2 Mins Read
By Oretha Bundo Sieh
Jeremiah S. Swen, Founder of the Alliance for Transitional Justice – Liberia (ATJL), has vehemently criticized the Ministry of Finance’s proposed allocations of US$874,360.74 for various programs aimed at youth development, empowerment, sports, vocational education, the National Cadet Program, and National Youth Service for the 2024 Fiscal Year. This amount, intended to empower 75% of the nation’s population, particularly its most fragile segment, has been labeled as shameful and a calculated attempt to hinder Liberia’s progress.
Speaking as the Guest Speaker at the conclusion of the International Women’s Month program under the auspices of Youth United for Sustainable Peace, Mr. Swen highlighted the disparity between the Government of Liberia’s moral actions, such as reducing proposed fiscal allocations to key offices, and the Ministry of Finance Development Planning’s excessive increase in budget by 116.6% to US$172.9 million. He questioned the strategic policy informing the proposed fiscal allotment to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, citing a significant decrease from the previous year’s allocation.
“How can a nation purportedly concerned about its youth’s security and future prosperity allocate mere sums of $4,000.00 for MVTC (technical education), nothing for the National Cadet Program, and paltry amounts for various federations and advocacy groups?” questioned Mr. Swen, denouncing the Ministry of Finance and its officials as detrimental to the nation’s well-being.
Mr. Swen urged the National Legislature to demand an audit of the US$129 million earmarked for debt servicing and reallocate $10 million from the Ministry of Finance’s excess fund towards youth empowerment, combating SGBV (sexual and gender-based violence), drug proliferation and abuse, and early childhood programs.
In addressing gender equality and inclusion, Mr. Swen underscored the immense challenges faced by girls and young women, including inequality, rape, sexual and gender-based violence, inadequate access to healthcare and education, and transnational crimes. He emphasized the urgent need to address youth vulnerability and substance abuse, proposing strict measures including alcohol and substance-free public places, early closure of establishments serving alcohol near schools, and age verification protocols for alcohol purchases.
Despite the challenges, Mr. Swen encouraged young women to remain loyal to Liberia, reminding them of their potential to effect positive change and urging them to persist in their endeavors.
As Liberia approaches the approval of the draft 2024 Fiscal Budget, critics have raised concerns about its priorities, particularly in addressing youth and gender issues, which remain critical for the nation’s post-war reform and sustainable development efforts.
Mr. Swen’s call for a reevaluation of fiscal priorities underscores the pressing need to prioritize youth empowerment and address systemic challenges hindering Liberia’s progress towards inclusive and sustainable development.