Rep. Ivar K. Jones Lists Rice, Lappas, $1 Scratch Cards as “Development” in District Report

Margibi County, Liberia: Margibi County District #2 Representative Ivar K. Jones is facing criticism after presenting what many residents describe as a shocking legislative report.

In his second annual report delivered Tuesday, the lawmaker listed the distribution of one-dollar scratch cards to callers on his radio show as part of what he called a “Sustainable Economic Empowerment Program.”

According to the report, the scratch cards given to callers on Farmington Radio amounted to about US$2,400 over the year.

Rep. Jones also counted Christmas rice, lappas, and children’s gifts as part of the same “economic empowerment” initiative.

But many residents say the report exposes a serious lack of real development in the district.

Critics argue that handing out $1 phone cards, rice, and lappas cannot be considered economic empowerment, and say such gestures only provide temporary relief rather than real opportunities for jobs, business growth, or infrastructure.

One resident, Sino Paye, did not hide his frustration.

“Honorable Jones has nothing good to report. That’s why he’s calling scratch cards for radio callers economic empowerment,” Paye said.

The controversy has triggered wider debate about what true representation and development should look like in Margibi District #2. For many residents, the question now is simple: Is this leadership or just political showmanship?