Monrovia – Alleged drug users otherwise known locally as Zogos have joined others in the condemnation of government for making life hard for its citizens.
Report by Edwin G. Genoway, Jr – [email protected]
The Zogos are expressing serious disappointment in government for making life difficult by making them (Zogos) homeless after demolishing the Palm Groove cemetery or Center Street Graveyard.
They claim that the demolition of the cemetery has made life difficult for them, because “they are homeless and their hustle is hard”.
Zogos Acting as Santa Claus
In an effort to put food on their own table, Zogos were seen on the streets of Monrovia singing usual Christmas songs collecting money; some acting like Santa Claus and Old Man Beggar.
Unlike the Santa Claus in Liberia or Old St. Nicholas of Western society, the Liberian Santa Claus or Old Man Beggar do not bring presents to children on the eve of Christmas.
Instead, they use their gifts and talents to bring joy and happiness to the people through entertainment for which they are rewarded or paid.
The Zogos were singing songs such as: “Merry Christmas, We Are at Your Door”; “don’t mean the Beggar, the Beggar knows you”; and “Old Man Beggar, join the Beggar,”.
One of the Zogos identified as Junior Jay, described the Christmas season as “fake season.”
“This season is fake and the government knows that, they took us from our homes (graveyard) and make us homeless,” Junior said.
The Zogos’ frustration could not be controlled by even people who gave them money. Many of them say they are surviving through the help of good will Liberians.
“Since they took us from the graveyard we’ve been suffering, because whenever we get through with our hustle there is nowhere to sleep.
“We sometimes sleep on people porch and some of our friends can steal from the people who porch they sleeping on,” a zogo identify as Soldier.
Residents Express Security Concerns
The demolition of the Palm Groove Cemetery has also affected residents of Center Street and its environs.
Madam Mardea Freeman of Center Street commended the government for the demolition, but urged the Zogos to leave the streets.
“I know that the graveyard was good, but since government destroyed the graveyard our things can be always getting missing from our homes,” she decried.
Teta Morris, another resident of the area, noted that they are now constrained to provide security for themselves.
“Since they broke down the graveyard our dish cloth and all can get missing, the bad boys from the graveyard can really steal from us here my son,” Morris said angrily.
As the festive season nears, many homes have Christmas trees and other decorations. Some workplaces hold Christmas parties prior to December 25.
Festive activities include exchanging presents, singing Christmas songs, going to parties.
It’s a special time when children get presents from family, friends and Santa Claus, or Father Christmas.
Christmas cards are also given or sent out prior to Christmas Day. For some, Christmas is an exclusive family affair, while others invite friends to a Christmas buffet or pot luck meal.
Churches have special services and may include a crèche or miniature Nativity scene.