By: Taisiah K.Merfee
IPNEWS: Several Market Women within the Peace Island community, in District 10, Montserrado county, over the weekend lauded the Political Leader of the Movement for Progressive Change (MPC), Simeon Freeman, for the provision of interest-free loans to marketers. Sass
The Marketers most of whom are women expressed their gratitude the Mr. Simeon Freeman for providing four million Liberian dollars as a loan without interest.
Jessica Blackie, and Irane Tweah, who represented the group, in their statement, said the provision of interest-free loans by Mr. Simeon Freeman amidst the difficult economic conditions of marketers has brought great relief to the women by lifting them out of poverty.
The pair stated what is significant for the loan is Mr. Freeman’s desire to provide it without interest which is the first of its kind among Liberian politicians.
The women’s group officials caution recipients to see the interest-free loan as a motivation for making greater heights by making sure they repay the loan to afford others the opportunity especially women in rural settlements to get involved in business through Mr. Freeman’s interest-free loan.
One of the beneficiaries, Jessecia Blackie said she was grateful to the Movement for Progressive Change Political leader for taking shame from the faces of market women in Peace Island by making them independent through needed interest-free loans.
“We the women of District #10 had been going through so many hard times and by the special grace of God he was able to come to our needs by providing loans to the women which had added more value to our life.” Miss Jasseca Blackie said.
Miss Blackie said the loan came at a time when there was nothing for them to hope on, especially the high cost of production.
Jasseca Blackie: “We are excited for the 4 million Librarian dollars which is a significant drop to reviving our business. Out of this amount each of us is expected to get 55,000 LRD without any interest rate attached to it, the only thing you need to do is to sell and return the money for others to be part of it.”
“Mr. Freeman has brought joy to us because this is the responsibility of the Government to create jobs and provide loans for business people, particularly women but they have neglected their duty.”
“The only time leaders come to us is during the election and when elections are gone they no longer come back to us and it’s time that we put a stop to this! ”
Another beneficiary Irane Tweah, in her testimony, said before coming to the program, she normally used to sit at home without doing anything due to lack of money to do business but the MPC political leader has allowed her and others to get a loan that will help her children greatly.
“These are leaders that we are looking for, a leader that will come to the needs of it people and not wait until they want power from them. But this time around our eyes are open.” Iren Tweh stated.
For his part, the MPC leader, Simeon Freeman stated that the provision of the interest-free loan to marketers is the MPC’s way of beginning an economic transformation of marketers across the country.
Freeman stated that the interest-free loan with an affordable repayment term will enable the remittance to other well-deserved marketers who continue to struggle for daily end-meats for their families whether rain or shines.
He assured that by the special grace of God, the MPC will continue to lift Liberians out of poverty even after the forthcoming election.
