Liberia: VP Extends Condolences to Muslims Community While Offering Prayers for the Parents of the Fire Victims

MONROVIA – Vice Jewel Howard Taylor Friday, September 20, 2019, joined hundreds of Muslims at the United Dawaumma 17 Street Mosque to observe the three-day Sacrifice for about 28 Liberians, mostly children, who perished in a fire disaster at a local Quranic School in Paynesville on Wednesday.

In brief remarks following the sermon and Friday Prayer, VP Howard-Taylor expressed her regrets over the incident and extended condolences to the grieving families and the Muslim community at large. 

The Vice President, accompanied by some members of the Liberian Senate including Montserrado County Senator Darius Dillon described as unfortunate, pitiful and dreadful the fire incident that has befallen the nation.

“It is totally distressing and unfortunate that we lost this high number of innocent citizens” the Vice President told the gathering as she offered prayers for the mothers and fathers of the children lost who lost during these difficult times.

She then presented cash one thousand US dollars to assist with activities surrounding the Islamic burial tradition.

The Government of Liberia, through President George M. Weah, has since assured the families and Muslim community that Government will work with them to investigate the cause of the fire and to assist the bereaved families in any way possible and provide assistance to four surviving victims said to be in critical condition at a local hospital.

Also speaking at the mournful event, Senator Dillon welcome comments by the nation’s Chief Executive to restore the damaged facility, saying he will support the President’s endeavor in such direction. 

The deceased victims of the fire have since been buried in a mass grave after the funeral rites on the same day of the disaster in compliance with Islamic practice.