Monrovia – The Liberia Restorative Party Standard Bearer Macdella Cooper has reassured supporters across the country of her commitment in delivering a new Liberia, adding that the party is intact amid media report.
Report by Al-Varney Rogers [email protected]
Speaking to FrontPage in an interview Madam Cooper admitted to some concerns rose by few members of her party, but stressed that her campaign activities are well on course.
“I still enjoy the support of the party, in every organization there is a concern, we’re committed to a better Liberia,” Madam Cooper said.
As the lone female presidential candidates, though new to Liberian politics Madam Cooper is bent on making her case across the country.
Key amongst them is the issue of the economy, education, health, women empowerment, corruption and reconciliation.
Tackling reconciliation Madam Cooper believes that the bread and butter issue should be settle first before reconciling the Liberian people.
“I’m aware that the Liberian people have so much needs that need to be met, the issue of reconciliation is a chicken and egg scenario, you cannot reconcile on empty stomach, We are working to see to it that we take care of our people, you cannot have the Liberian people to reconcile on empty stomach, you can reconcile when mother cannot paid their children hospital bills,” Cooper said.
“I want to see to it that I give the Liberian people their basic needs, put their children in school while their children in school and find jobs for them, that they are able to pay their rent and take care of their family, then we can reconcile all of our problems until then I cannot be a part of a hypocritical action to ask the people to reconcile on empty stomach,” LRP Standard Bearer said.
Speaking on the educational sector Madam Cooper acknowledge that the current government has set good policies in place but added that those policies need to be put into action.
“I think the current government did their best in putting policies in place but we need to put those policies into action, we are very serious about education, we want to provide free and affordable education for all, by reforming our education system, by giving one meal per day in public schools, see to it our teachers get pay on time with a suitable salary, provide the resources needed for them to function in the schools,” LRP Standard Bearer said.
Madam Cooper said, with her education reform in swing after six years students’ academic performance will improve.
“By the time we are done, you will have young people would will take University of Liberia entrance and pass, you will have students taking WAEC and doing great, we got to take education serious in this country,” Madam Cooper added.
The LRP Standard Bearer said high among her priority when elected as President is women empowerment adding that women should be on the decision making table.
“Too many women lack economic empowerment in this country but they are the ones running the household, I want to empower women by seeing to it those women who want to work have access to job not to stay home and take care of children,” Cooper added.
On Commerce the Presidential Hopeful said that she will make Liberian business owners major players in the Liberian economy.
“We will strengthen the Ministry of Commerce and ensure that they provide license for wholesalers and retailers, so that wholesalers cannot do retailing,” Cooper said.
Madam Cooper – “My plan is to stop the talking and put action in place, it sadden me that one group of people have access to the wholesale market, we have got to build our private sector in this country and it starts with the local entrepreneurs not just making sure lines are not blur but making sure by giving them some incentives, we have to build a middle class.”
Also Speaking Madam Cooper running mates Rev. William R. Slocum promise that their government will be firmed on corruption adding the corrupt officials wouldn’t be re-cycle.
“We will open our offices when elected for scrutiny and audit, people are going to declare their access before taking government jobs, we will not recycle corrupt government officials, once you are corrupt you will go to court, the Liberian People are tired of corruption,” Slocum added.
“When Madam Cooper asked me there were discussion we had on decision making in the government because when she fails, I failed, when she succeeds, I succeed, I will not be a Vice President sitting in the garage that can’t get on the track, if you not functioning as a co-pilot you can’t function as main pilot, I will not be an ineffective Vice President and I refuse to be that and she refuse for me to be that,” Rev. Slocum added.
Madam Cooper promised, to have a Vice President who will work with her closely in executing their vision for the country.
“My Vice President is a strong minded person, he’s a man of integrity and a man of his word, he not going to be dormant, he’s real sport car and I will put him on the road every day,” Madam Cooper said.