Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor’s dedication of a new water system in Cooper-Farm, Paynesville, underscores a commitment to community development and a departure from the often-criticized transient nature of political promises. This act, fulfilling a pledge made during the 2023 election campaign, provides a tangible benefit to residents who previously endured a significant burden in accessing safe drinking water. The project’s completion, despite the challenges faced during the election cycle, highlights Howard-Taylor’s dedication to serving the Liberian people and reinforces her assertion of being a “stateswoman” focused on long-term societal improvement, rather than merely a politician pursuing short-term gains. The provision of clean water, a fundamental necessity, directly addresses the well-being of the community and reflects Howard-Taylor’s commitment to making a palpable positive impact.
The Cooper-Farm water project represents more than just infrastructure development; it symbolizes Howard-Taylor’s broader approach to leadership and community engagement. Her emphasis on female leadership, driven by the belief that women prioritize the well-being of families and communities, underscores a commitment to a more inclusive and nurturing political landscape. By collaborating with a Turkish humanitarian group, she demonstrates an understanding of the power of partnerships in achieving development goals and acknowledges the importance of external support in bolstering local initiatives. This collaborative effort not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility in addressing community challenges.
The dedication ceremony itself served as a platform to emphasize the community ownership of the project. Howard-Taylor’s presence and engagement with local leaders and residents amplified the significance of the water system and reinforced the message of its intended long-term impact. The youth representation, notably through the Cooper-Farm Block-D Youth for Transformation (CFBDYT), underscores the intergenerational benefit of the project and highlights the importance of investing in infrastructure that serves present and future generations. The chief engineer’s emphasis on shared responsibility further cemented the community-centric approach to the project’s sustainability.
Beyond the Cooper-Farm project, Howard-Taylor’s work through the Jewel Starfish Foundation (JSF) demonstrates a sustained commitment to education, girls’ empowerment, and leadership training. The foundation’s 25-year history of providing educational opportunities, with over 4,000 students benefiting from its programs, reflects a dedication to human capital development and a belief in the transformative power of education. The expansion of JSF’s initiatives, including Village Savings and Loan programs and women’s empowerment initiatives, further illustrates a holistic approach to community development, addressing both immediate needs and fostering long-term economic empowerment.
Howard-Taylor’s actions and words consistently emphasize a commitment to serving the Liberian people beyond the confines of political cycles. Her emphasis on fulfilling promises, even in the face of electoral setbacks, sets her apart from the conventional perception of politicians and reinforces her self-proclaimed identity as a stateswoman. This approach to leadership, characterized by a focus on long-term community development and a genuine concern for the well-being of the people, positions her as a figure dedicated to fostering positive change and empowering communities across Liberia.
The dedication of the water system in Cooper-Farm serves as a microcosm of Howard-Taylor’s broader vision for Liberia: a vision that prioritizes community development, empowers women, and invests in education. By fulfilling her campaign promise, she has not only provided a vital resource to a community in need but also demonstrated a commitment to ethical leadership and a dedication to serving the Liberian people. This approach, combined with her ongoing efforts through the JSF, suggests a sustained commitment to fostering positive change and creating a more prosperous future for Liberia.
