-As he vows LD$5 million women empowerment loan scheme.
By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson I
Presidential hopeful Mr. Simeon Freeman over the weekend locked down and demonstrated numerical strength in his home town, Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, as tens of thousands of mother’s, and youths embraced him.
The opposition politician on Saturday, July 29, 2023 visited to his birthplace was in appreciation of a launched of five million Liberian dollars Women Empowerment Loan to marker women to beef up the capacity of struggling business women and single mothers in the county.
The Five Million Liberian dollars Women Empowerment Loan was given to 98 register Susu club for onward distribution to their members for six months without interest rate. After the six months, the money will again be given to another person for investment and Productivity.
Mr. Freeman and his entourage was escorted and paraded by jubilant women groups on the principal streets of Buchanan and taken to the fair ground for the indoor program. During the parade, the local was singing in their local tongue series of songs some of which are interpreted as “Someone Freeman will beat them and shame will catch them”.
Take it Freeman, take it. For one Freeman business, the whole country worry. Freeman is talk and do. He’s our son and it’s he we want”. Mr. Simeon Freeman addressing his mother’s in his local dialect expressed excitement and happiness over the huge turnout, stating that he is concern about the plight of women in Liberia, especially single struggling business women.
According to Mr. Freeman he has come to give back to his county through loan because he envisioned a government of inclusive contribution where all Liberian will be able to independently provide for themselves.
“I appreciate you being here today and the love and commitment shown me. We are here to launch our five Million Liberian dollars Women Empowerment Loan. This is intended to help my mother’s, sister and struggling single parents. Today, you will received three million of the five and the last two will be given to you. My vision is to run a government where all can contribute instead of few just enjoying,” he stated.
The Movement for Progressive Change standard bearer disclosed that it’s frustrating that Liberia after 176 years of independence is still importing rice and several other agriculture commodities from others countries. Mr. Freeman believes that with the huge and fertilize soil and abundance of land that Liberia has if the country prioritized investment in the agriculture sector they can be food sufficient and reduce food security.
“Who says Liberia can’t feed itself. Is there any nightmare that preventing us from doing so? The answer from my angle is big no. We have the land and we can grow what we eat in this country. My plan is for us to grow what we eating in order to stop the importation of goods that we can produce. When that begins to happen, Liberian will reduce sending money outside and we will have enough in this country to live on” he pointed out. Speaking on behalf of the women group and the various susu clubs, Mrs. Mamie Janjay expressed appreciation and congratulations to Mr. Freeman for the kinds gesture.
According to her, women in Grand Bassa County are suffering, especially those that are doing business, adding that they are finding life difficult due to the high exchange rate, prices and tariffs. “We tell you thank you for coming to our rescue. We as business people are suffering and dying. We don’t have means to save because our business are gradually breaking down due to the exchange rate. We will stand with you and support you because you our son. With the plan and vision you have for Grand Bassa and your county, we will stand with you until you get it” she concluded.
