James says the reduction has made life unbearable.

“I have to do slashing work before I eat,” he says. “After working all my life, this is not how I expected to live.”

James also says Firestone ended his health benefits and removed his children from the company’s school.

“That money cannot even take me to the clinic and back. When we were strong, we gave the company our strength. Now that we are weak, we are on our own,” says David Lacky, another Firestone retiree who worked for the company for over twenty-eight years.

Lacky says he retired with a US$209 monthly benefit but now receives only five dollars. He says, “They mentioned the law, but they never showed us how the law reduced our money.”

Their testimonies were shared during a February 14 meeting in Harbel, Margibi County, where about one hundred retired Firestone workers gathered to draft a resolution demanding the restoration of what they call their full benefits.

Reading from the resolution, retiree Mulbah Kekulah said the reductions were carried out without proper explanation or education.

“We were never taken through the process,” Kekulah said. “We want transparency, and we want what is due to us.”

Many of the retirees say decades of physically demanding plantation labor have left them with chronic health conditions. They also claim that after retirement, their children were removed from Firestone-operated schools, and their health insurance benefits were discontinued.

The group says it previously pursued legal action against Firestone and won in court but maintains that the ruling has not translated into meaningful financial relief.

Beyond the company, the retirees are directing their frustration at President Joseph Boakai. They say that during the 2023 campaign, then Unity Party standard bearer Boakai sought their votes and pledged to intervene in their long-running pension dispute.

But almost three years into his administration, they say he has not returned or sent word to them.

Rev. Kafa Teah, Chairman of the All Retired Citizens Association of Liberia, said the retirees feel abandoned.

“The president is not listening to us,” Rev. Teah said. “We saw him as someone who would hear our cry. Today, retirees across Liberia are struggling.

Teah says they are still waiting for the president’s promise to become action. He promised retirees that he will not get tired until their plights are addressed.

Firestone has yet to provide an official response on the matter, although the company was contacted before publication.

Until there is an official explanation from Firestone, the retirees insist they will not back down until their benefits are restored and the president acts on the commitment they say he made to them.

The post Nearly Three Years After Election, Firestone Retirees Say President Boakai Has Yet to Act on Their Benefit Promise, Claim They Are Dying in Poverty. first appeared on OK FM.

A recent investigation done by New Narratives reveals that glasses can cost up to US$250, a figure far beyond the reach of most Liberians. Hospitals are concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural populations without care. And for those who finally reach an eye clinic, long wait times and high fees often delay treatment, allowing preventable conditions like cataracts to progress to blindness.

Stepping into the Gap

Good Vision Liberia is the local arm of an international non-governmental organization dedicated to restoring sight through tackling Liberia’s silent vision crisis. Since 2019, the organization has been providing free community screenings, affordable glasses, and life-changing cataract surgeries across Liberia through mobile outreaches, technician training, and strategic partnerships.

In 2025 alone, Good Vision conducted 446 community outreaches across Montserrado, Margibi, Bong, Bomi, Grand Bassa, and Grand Cape Mount counties; screened 17,099 people; issued 16,477 eye prescriptions; and distributed over 8,000 pairs of glasses, with over 300 of them free of charge.

Jackson Smith is the Country Director of Good Vision Liberia. He says their goal is that financial status should never be a barrier to vision.” “Our aim is that no one comes to Good Vision needing glasses and leaves without them. We want to ensure everyone, regardless of income or location, can see clearly.”

The nonprofit also expanded its Cataract Support Program, which focuses on early detection and referral for surgical treatment. Between April and December 2025, 840 suspected cataract cases were identified by the GVTs; 73 patients were referred to the John F. Kennedy hospital and medically confirmed; 59 patients underwent successful cataract surgery and 6 minor surgeries.

Building Community Capacity

At the heart of Good Vision’s approach is the Good Vision Technician (GVT) program, designed to train local staff to deliver quality eye care. The program began in 2021 with 11 technicians, all of whom are actively serving communities nationwide.

In the latest cohort, 16 new technicians were recruited, with 13 successfully graduating on January 24, 2026. These technicians provide critical early detection services, helping prevent conditions from worsening before patients reach hospitals.

Smith says the urgency of the local outreach is visible. “Many Liberians only discover they have vision problems when they reach hospitals, often too late. By going directly into communities, we identify problems early and make vision care accessible to everyone.”

