The Bishop of the Independent Catholic of Liberia (ICCL), Nimely Jacbokly Donyen, has given L$3,901,000 in continuation of his micro loan to marketers in the Township of Johnsonville in District 2, Montserrado County and other areas,.
The loan was apportioned in the following categories; marketers from the Kpelleh Town Junction Market, L$660, 000; UP Town Market, L$440, 000; Peace City Market, 308,000; Dorobo & Gbanken Marketing Association of Monrovia, L$385,000; Palm Bush Market, L&187,000; Jedepo Marketing Association of Monrovia, L$187,000; Pepper Wlue Town Market, L$147,965 and the Mount Barclay Market, L$103,400, among others.
Speaking before the distribution of the money, Bishop Donyen praised God that he has resumed the micro loan so as to enhance the business activities of marketers stating that the loan is not intended for political payoff but anybody who receives the loan are obligated to repay.
He disclosed that no political string is attached to the money stressing that the loan is not government’s money; as his name has not been placed on the payroll of the Coalition of Democratic Change (CDC) Government of President George Weah and not to even mention on the payroll of the former ruling Unity Party (UP) Government of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
According to him, he attended the School of Philosophy and knows the differences between a loan and a grant as well as a gift; reiterating that the loan is for the marketers to do their businesses and pay back in real time because other markets are also on the standby to benefit.
Bishop Donyen explained that at a donor’s conference in the United States of American (USA) in 2019, he was lauded along with the country for being committed when it comes to repaying loans because in other countries, banking institutions are dealt with in terms of giving out loans while in Liberia, they give the money to individuals as well thereby affording him (Bishop Donyen) the opportunity to oversee the process.
“If I want to be a politician, I will not give you money to vote for me rather, I will give you the loan in order to move your business to another level. But for this loan, it does not matter whether you vote for me or not, you must repay,” he informed the marketers.
Responding to the gesture, the Superintendents of various markets who signed for the money on behalf of their colleagues commended the Bishop as well as his partners for the loan which they testified has been improving their business’ capital over the period.
The Superintendent of the Kpelleh Town Junction Market, Roseline Ngakpa, extended thanks and appreciation to the Bishop Donyen and partners for their humanitarian gesture because according to her, some of the beneficiaries have now changed the type of goods they were selling.
The Superintendent of the UP Town Market, Cecelia Kortee, further informed the gathering that her business is growing steadily as she receives the loan saying, she is now helping to cater to the needs of her family through her marketing activities.
The Superintendent of the Jedepo and Gbanken Marketing Associations in Monrovia, Milton Tumoe, also appreciated the Bishop and the donors for coming to their rescue because according to him, it is difficult for them to secure loan from banks in the country due to the lack of collaterals and urged his colleagues to develop the culture of repaying the loan so that more marketers can benefit.