ROBERTSPORT – Victims of the recent sea erosion in Robertsport didn’t hold back their disappointment as they publicly confronted Senator Varney Sherman during his campaign visit. Not only did they boo him, but they also voiced their dissatisfaction with his alleged ineffective leadership in the county.
Senator Sherman, who is seeking reelection in the upcoming October 10 polls, returned to Grand Cape Mount County with plans to hold an indoor campaign rally at Robertsport City Hall. However, he faced a setback when sea erosion victims, who had taken shelter there, denied him entry. They stated that the edifice had become their temporary home, and they awaited a more suitable place before vacating.
During a live broadcast on Spoon TV, Senator Sherman seemed troubled by the residents’ actions but remained composed, attempting to demonstrate his commitment to their welfare. He claimed to have sent text messages to Aaron Vincent, the County Superintendent, instructing him to utilize funds from the County Development Fund for relief efforts. Additionally, he asserted that he had contacted Henry O. Williams, Executive Director of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), and the Chairman of the County Council to ensure prompt assistance for the victims.
“I want you to understand that no one person has the money to take care of you,” Senator Sherman told the crowd. He further alleged that he had informed the National Disaster Relief Agency (NDRA) about the sea erosion issue. However, when he attempted to display these messages on his two phones for verification, he couldn’t produce any. This led to further mockery from the crowd, despite his call to the Superintendent to discuss the situation.
Facing difficulty securing an alternative location for his campaign rally after failed attempts at Centennial Memorial Hall, Senator Sherman continued his search.
It’s worth noting that Senator Sherman is under U.S. Treasury Department sanctions, which prohibit him from traveling to the United States and have resulted in the seizure of his assets in the country. These sanctions were imposed due to his involvement in corrupt activities related to a mining concession in Liberia.
Liberian Elections Law does not prevent individuals under U.S. sanctions from running for elective positions. Senator Sherman is among other sanctioned Liberians, including Nathaniel McGill, Prince Y. Johnson, and Bill Twehway, who are also seeking election in their respective counties.
Unlike typical disaster victims who often request food aid, the flood victims in Kru Town, Robertsport, expressed a different need. They emphasized that they required building materials and land to construct new homes, rather than food relief. A spokesperson for the sea erosion victims, Madam Kennedy, stated that they had communicated their preference to the County Superintendent, who mentioned a pending check for food aid. However, the victims stressed their need for materials such as mattresses and clothing, in addition to land for permanent resettlement.
In conclusion, Senator Sherman’s campaign visit was marked by tension and disappointment as sea erosion victims confronted him, expressing frustration over their living conditions and demanding more tangible assistance for their plight.