LIBERIANS ARE YET TO DIGEST THE NEWS of tax increment as an austerity measure to salvage the ailing economy. Swallowing this bitter pill, to many Liberians, is very annoying in the face of the extravagance this government continues to exhibit.
ONE MAY WONDER WHY WOULD the government cry broke when it uses thousands of United States dollars earned through taxes paid with the sweat of market women, yarna boys, civil servants to fund the luxurious life of ministers, representatives and members of cabinet.
OUR PROBLEM AS A NATION IS NOT lack of resources or fallen prices of export commodities, our problem has been the way we manage our meager resources.
THERE IS EVIDENCE THAT SOME OF THE WORLD’S biggest economies are countries that are almost deprived of natural resources. However, adequate leadership, management and true patriotism led to the growth of their economy.
WHEN THE WELL-BEING OF THE PEOPLE becomes the highest priority, the ability and the political will to attend to their well-being is harnessed.
ON WEDNESDAY, CABINET unanimously endorsed an amendment to Chapter 89 of the Executive Law – thereby repealing No. 14 of the People’s Redemption Council of the Armed Forces of Liberia to an Act establishing the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP).
IT’S UNTHINKABLE OF HOW THE GOVERNMENT of Liberia would be imposing extra taxes on citizens who are already defying all odds and working their fingers to the bones just to have a plate of meal for its operation, yet thinking of how it could package retirement benefits for Presidents, Vice Presidents, Members of Cabinet, Representatives and Senators after all the years they spent squeezing the milk out of the cow.
RATHER THAN THINKING OF HOW THEY could continue to enrich themselves after they shall have left office, why are they not offering to waive portions of their lump sum salaries and benefits to help cut down the financial burden on government or that other developmental priorities can be met?
NOT ONLY DOES IS RECENT AMENDMENT disappointing at this moment in time where we barely have budget to support our national priorities, it also proves to the Liberian people that they have a government ran an a group of individuals who are determined to enrich themselves by squeezing the last cent out of the poor.
SADLY, THE 73 INDIVIDUALS WHO were elected by their citizens to ensure the protection of their well-being are not living to the task because they are in the same bed with the executive – the originator of these policies.
THIS LEAVES US TO WONDER where we are heading as a nation when our gatekeepers are eating from the same plate with those attempting to rob us.
PREPARING RETIREMENT PACKAGES for past officials may not be a bad decision, but preparing for such at this time when much of the economic burden is on the people is tantamount to robbing Peter to pay Paul.