By: Siafa Jallah

IPNews-Monrovia: The President of the Liberian Senate, Vice President Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor has acknowledged that the Country is currently faced with numerous challenges ranging from high insecurity, lack of bank notes , high Cost of living, a sluggish economy and lack of basic social services for the citizenry.

In her opening remarks Monday at the official opening of the 4th Session of the Liberian Senate, Vice President Taylor further admitted that there are also distrust and mistrust, allegations and counter allegations on many issues in the country, at the same time noting, a glimmer of hope subsist.

The President of the Senate mentioned that in spite of it all, the Country’s democracy is alive and growing stronger; and that the voices of the people were loud and clear in the just ended Special Senatorial Elections.

“ They have sent a Clarion message to all and sundry that they no longer accept things as they are; but they expect much more from their Representatives at all levels” VP Taylor asserted.

Additionally, she reminded Senators of a brand new opportunity in the new year and a brand new decade to change the trajectory of the National Walk together, that will produce fruits of unity, peace, development and progress for all.

VP Taylor: “ It is my prayers that each of us will commit, being cognizant of the glaring facts that the people are the true custodians of our democracy, and they long for a more United, equitable and prosperous Liberia. The call has been sounded and the decisions to heed them are yours to obey”.

In preparation of the duties of the Senate during the 4th session, the Vice President indicated that it is imperative to remind all of trending national issues that have beset the Country over the past years, hereby, pointing to issues of the ever-rising cost of living, limited basic services for all; minimal opportunities for growth and development, high taxes and the high crime rate across the nation amongst others.

“ Being, the first Female Vice President and a Gender advocate, these prevailing issues are further compounded by the alarming incidence of Sexual and Gender Based Violence being perpetrated against our most vulnerable citizens, girls under the age of 18 and at times as young as 2 years old and the sodomy of our sons” she added.

Vice President Taylor at the same time noted that the increasing numbers tend to show that the Liberian society is slowly degenerating at an alarming rate, with very little permanent solution at hand.

Also in remarks, the President Pro-Tempore, Prof. Albert Chie used the occasion to commend the Board of Commissioners of the National Elections Commission (NEC) for delivering a free fair and transparent Elections.

“ They have shown self-respect, self-dignity and patriotism, and the Board of Commissioners have justified the confidence the Liberian Senate reposed in them to have confirmed them. We also thank the International partners who helped with the Electoral process and the government of Liberia for providing the funds”

Pro-Temp Chie, further said, Election loss by some of his Colleagues has left a void on the leadership Committee of the Senate, naming, the position of Foreign Affairs, Defense, Security, intelligence and veteran Affairs, Education and Public works to be filled in.

He pointed to issues on the Senate agenda which includes, liquidity of both Liberian and United States Dollars currencies at banks and markets, Restoration of confidence in the banking sector, measures to strengthen the Liberian economy, review of some concession agreements by the Executive amongst others.

Monday’s ceremony also witnessed the presentation of certificate of Elections by five newly elected Senators to the Secretary of the Senate for onwards submission to the Committee on Rules, Order and Administration.

Following Monday’s presentation of certificate, Senator James Emmanuel Nuquay of Bong, Prince K. Moye, Bong, Abraham Dillion of Montserrado, Nyonblee K. Lawrence of Grand Bassa and Jonathan Segbwe of River Gee Counties are to take oath of office Tomorrow, so as to start their official duties of the Senate.