Younkonjay Papa is one of the certified GVTs. He sees the life-changing results of the program every day. “Many people develop eye problems but don’t know where to go or who to seek help from.” Papa Says, “Our mobile clinics bring services to those who otherwise would have no access.”

For over four years, Papa has worked as a Good Vision technician, one of the program’s earliest recruits, witnessing firsthand the impact of community-based eye care across Liberia.

Another Good Vision technician is Cynthia Weegie. With just a year at Good Vision, Weegie has discovered how lack of awareness is a leading cause of prolonged vision impairment in Liberia. “Many Liberians suffer in silence because they don’t know where to turn. By going into communities, we are reaching those who might otherwise wait too long.”

.Weegie stressed that while testing is free, the cost of glasses, though small, promotes ownership. “The focus is always on protecting eyesight and preventing long-term damage.” She explained.

Affordable Glasses, Life-Changing Results

Another key strength that sets Good Vision apart is the provision of affordable glasses. In Liberia, glasses can cost from US$60 to US$250, a figure far beyond the reach of most Liberians. Good Vision ensures affordability by subsidizing up to 98% of the cost, making prescription glasses available for as little as US$3 to $5.

“The minimal cost ensures that people value the service and that the program can continue to reach more communities,” Smith says.

He clarified that in some cases, partner organizations cover the cost, leaving Good Vision free to focus entirely on service delivery and patient care.

Taking Vision Vare To Doorsteps

Another challenge facing Liberia’s vision sector is the concentration of hospitals in urban areas, leaving rural populations without care. And for those who finally reach an eye clinic, long wait times and high fees often delay treatment, allowing preventable conditions like cataracts to progress to blindness.

This, Papa says, is one of the reasons he intends to continue his work as a vision technician.
“My first priority is to serve humanity,” Papa says. “Even after certification, we will continue the outreach and support the organization.”

A Partnership for National Impact

One of the major achievements of Good Vision for the year 2025 was its cordial relationship with the Ministry of Health. The Ministry’s Eye Health program is the key partner of organizations involved with eye care in Liberia.

“Our collaboration with the ministry is one of our biggest achievements,” Smith said. “They support us, and we support them.” Smith says. “Our partnership with the ministry and the other institutions has made our work possible.”

The organization has also enhanced its standing with the Liberia NGO’s Network, maintained its partnership with LP Prazard Eye Institute, and the Catholic Hospital, which hosts Good Vision Liberia.

The Ministry of Health has publicly praised Good Vision’s efforts. Irise Miller, who is the training coordinator at the National Eye Health Program, pointed out how Good Vision is helping to extend eye care services beyond hospitals, calling it an important contribution to Liberia’s healthcare system, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

Miller highlighted the critical role GVTs play in improving national eye health services. “Liberia needs you now more than ever.” Miller says, “Go out there and practice what you have learned. Your work will boost national eye health services and support the country’s health goals.”

Transforming Lives, Strengthening Communities

As the organization continues to expand, Smith says the mission is ensuring that cost, distance, and late diagnosis no longer prevent Liberians from accessing the care they need through the provision of free screenings, affordable glasses, and life-saving cataract surgeries.

The post Restoring Liberia’s Sight: How Good Vision is Transforming Lives Through Free Screenings, Community Outreaches, Affordable Glasses, and Life-Changing Cataract Surgeries. first appeared on OK FM.

The meeting, held on Sunday, January 13, 2025, as part of Phase I of the CLF process, focused on community self-identification, a legally mandated requirement for communities seeking formal recognition of customary land ownership under Liberia’s 2018 Land Rights Act.

Participants included elders, representatives of surrounding communities, women and youth leaders, persons with disabilities, and land governance actors. The engagement aimed to promote inclusion, transparency, stronger coordination, and the prevention of land-related disputes.

Introducing the initiative, CSDP Team Lead Alfred B. Kiawu formally presented the project titled “Supporting Communities for Inclusive Land Governance (SCILG).” According to Mr. Kiawu, the project is being jointly implemented by CSDP, WYDI, and the people of Weilor Town.

“This initiative is currently being implemented without direct donor funding,” Mr. Kiawu disclosed. “We are relying heavily on community commitment and organizational collaboration while continuing engagements with development partners and donors to ensure the full completion of the CLF process.”

Providing technical insight, County Land Administrator of the Liberia Land Authority (LLA), Mr. Frank M. Sheriff, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the CLF process and its legal framework.

