Senator Moye Critiques Former VP Taylor’s Impact in Bong County

Gbarnga, Bong: Senator Prince Kermue Moye has sternly retorted to a recent assertion by former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor regarding her role in the development of Bong County, arguing that the former VP's long tenure of public service has had no tangible impact on the lives of ordinary people.

By: Abraham Sylvester Panto

Appearing in a radio interview on a local station in Gbarnga, Bong County, on Saturday, April 4, 2025, Senator Moye described Madam Taylor’s record in leadership as falling short of positive developmental initiatives.

He accused Madam Taylor of focusing on personal interests rather than addressing the pressing needs of her constituents.

Senator Moye’s retort comes on the heels of the former VP calling for the equitable distribution of the Bong County Social Development Funds across all districts, emphasizing that each area should benefit fairly from government allocations.

“Every district deserves its fair share,” she stated, while also urging unity and mutual respect among county leaders to ensure progress. 

However, Senator Moye dismissed the call, highlighting that her 27 years of tenure failed to reflect any significant effort toward such fairness or equitable distribution of resources.

One of Moye’s key criticisms focused on Madam Taylor’s alleged attempts to associate her name with local landmarks, including an effort to rename the Sanoyea Public School in the memory of her deceased grandfather. 

He also referenced her attempt to name a street in Gbarnga after her ex-husband, jailed former President Charles Taylor, pointing out that no significant infrastructure improvements accompanied the gesture. 

For Senator Moye, these actions reflected a lack of genuine commitment to improving or fostering development in the county.

In addition to the accusations of self-serving actions, he underscored Madam Taylor’s alleged failure to make meaningful investments in Bong County during her nearly 3 decades of service at the national level. 

Despite her high-profile positions as First Lady, Senator, and Vice President, the Senator argued that the former VP had not utilized her influence to directly benefit her home county.

“She didn’t care to build a hut in her village,” Moye said, suggesting that Taylor’s actions during her helm of political power did not reflect a true commitment to the county’s development.

Senator Moye, who currently chaired the Bong County Legislative Caucus, also called attention to the alleged US$125,000 annual expenditure for a residence Taylor occupied during her vice presidency.

He questioned the appropriateness of such spending in light of Bong County’s need for infrastructure and economic development. 

Senator Moye further alleged that Madam Taylor had consistently denied Bong County residents opportunities for government employment, instead offering positions to people from other regions of Liberia.

This action, according to Senator Moye, hindered the local community’s ability to exert influence and benefit from government initiatives.

Despite the former Vice President's claims of equitable development for all districts, Senator Moye remained critical, emphasizing that her tenure did not result in lasting changes for Bong County. 

He also highlighted the lack of progress on key infrastructure projects, such as the Bong County Technical College, the superintendent’s residence, and the Presidential Palace, all of which he said were ignored under Madam Taylor’s watch. 

In comparison, Senator Moye lavished praises on the Unity Party-led administration for what he termed as massive development progress made in Bong County.

He pointed to the completion of the superintendent’s residence and ongoing preparation to jumpstart work on the presidential palace.

Senator Moye brought VP Taylor’s philanthropic endeavors, including the Jewel Starfish Foundation, under question, which she claims supports girls' education.

He dismissed the foundation’s effectiveness in Bong County, questioning its visibility and impact, saying, “The foundation is just on paper,” a statement that seems to question the former VP’s credibility.

Several attempts by K-NEWS to get a response from the office of the former VP did not materialize.