Attorney Leemue Minnie James, a prominent legal figure in Bong County, Liberia, has issued a compelling call to action, emphasizing the critical need for a multi-pronged approach to secure a brighter future for the county and Liberia as a whole. Her address focused on three key pillars: robust private sector investment, enhanced collaboration between law enforcement and citizens, and a united front against the escalating drug crisis. Attorney James argued that these interconnected issues, when addressed effectively, hold the key to unlocking Bong County’s and Liberia’s development potential.
Central to Attorney James’s message was the urgent need to bolster Liberia’s private sector. She emphasized that the government alone cannot bear the responsibility of providing employment opportunities for all Liberians. Instead, she called upon citizens, business leaders, and investors to actively participate in strengthening the private sector, recognizing its vital role as the engine of sustainable development and job creation. A thriving private sector, she argued, will lead to increased job opportunities, improved livelihoods, and overall economic progress for Bong County. This, she stressed, is crucial for lifting the county and the nation out of poverty and fostering self-sufficiency.
Addressing the critical issue of security and justice, Attorney James underscored the importance of bridging the gap between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. She called for an end to police brutality and stressed the necessity of building trust between the police and the citizenry. While emphasizing that law enforcement officers must uphold their sworn duty to protect lives and property, she also highlighted the reciprocal responsibility of citizens to respect the authority of the police in maintaining peace and order. This mutual respect, she argued, is fundamental for fostering a safe and secure environment conducive to development. She also highlighted the ongoing efforts of lawyers in Bong County to expedite trials, reduce the number of pre-trial detainees, and reinforce public confidence in the rule of law, advocating for a more just and efficient judicial system.
Attorney James expressed deep concern over the growing drug epidemic among young people, warning of its devastating potential to derail the future of Bong County. She characterized the drug crisis as a grave threat to the next generation of leaders, urging communities to actively support government-led anti-drug campaigns. A concerted effort to combat drug abuse, she stressed, is essential for preserving the potential of the youth and ensuring a promising future for the county. This fight requires a collaborative effort involving families, communities, and government institutions to address the root causes of drug abuse and provide support for those struggling with addiction.
Furthermore, Attorney James emphasized the importance of reconciliation and unity among the diverse ethnic groups residing in Bong County, including the Mandingo, Bassa, and Kpelleh communities. Recognizing the historical tensions and divisions that may exist, she appealed to members of the Bong County Legislative Caucus, as well as lawmakers from past legislatures, to prioritize collaboration and set aside their differences for the common good of the county’s development. She highlighted the ongoing peace and reconciliation initiatives within the county as essential steps towards progress, emphasizing that such unity would serve as a tribute to the legacy of Madam Suakoko, a revered historical figure in Bong County.
Attorney James concluded her address with a passionate plea for collective action, urging the people of Bong County to unite in their pursuit of a brighter future. She stressed that only through a combined effort – fostering a vibrant private sector, building trust between law enforcement and citizens, combating drug abuse, and embracing unity – can Bong County realize its full potential and assume its rightful place in Liberia’s national development. Her call to action serves as a powerful reminder that the future of Bong County rests on the collective responsibility of its citizens, leaders, and stakeholders to work together towards a shared vision of progress and prosperity. She underscored the importance of a holistic approach, addressing economic, social, and political challenges simultaneously to unlock the full development potential of the county and nation.