“The Land Rights Act recognizes four categories of land ownership in Liberia and clearly outlines the rights of customary land-owning communities,” Mr. Sheriff explained. “It also provides safeguards for women, youth, and vulnerable groups, establishes mechanisms for conflict prevention, and defines the

complementary roles of traditional leaders and local authorities.”

Also addressing the gathering, Grand Cape Mount County Superintendent, Hon. Folley Kiatamba, applauded CSDP and WYDI for their support to Weilor Town, emphasizing the importance of the CLF process.

“The Customary Land Formalization process remains the only legal pathway for communities to secure ownership of their customary land,” Superintendent Kiatamba stated. “I encourage community members, including neighboring towns and villages, to actively participate through awareness and capacity-building activities.”

Superintendent Kiatamba further pledged his full support for the initiative and assured participants of continued technical assistance from the Liberia Land Authority.

“The LLA, through the County Land Administrator, will provide continuous technical guidance to ensure a smooth and successful CLF process,” he added.

The coordination meeting reaffirmed strong stakeholder commitment to inclusive land governance, peaceful coexistence, and secure land tenure—placing Weilor Town on a clear and lawful path toward formal recognition of its customary land rights.

The post Advancing Customary Land Rights in Grand Cape Mount County first appeared on OK FM.

The initiative will see the distribution of 100 bags of locally produced Liberian rice, each weighing 25 kilograms, to vulnerable households and communities between December 23 and December 24, 2025.

WFI-MAC, under the leadership of its Board Chair Dr. John T. Wulu and Vice Chair Bishop Dr. Manon Gurley, alongside a committed Board of Directors, senior advisors—including Mr. Sebastian Teclar—and a dedicated management team led by President and CEO Mr. Lincoln Z. Cooper, continues to champion agricultural productivity, food security, and rural development across Liberia.

Representative Rugie Yatu Barry, a respected member of the House of Representatives for Montserrado-1 and Chairperson of the Liberty Party, expressed deep appreciation for the collaboration with WFI-MAC, highlighting the importance of uplifting communities, particularly during the festive season.

She reaffirmed her longstanding commitment to community service, noting her previous initiatives that have provided rice and other essential support to families in need.

Speaking on the partnership, Dr. Wulu emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts in delivering meaningful impact to communities.

“By joining forces with community leaders and local agribusiness stakeholders, WFI-MAC reaffirms its commitment to uplifting families and strengthening Liberia’s food systems,” he said.

The rice distribution is intended to provide immediate food relief to families experiencing economic hardship and food insecurity during the holidays.

Distribution is being conducted at designated community centers, churches, and civic locations throughout Montserrado County, with volunteers from WFI-MAC and Representative Barry’s office ensuring an orderly and equitable process.

This initiative further reflects WFI-MAC’s broader mission to support farmers, promote local rice production, and encourage the sale of rice at reasonable prices—objects that align closely with Liberia’s national drive toward food self-sufficiency and stronger agribusiness value chains.

WFI-MAC leaders noted that the rice giveaway forms part of a wider series of seasonal outreach activities aimed at supporting vulnerable populations while contributing to efforts to stabilize and reduce the price of rice in Liberia.

“This rice distribution stands as a symbol of compassion and a reminder that together we can support our most vulnerable neighbors, especially during this meaningful and festive time of year,” Representative Barry stated.

Overall, the initiative reflects a shared commitment among civic leaders, agricultural cooperatives, rice businesses, and community partners to strengthen food security, encourage affordability, and provide critical support where it is most needed during the holiday season.

Below are listed places the distribution was carried out: Carysburge Police Station, Kesselly Memorial Health Center, New Jerusalem Orphanage, and Our Brothers Keepers Orphanage, among others.

The post WFI-MAC, Rep. Rugie Yatu Barry Launch Holiday Rice Giveaway for Vulnerable Families in Montserrado County first appeared on OK FM.

Organizers say the initiative aims to elevate the quality of health communication in Liberia at a time when the nation continues to battle infectious diseases, recurring public health emergencies, and systemic challenges within the healthcare sector.

Over the next three days, participants will receive practical training in health communication, information management, and health security. The sessions focus on interpreting medical data, verifying health information, countering misinformation, and simplifying complex scientific concepts for the public.

