In Liberia, a nation of ‘rich people’ & mineral resources, one struggling mom is seeking $100.00 loan to stay in business

Jesus Christ stated in Matthews 26:11 that “The poor you will always have with you…” Notwithstanding, Christ was not referring to “man-made-poverty” such as what is prevailing in Liberia. In addition, Proverbs 3:27 adds this: “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” 

By James Kokulo Fasuekoi|Editor-Publisher
From Tubmanburg, Western Liberia

Though it may sound unbelievable but it’s true. The middle-age single mom in above photographs who sells coconuts daily for living in the Liberian old mining town of Tubmanburg, says she wants only a U.S. $100.00 loan from anyone so she can fire-up her business. 

The woman’s prominent selling spot isn’t far from the town’s old cinema along the main street, the only bustling area in this town. She has three children of her own and supports all of them through school, she told us early April when we met her at the spot. 

The lady made the plea for assistance with the loan in the middle of a conversation with Mr. Jackson K. George Jr., head of Liberia’s President Joseph N. Boakai’s charity, during his trip to the gold-diamond rich region. She agreed she would pay back the loan via installment and on time if made available.  

First Mr. George, a jovial guy, asked how much the woman earns daily out of selling coconuts? He also asked about her kids and whether the lady had a husband and where was he?  

Mr. George would normally ask people these types of questions as a philanthropist whenever he sees the need to assist somebody but first goes ahead to test the individual’s level of seriousness.

Her husband for many years, she said, ran away ever since, leaving her to fend for their family. “It was from that point my suffering started,” she said as she chopped off coconuts, using a machete. She didn’t state what prompted the man’s action. 

Mr. George promised he would loan her the money and not add any “interest” and suggested he would have her pay U.S. “$5.00” each month till the loan is paid off and the creditor gladly agreed. Thanks to this humanitarian who responded to President Boakai’s call to return and help with his administration’s reform process. 

Liberia, a nation founded by descendants of freed U.S. Black Slaves and Indigenous Africans during the 1800s, has its own host of never-ending problems despite being the first nation in Africa to declare independence in 1847. They range from poor infrastructure, healthcare, to lack of better and affordable education. 

What compounds it all isn’t the lack of employment or investment in the country; it’s the widespread corruption which is the underlying cause of poverty there. Thanks to current President Joseph Boakai for taking an “about-face” from such abuses and corruption.    

After the last war ended, the U.S. dollar, a legal tender in the country, did pretty well during the post-war era with many nations including Liberia’s biggest donor, the United States, pumping in more funding and materials aid.

However, the hardship swirled after trust in Sirleaf’s government by foreign powers started to dwindle due to the “man-made” mass poverty created by corruption on her part as well as her officials. 

The succeeding government of Mr. Weah even did worse as the stealing by the regime cut deeper into the nation’s marrow, the same way iron ore mining companies left deep open pits in Tubmanburg’s own backyards, in the 60s and 70s.

Recent past officials responsible for this predicament who carted millions of U.S. dollars away, still walk the streets with impunity today. President Boakai, on the other hand is now faced with the task of mend the shattered nation, doing what other presidents failed to accomplish by opening a war & economic crimes court and prosecuting criminals.

Having lived abroad for many years as a result of the civil war in Liberia and seeing how God has blessed us, their exchanges touched me and nearly brought tears to my eyes. The woman seems to be in my mother’s age group (at the time mom passed), and bears a striking resemblance to her. 

Following our trip to Tubmanburg George left for Europe and America on a business visit, returning to Liberia in June. His engagement has continued with visits to various counties including Gbarpolu, Nimba and Sinoe, where he led a team of foreign medical engineers who installed those regions’ first-ever high-tech X-ray machines.   

But whatever the case, the question remains: are Liberian women better off now than they were before Ms. Ellen Sirleaf took power nearly two decades ago? 

Editor’s Note: Whoever finds this woman in Tubmanburg and loans her the money should kindly let us know so we can have it published in Global Ekklesia. Thanks!