TUBMANBURG, Bomi County – It was a show of massive support for Alexander Benedict Cummings of the Collaborating Political Parties last week when he toured Bomi and Grand Cape Mount Counties in Western Liberia.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh – [email protected]
The tour commenced in Grand Cape Mount County on Thursday and culminated with a grand endorsement ceremony in Tubmanburg, the capital of Bomi County.
In their official endorsement statement, the citizens said after careful consideration of all presidential candidates in the upcoming elections, Cummings was the most qualified candidate for the presidency due to his remarkable track record.
Ms. Makunnba Dorley, a first-time voter, eloquently read the endorsement statement on behalf of the citizens of Bomi: “Mr. Standard Bearer, it is you and your character that stood tall. Your rich experience and technical understanding of solving critical problems have made you better suited for the presidency of Liberia.”
She continued, “With our current situations as a country and people, we will not accept to be cajoled and misguided. There is too much at stake ranging from bad roads, messy educational systems, a disastrous health sector, lack of infrastructural development and many more. At this stage, gambling our future is not and can never be an option during these elections.”
Cummings is making his second bid for the Liberian presidency, having retired from Coca-Cola as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer before his initial attempt in 2017, where he secured fifth place with 7 percent of the vote. This time around, Cummings brings campaign experience, greater name recognition, and an extended period of engagement with the people, all of which appear to be resonating well with the electorate.
Ms. Dorley stressed, “It is hard time that we scout out the best surgeon for this most needed political surgery as Liberia is currently in the intensive care unit. I want to assure you that Bomi County is extremely glad to be part of this effort. It is an open secret that Bomi is a victim of systemic failure and bad governance. Our natural resources are being depleted with nothing to show. Other counties with natural resources are even crying louder. It has become imperative that we, the first-time voters step forward and play a meaningful role in putting an end to this national embarrassment.”
The citizens said in Cummings’ vision, they find hope for a brighter future, improved healthcare, a united Liberia, equal opportunities, accountability, respect for the rule of law, equitable wealth distribution, regional and global competitiveness, and a Liberia free of drug abuse and other substance-related issues.
‘Let’s retire President Weah’
The CPP standard bearer expressed gratitude for the endorsement and the warm reception he received during his tour. He urged voters to support him and all CPP representative candidates in Bomi, including Sonnie Kamara of Bomi District #1 and Jartu Boykai of District #2.
He called on the electorate, especially young people, to choose a new path by voting for him and Cllr. Charlyne Brumskine, his vice standard bearer, on October 10.
“It is very important that you encourage your friends, your relatives and colleagues to vote to change our country. Our country has been suffering for too long and the only way we can stop the suffering is to vote for different people. Let’s retire President Weah. And I know I can trust the people of Bomi, women, youth, elders to vote Alexander Cummings and Cllr. Charlyne Brumskine to change Liberia.”
Cummings’ tour in Cape Mount was equally significant. Joined by Cllr. Charlyne Brumskine and Rep. Yekeh Kolubah (Montserrado District 10), they extensively tour the county, visiting numerous towns and villages, including Gbah Foboi, Senji, Kinjor, Lofa Bridge, Gold Camp, Tiennie, Damballah, Bamballah and Mano River.
The tour marked their inaugural campaign activities outside Montserrado County, and it was characterized by warm receptions and enthusiastic support from the local population. Cummings assured the people of Cape Mount that his administration would transform the county and the entire nation, with improved education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Grand Cape Mount County boasts substantial concessions, including Mano Oil Palm, the former Sime Darby, and Bea Mountain Mining Company (BMCC), Liberia’s largest gold mining company. Cummings expressed his dissatisfaction with the ongoing extraction of natural resources while citizens endure poverty, vowing that his administration would ensure that citizens benefit from their own resources.
Cummings declared, “We will hold Mano Company accountable for their actions.”
“We will make sure that this Mano Company treats you well. It makes me vex, it makes me angry to come to Cape Mount to see all the resources leaving and the people suffering like this. This cannot be your story forever. The young people who represent the future of Liberia are suffering. And we are committed to change that. But first you have to elect us. If we will change this country. You have to elect different people. And when you elect us, the suffering will stop.”
The trip’s highlight took place in Kinjor, the mining epicenter of Grand Cape Mount County, where a large group of supporters warmly welcomed Cummings and pledged unwavering support to the CPP and its legislative candidates K-Rich Foboi and Ma. Yatta Dordor.
Cummings’ message of substantial change resonated with the crowd. Leo Johnson expressed their collective sentiment, saying, “We believe in you, and we trust that when we elect you, you will not let us down. Kinjor will be electrified, and our youth center will be built. Thank you for reaching out to us.”
Numerous other groups, including the Southeastern and Bassa Communities, as well as the Disadvantaged Youth (Zogoes), joined in pledging their support to the Cummings-Brumskine ticket.
Cummings reiterated his message of substantial change if elected, emphasizing, “This is one of the richest counties in Liberia. Cape Mountaineers are smart people. But the people continue to suffer. And this is because they are stealing your resources, they are stealing your money. When you elect us, Kinjor will receive electricity, and as your gold leaves this county, you will benefit. Your living conditions will improve, and the quality of your housing will be improved. How can you live in a country that is so rich and the people are suffering too much?”
Vice Standard Bearer Brumskine, in an impassioned speech, rallied women, youth, and the elderly to vote for the CPP ticket and its representative candidates. She pointed out that the current government, like its predecessors, is mismanaging the nation’s resources while the people endure hardship. She emphasized that the CPP offers voters a choice for a brighter future.