At the opening ceremony, facilitators underscored the crucial role the media plays in influencing public behavior during health crises. They stressed the need for credible, science-based reporting to ensure communities receive reliable information that supports life-saving decisions.

Journalists will take part in group discussions, case studies, and hands-on exercises covering epidemic preparedness, emergency risk communication, ethical health reporting, and improving collaboration between newsrooms and health institutions.

Many participants expressed excitement about the training, noting that it will enhance their ability to responsibly cover health emergencies, hold authorities accountable, and contribute to national health awareness.

The workshop will conclude with the development of a joint action plan aimed at strengthening cooperation between the media and the health sector and improving the overall standard of health reporting in Liberia.

The post Journalists Gather in Buchanan for Intensive Health Reporting Training  first appeared on OK FM.

UCACS’s lead farmer, Victor Kpehdyu made the disclosure Tuesday, during a one-day impact assessment visit by ActionAid Liberia’s Team in the area.

The team is evaluating the impact of the SADFONS Project on the cooperative and across other farmers within Grand Bassa.

In 2024, the United Community Agriculture Cooperative Society began benefiting from the SADFON project as a Cassava Cotton multiplier. According to Victor, the SADFONs project has not only boosted farmersconfidence, increase their cassava cottons production across farming communities in Wee, but it has boosted the cooperative income generation.

“I am an out-grower from SADFONs, and the cuttings we produce are even given to farmers all around here.” Victor Kpehdyu said.

“Before SADFON came, we were having low production, but since SADFONS came in, we have been able to know the size of cassava farm we now make, and we have been able to cultivate 3 hectares of land processing 300 bags of cassava, and we supply farmers with cuttings” Victor told the impact review team.

With SADFONS support, the group has been able to expand their production beyond the cooperative. They now have access to a large storage facility, a large warehouse that was constructed by SADFONS.

The cooperative also described the SADFON support as a gain-changer and has made the cooperative the singular-most supplier of the improved cassava cuttings distribution to farmers in the area, thereby giving farmers in and outside of the cooperative easy access to cassava cottons.

“We used to struggle with storage for the past 11 to 15 years, but since SADFONS came and built this storage facility with shelves for us, we now have some relief when it comes to storing raw and harvested and processed cassava”.

The group just does not supply cassava cottons to farmers, but they are now the major producer of garri and fufu to customers from LAC plantation, Firestone, and from across Grand Bassa County.

They reported a growing demand for their processed garri and fufu products from the public, which they cooperative say is putting production pressure on the cooperative, But Victor and members say the manual parching of the cassava makes it difficult to meet such demands.

However, Victor and his farmers have therefore set a new goal. They want to transition from manual cassava parching to now using the cassava parching and packaging machine to meet the growing market demands and ease the hard labor among members parching the cassava with their hands over scorching fire heat, which they say also takes them several days.

The group already currently has a cassava grinder that was provided by another NGO. The grinder has the capacity to produce up to 7 metric tons of cassava, but they stressed that parching such a huge quantity of cassava with hands manually over fire, is challenging for the women.

UCACS is therefore appealing to SADFONS to provide the cooperative with a garri parching and packaging machine.

“The help that they are giving us, they shouldn’t stop, they should work with us and we also will work with them, we thank them but they should not forget about our request, we need a cassava parching machine. Mercy Diggs, a member of the cooperative said during an interview.

With a garri parching machine, the cooperative say they would now be able to process more than 7 metric tons of parched garii and expand their supplies to consumers and customers, and as well put money in farmers’ hands as well as nearby by towns and villages who could also access the machine.

“For many of us, it’s from the cassava farm we help to support our children and reduce some of the financial pressure on our husbands,” Diggs added.

“The initiative is helping us avoid running out of cash for basic family needs.”

Farmers expressed strong support for the continuation of the SADFONS project but recommended additional interventions to strengthen their cassava processing.

Mercy Diggs, and other members of the United Community Agriculture Cooperative Society (UCACS) are also asking the SADFONS project to consider providing farmers access to credit loans that enable farmers to hire labor force and to expand their farms and increase their incomes.

“If SADFONS can provide loans and additional farming equipment, our production will increase and we will make more and change our lives,” she said.

The farmers made all these disclosures and recounted these successes during a one day assessment visit by ActionAid International which is conducting the impact review of the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP), review of the SADFONS project throughout Liberia.

The post Wee District Cooperative Emerges As Leading Supplier Of Improved Cassava Cuttings first appeared on OK FM.

