — the CPP — is the best for the country; as such, Liberians must embrace and change the centuries old ways of doing things  by electing the party to power. 

According to Brumskine, the need for good and innovative leadership in the country is only possible with her and Cummings and not politicians who lack understanding of how the global economy works and how to attract badly needed foreign investments to the country.

“Liberia needs innovative leaders with vision, who will attract both regional and international investments, improve the country’s technological sector to internationally acceptable standards, and create massive jobs and opportunities for thousands of Liberians trapped in extreme suffering and poverty,” the lawyer turned politician said.

Brumskine noted that Cummings’ vision for a prosperous Liberia is unmatched, which she argues correlates with the vision that her late father also had — with specific references to the formation of an inclusive government of all Liberians.

“The CPP Standard Bearer has integrity, enviable experiences in corporate governance, and vast understanding of the global economy than any of the contenders in the race for the Presidency. There is need for Liberians to change the country’s narrative of neglect, poverty, suffering and war-torn Liberia and speak about the emergence of a new nation of hope and brighter future for all Liberians.

On claims by critics that she is disconnected from the poor masses, Brumskine said she wants Liberians to disabuse their minds that one must have to experience hardship and poverty in order to help the poor and to be uneducated in order to help the uneducated.

According to Brumskine, no one should take pride in poverty and telling stories of poverty and suffering, and that Liberians should be tired of hearing such stories from politicians, who have done nothing good for Liberia.

“My retort to my critics who think I don’t want to or can’t relate to children in poverty is that we should bring them out of poverty, not to keep bragging about the same old, ugly story. They don’t deserve the life they are living. The children don’t need me to be impoverished for them to understand my story.”

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