By Bill W. Cooper
The standard bearer of the Liberia Restoration Party (LRP), Allen Brown, has vowed to offer a fresh vision for Liberia and its people, instead of critiquing current, past administrations, and or other presidential candidates.
Mr. Brown, who is facing a serious challenge from incumbent President George M. Weah and 19 other candidates, said, “As your presidential candidate for Liberia, I approach this election with a neutral stance.”
“I am not here to critique current, past administrations or other presidential candidates, but to offer a fresh vision for our nation. This vision is anchored in reimagining our growth trajectory, empowering our citizens, and aligning our policies with the principles of God and national unity,” he said.
The LRP standard bearer and team, like other candidates, are bent on ensuring that they defeat President Weah and his CDC government, during the country’s upcoming elections in October of this year.
As Liberians gear up to elect a new President and Vice President, as well as 15 Senators and 73 Representatives, aspirant Brown has also vowed to strengthen ties between Liberia and other international and neighboring countries.
He explained, “In my quest for continuous peace and prosperity, I am keen to strengthen ties with the USA, Europe, Israel, and our African neighbors, especially Nigeria, because collaborative international relations are the bedrock for socio-economic growth, technological exchange, and cultural understanding.”
According to him, his strategy is tailored to address Liberia’s longstanding economic challenges, disclosing that it is time for Liberia and Liberians to move away from an over-reliance on traditional resource extraction and diversify into sectors like manufacturing, technology, and tourism.
The LRP standard bearer further revealed that his vision for Liberia is not just about economic growth; rather, it is about setting a foundation for a prosperous future where every Liberian, especially the youth, can thrive.
Meanwhile, Mr. Brown has also named the issues of rape, heinous crimes, and the fight against drugs as key areas of his administration, once elected President of Liberia.
This, he stressed, “A key concern that demands immediate attention is the well-being of our children. They are Liberia’s future, and we must create a positive environment for them to grow, learn, and flourish. Equally pressing is the need to protect our women against rape and other heinous crimes.”
“Our administration, upon taking office in 2024, will not tolerate violence against women; we will implement strict laws and educate communities about the significance of women’s rights and their safety,” he noted.
On the importation of Drugs into Liberia, Brown furthered, “Now, the issue that stands like a tall wall before us is the alarming rise in drug-related cases, and the past decade, conservative estimates suggest drug use has increased ten-fold.”
“This escalation is not just a statistic; it’s a reflection of the challenges our youth face daily. Addressing the drug problem is imperative, not just because it affects the youth, but because they are the torchbearers of Liberia’s future.
So, my administration will implement robust policies to confront and mitigate drug-related issues, focusing on rehabilitation, education, and preventive measures for all drug-related consumers,” he added.
Mr. Brown concluded by saying, “With Mrs. Noosevett Janice Weah as my running mate, we champion a future that’s inclusive, progressive, and protective of all Liberians, irrespective of their affiliations. In our Liberia, every citizen – from child to adult – will have an opportunity to prosper, free from fear and full of hope.”