During the visit, beneficiaries 70 percent of whom are women, shared inspiring testimonies of how the project has transformed their lives through access to financial support, business training, and livelihood opportunities.

In his welcome remarks, Benedict Nyae, the Gender Coordinator for Montserrado County, noted that the LWEP is truly enabling women to transform their lives, thereby improving the wellbeing of women and girls across Liberia.

Empowerment through Grants and Capacity Building

As of the Mid-Term Review, LWEP has disbursed US $304,000 in grants to 88 women-led enterprises (WLEs) across six districts in Gbarpolu and Montserrado Counties. Village Saving and Loan Association received the highest share of funding (over 80 percent) due to their collective savings and lending models. Individual Enterprises received smaller grants averaging US $1,250, targeting women in tailoring, agribusiness, and petty trading. Farmer Based Organizations in Gbarpolu were supported to enhance small-scale agricultural production.
In addition, 878 participants (729 females and 149 males) benefited from pre-grant award capacity-building training, which covered modules such as Group Dynamics & Record Keeping, Grant Management, Climate Resilience, Financial Literacy, Environmental and Social Safeguards, and Gender-Transformative Approaches.

A Story of Change: From Two Pigs to Nine

Among the many success stories was Mamie Jessie, an elderly woman engaged in piggery farming. She shared how her business expanded from two pigs to nine after receiving a loan of over US $1,000 through LWEP.
“I was struggling with my pig business before, but the World Bank and the Ministry of Gender came and put a smile on my face,” Mamie said proudly.
“I’m not living in a concrete house yet, but my pigs are now sleeping in a decent place,” she added, noting that she has begun building a concrete structure to house her livestock.
Mamie’s journey reflects the broader success of LWEP in empowering rural women to become economically independent and improve their living conditions.

Gender Impact and Inclusion

The project continues to make significant strides in gender inclusion. Data from the mid-term analysis show that women constitute an average of 79 percent of all project beneficiaries, 2,619 out of 3,307 total members across supported enterprises.
In several communities, especially under the second batch in Montserrado County, some VSLAs are composed entirely of women members, reflecting strong local ownership and women’s leadership.
Government’s Commitment and Future Outlook

Following the field assessment and interactions with project participants, Madam Blossom Hodges, LWEP Coordinator at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved thus far. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that women and girls continue to benefit from the project’s empowerment initiatives.
The Liberia Women Empowerment Project aims to strengthen the social and economic empowerment of women and girls, particularly in rural and underserved communities, a key pillar under the Government’s ARREST Agenda. The project runs for a period of four years.
Impact Beyond Frank Town
Like Mamie Jessie, hundreds of women across Liberia are transforming their lives through LWEP. The project is not only boosting household economic freedom incomes but also inspiring a culture of self-reliance, resilience, and innovation among women.

The Mid-Term Review (MTR), which commenced on October 20 and will conclude on October 30, 2025, serves as a critical reflection point for assessing progress, consolidating lessons learned, and identifying pathways for sustainability.
As the review continues across other project counties, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, in collaboration with the World Bank and service providers, remains steadfast in ensuring that the Liberia Women Empowerment Project continues to uplift Liberian women, strengthen communities, and advance gender equality nationwide.

The post Liberia Women Empowerment Project Records Remarkable Progress as Frank Town Beneficiaries Make Strides during Mid-Term Review first appeared on OK FM.

He emphasized that the government remains equally committed to building systems that empower survivors of trafficking—restoring their dignity, offering hope, and creating opportunities for reintegration into society.

Minister Kruah’s statement was delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Minister for Planning and Manpower Development, Hon. Steve Kolubah, at the opening of a five-day National Stakeholders’ Working Session for the development of Liberia’s National Action Plan for Combating Trafficking in Persons (TIP). The session, convened by the Government of Liberia through the National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce, with support from the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), is being held in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County, from September 15–19, 2025.

Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Minister Kruah noted that the formulation of Liberia’s Third National Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons (2025–2029) represents a defining milestone in the country’s anti-trafficking efforts.

“Over the years, Liberia has made substantial progress in prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnership—progress made possible through the collective commitment of government institutions, civil society, international partners, and local communities,” he stressed.

However, the Minister cautioned that the threat of trafficking remains both real and evolving, requiring renewed dedication and stronger, more coordinated actions.

