By Lincoln G. Peters
Former Liberian Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor says President Joseph Nyumah Boakai should be allowed to enjoy his honeymoon, but hopes that the ruling Unity Party (UP) will deliver on all its promises.
Madam Howard-Taylor, the estranged wife of imprisoned former Liberian President Charles Ghankay Taylor, served as former President George Manneh Weah’s vice president for a six-year term.
They peacefully turned over power to the Boakai-led administration following the Coalition for Democratic Change’s (CDC’s) defeat in the 14 November 2023 presidential run-off election.
Former VP Howard-Taylor argued during a local radio talk show Thursday, 25 January 2024 that the Boakai government is very new and it should be given the space to enjoy its honeymoon.
She said she will not actively be engaged with the governance issues of the state.
“I want to say one thing, when I’m called to speak anywhere for now, I will not delve into political issues. I think there is a new government in place, and we must give them the chance to enjoy their honeymoon,” the former Liberian First Lady said.
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“To admit, they deserve to enjoy their honeymoon time,” Madam Howard-Taylor continued.
Jewel said she is one of the few politicians that will be left, along with her former boss, ex-President George Manneh Weah, and Mr. Alexander B. Cummings, who also lost his 2023 presidential bid on the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) ticket.
“I don’t know what his (Weah’s) plans are, but you have very few opposition politicians that are in the country,” she stated.
The former Vice President’s comments came when she received a brief courtesy call on a local radio talk show in Monrovia.
She admonished Liberians that elections have consequences, adding that whatever decisions are taken today will live with the people for the next six years.
Accordingly, she wishes that all the promises and policies that were outlined by the UP in the campaign will be upheld.
“We did our best even though we were not able to do everything. Change took place because the people of Liberia wanted more and so, let’s see how this goes,” said Madam Howard-Taylor.
“I’m still young and so there is still much more that will come out of the Jewel Howard-Taylor coming out of these processes,” she noted.
On the other hand, former VP Howard-Taylor indicated that she is excited that there has been a smooth and peaceful transition of power without any crisis or bloodshed.
The Liberian politician lauded the religious community for the prayers during the election period to save the land, including the media for keeping the land.
In another development, Madam Howard-Taylor said the Jewel Starfish Foundation will be twenty-five years in existence.
She said it’s something that is at her heartbeat, disclosing that she will ensure that more girls and women are helped to contribute to society.
“Creating opportunity for girls to form part of the rebuilding of our country is my passion. Girls are very important to this process and so over the [next] few years I will work from there to continue to provide training, empowerment, and mentorship programs for them,” said Madam Howard-Taylor.
She promised to also be available to speak anywhere she is called.
The former vice president extolled Liberians, especially the people of Bong County, for allowing her to win the election in Bong County, describing it as a plus for her.
“Look, you will see me in the county, and you will see me moving around. I’m not going to die and I’m not going to go away. I also want to thank God for everything and all those who prayed for me.”
According to her, she will actively be engaged with the issues of women and girls including rape, murder, and other forms of sexual gender-based violence.
Regarding governance issues, she said she is not going to get involved in them to allow the government to enjoy its honeymoon.
“We have six years and we finished with our time. We have turned over to the new government and I think they must be given some opportunities, and that work is now for the media and the other people,” said Madam Howard-Taylor.
Her “estranged” partition well not permit pallet politics in the family. Liberia now has another Leader to serve. There is always a youngest of the younger, if not the oldest.
See her biological father’s people first before her. Her family security is foremost. The head of her paternity may require a rest from public attention to allow a private settlement secured to future reunion.