Liberia: Youth NGO Seeks Lawmakers’ Sponsorship of US$12 Billion Green Economy Bill

Monrovia – The Youth Empowerment Legislative Law (YELL), a Liberian NGO comprising citizens aged 18 to 38, is urging the House of Representatives and Senators to sponsor its US$12 billion Green Economy Bill. YELL aims to uplift Liberia’s economy through this legislation.

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By Victoria G. Wesseh, contributing writer

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Mr. John Henderson, YELL President/CEO, speaking on the grounds of the Capitol building on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, announced that the bill has one legislative sponsor, Hon. Nyahn Garsaye Flomo of District #2, Nimba County. Henderson emphasized the bill’s potential to create 45,000 trainee jobs in 12 economic sectors, provide 20,000 lines of credit, and allocate US$10,000 to buy Liberian-made products.

Providing a historical context, Mr. Henderson recounted Liberia’s fight against slavery and the country’s formation by freed slaves. He linked this legacy of resistance and independence to the current battle against poverty, asserting that the Green Economy Bill could deliver Liberia from economic slavery.

The bill’s objectives include significant economic recovery and stability, similar to the support received from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during past crises. Henderson underscored the need for lawmakers’ support to “Arrest Poverty Now,” drawing parallels to Liberia’s historical struggles for freedom and independence.

YELL seeks 10,000 petition signatures to demand that lawmakers vote in favor of the Green Economy Bill. The organization also plans a 15-county Green Economy Tour to raise awareness among the youth about the financial opportunities brought by climate change finance.

Henderson concluded by urging Liberians to enlist the support of their lawmakers for the bill, emphasizing the need to restore historical dignity and achieve economic liberation through legislative action.