“The Third National Action Plan is not just a policy document—it is a roadmap that will guide Liberia’s response to trafficking over the next five years,” he stated. “Our interventions will be strategic, victim-centered, evidence-based, and well-coordinated to address both current and emerging challenges.”

Minister Kruah assured participants of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce’s commitment to ensuring that the plan reflects realities on the ground, strengthens national and international collaboration, and reinforces Liberia’s resolve to combat trafficking in all its forms.

He concluded with a call to action: “I therefore urge all stakeholders—government institutions, security agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, and community leaders—to contribute meaningfully to this process. Your expertise, perspectives, and recommendations are critical to ensuring that the National Action Plan we produce is both inclusive and actionable.”

Also speaking, the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, Colonel Gregory Coleman, emphasized that national security agencies take the issue of trafficking in persons seriously. He stated that there are numerous issues that all stakeholders must work together to address.

He informed participants that trafficking in persons is a modern form of slavery: “It is a very clever attempt to change how it was done yesterday, and the actors are smart—they are changing their tactics on a daily basis.”

IG Coleman further noted that even investigators are being seriously challenged in understanding current trends. “The front lines are getting tailor-made, and it makes it even more difficult to identify and respond to trafficking activities,” he said.

He added that the development of the Third National Action Plan for Combating Trafficking in Persons in Liberia is of great significance to the government and the people of Liberia.

“It is an opportunity for actors to reflect on their roles and consider incorporating all necessary elements—not just for this effort, but also in connection to the ARREST Agenda and the National Security Strategy. All law enforcement bodies must align their strategic plans so that combating trafficking remains a primary focus as activities are rolled out over the next few years,” he stressed.

In a brief remark, the Senior Justice Advisor at the U.S. Embassy, Mr. Abubakr I. Zaid, reaffirmed the collective commitment to ending human trafficking, noting, “The development of the Action Plan marks a pivotal moment for everyone, and we need to ensure that it is successful.”

He added that it is not just a document—it is a roadmap that lays out a comprehensive framework, and all stakeholders must ensure that it meets its objectives.

For her part, the Country Manager of the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), Madam Chinyelumugo Okoh, highlighted the importance of the event and the five-day deliberation on the “4 Ps” of human trafficking: Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnership.

The session is being attended by members of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce of Liberia, international and local partners—including the U.S. Embassy, ECOWAS, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), IDLO—as well as civil society organizations and Labour Commissioners from the fifteen counties of Liberia.

The post National Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce Commences Development of 3rd National Action Plan first appeared on OK FM.

Since 2024, the Government of Liberia has embarked on several transformative initiatives:

Establishing a War Crimes Court, Strengthening anti-corruption enforcement, investing in agriculture and education, Expanding energy access, and Engaging the diaspora

These efforts mark significant progress. However, Liberia’s journey toward lasting peace and prosperity requires more than infrastructure and policy—it requires healing the soul of the nation.

The Jubilee Initiative: A Bold and Holistic Vision

Rooted in the biblical concept of Jubilee (Leviticus 25), this initiative is a national call for forgiveness, liberation, and restoration. It envisions spiritual renewal, social reconciliation, economic reparation, and physical reconstruction—anchoring Liberia’s future in justice, peace, and equity.

1. Spiritual Restoration: Healing the Nation’s Conscience

Decades of violence and moral decline have scarred Liberia’s collective conscience. The Jubilee Initiative begins with a spiritual awakening—calling the nation back to its core values of integrity, unity, and faith.

Key Components:

National days of prayer and fasting to promote unity and reflection, Interfaith cooperation among Christians, Muslims, and traditional leaders, Community-based counseling to help individuals and families cope with trauma and loss, Promotion of honesty, accountability, and ethical leadership in public and private life

By rebuilding Liberia’s spiritual foundation, this pillar seeks to reorient the nation toward peace and moral integrity.

2. Social Reconciliation: Bridging the Divide

Liberia’s social fabric remains fragmented by ethnic, political, and historical divisions. The Jubilee Initiative seeks genuine reconciliation through truth-telling, empathy, and healing.

Key Components:
Implementation of key Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) recommendations, Community dialogues across ethnic and regional lines, Youth and women empowerment for inclusion and leadership, Public campaigns promoting civic responsibility and peaceful coexistence

As Bishop Dr. Manon Gurley of Tabernacle Church (Laurel, Maryland) reminds us:
“Conciliation must precede reconciliation.”

Only by acknowledging the past can Liberia build lasting trust and unity among its people.

3. Economic Reparation: Building Justice and Opportunity

The root causes of Liberia’s conflict include economic exclusion and injustice. The Jubilee Initiative calls for systemic reforms to ensure equity and opportunity for all.

Key Components:

Debt relief and economic restructuring with global partners, Targeted support for war-affected individuals, former child soldiers, widows, and displaced persons, Land reform to resolve disputes and promote fairness, Investment in education, agriculture, and small enterprises to foster job creation and self-reliance

As Ambassador Ladi Peter Thompson of the Sixth Region of the African Union notes:
“Liberia could become a model for democratic and economic renewal across Africa.”

4. Physical Reconstruction: Rebuilding the Nation

Beyond healing hearts and minds, Liberia must also rebuild its physical infrastructure. Physical transformation is both practical and symbolic—restoring dignity and enabling sustainable growth.

Key Components:
Rehabilitation of roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and homes, Expanded access to water, sanitation, and electricity—especially in rural areas, Strengthening of state institutions, justice systems, and law enforcement, Launching urban renewal and rural development projects to reduce inequality

Conclusion: A Call to Collective Action

Unlike initiatives that focus solely on economics or infrastructure, the Jubilee Initiative embraces the full spectrum of national renewal.

It calls on all Liberians—government officials, civil society, faith leaders, diaspora communities, and international partners—to commit to truth, justice, compassion, and unity.

As Liberia celebrates its 178th year, it has a unique opportunity to send a powerful message to the world:
That a nation wounded by civil war and crisis can rise again—stronger, wiser, and more united.

The post Liberia’s Jubilee Initiative: A National Journey Toward Restoration and Renewal first appeared on OK FM.

The project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the Government of Liberia through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), seeks to strengthen community resilience against climate change and environmental hazards.

Community Participation and Benefits

During a field visit on Thursday, September 4, 2025, EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo and UNDP Deputy Country Representative Louis Kuukpen toured affected areas including Seebeh, Bannah, and Downtown Greenville.

Authorities confirmed that 44 locals will be recruited to work on the project, with 50% of the workforce drawn from Bannah Community, 25% from Seebeh and Downtown Greenville, and the remaining 25% from other coastal counties.

The rocks being used for the revetment are mined from Bannah Community, which has received US$25,000 as compensation for its resources.

EPA Commends Communities

Dr. Yarkpawolo praised residents for their cooperation and urged them to view the project as a collective mission to safeguard Greenville.

“You have been very supportive, and we say thank you. Rocks are already being crushed and transported to erosion sites. This project is about saving Greenville, not just creating jobs,” he told residents.

Explaining the broader causes of coastal erosion, Dr. Yarkpawolo pointed to industrial pollution from wealthier nations as a major driver of climate change.

“As ice melts in the North and South Poles, ocean levels rise, increasing erosion. Poor countries like Liberia are left most vulnerable,” he said.

UNDP Reaffirms Support

UNDP’s Louis Kuukpen said the agency’s involvement reflects its commitment to protecting vulnerable communities.

“This project is made possible by the Global Environment Facility and UNDP because we want to protect coastal communities from sea erosion. We thank you for your cooperation and encourage you to continue supporting the work,” he told residents.

Kuukpen disclosed that the Greenville Sea Revetment Project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Technical Details

According to Princess Blango-Doyah, EPA’s Project Manager for the Sinoe Coastal Project, vendors have been hired to crush and haul rocks, while engineering firms are finalizing designs. Actual construction is set to begin in October 2025.

Chief Technical Advisor Engineer Anthony Nimely Chea Jr. revealed that the revetment will span 1.5 kilometers — including 800 meters in Downtown Mississippi, Greenville, and 700 meters in Seebeh Community.

An additional five wave-deflecting structures will be built near Downtown Mississippi to reduce pressure on the shoreline.

He added that, with proper maintenance, the sea defense structure could last between 25 and 50 years.

A Wall of Hope

For communities living under constant threat from the encroaching sea, the Greenville Revetment Project represents more than just a construction effort — it is a lifeline.

With international support, government leadership, and local participation, Greenville is taking its boldest step yet to withstand the destructive waves of the Atlantic.

The post Greenville Battles the Atlantic: Sea Revetment Project Kicks Off in Sinoe first appeared on OK FM.