The Editor,

 must first congratulate all Liberians who have abandoned their jobs here in the United States to settle in Liberia. 

I know some of you are now having second thoughts but, keep on trying and probably in the next twenty years, Liberia will rise.

I do understand that the Government is trying its best to bring Liberia back on its feet but, it will take more than the President and the Government officials to do so.  The citizens will have to help especially with the cleanliness of the City.

About a week ago, I was in Liberia and the minute I arrived at the airport, depression stepped in.  The reason was, some employees at the airport harassed us for money which was very unprofessional.

I just could not believe such attitude existed after I had heard all of that had stopped. I was furious and still am because I expected more from my fellow Liberians.

When we got out of the terminal building, there were still employees following us to our car asking us for money.  I was upset and ashamed because of the investors and other visitors that were in our midst.

After we left the airport for Monrovia, I was in more shock.  The roads were filled with pot holes all the way to the Capitol City. Driving before City Hall up to the Mansion reminded me of back in the days during the rainy season in Logan Town how terrible the road was.

It was at night and there were so many people along the road especially in the ELWA area and the road leading as far as Catholic Hospital.  I thought something had happen but was told by the Driver that it is the normal practice of citizens to be in the streets all the time.

We stopped at a restaurant called Musu's Spot which was well organized and the food was very delicious.  She had well trained waitresses and waiters.  

Everyone in the restaurant was very professional.  I must congratulate her. The next morning I decided to go to the American Embassy for personal business. Due to the bad roads, it took me two hours from Garnersville to the American Embassy and it was hot.

Along the Garnersville Highway, there were so many people.  Whenever the car stopped for traffic, vendors would stick their heads in the car asking; "would like to buy water, gum, etc.  There were also a lot of trash, such as, old cars and other junk along the highway.  I felt very disappointed.

I know that Liberia has been through tough times. I believe that with all the foreign investors going in and out of the country, the country needs to be cleaned.  Liberians need to stop blaming the war for everything. Blaming everything on the war, Liberia will not get back to normal very soon.

Some Liberians can afford to drive Hummer, Jeep Cherokee, Ford Rangers, etc, I know they can take pride in their country.

I also observed the lack of regard for the law.  I saw people walking in front of cars ignoring drivers who were blowing their horns to get their attention.

The traffic in Liberia is a mess.  If my memory serves me right, I saw only one traffic light while I was in Liberia and it was at the Free Port of Monrovia.

There are citizens who ride very nice and expensive cars and enjoy the luxuries of life and the masses are still catching hell.

Many days I saw people fighting to get in taxis to get to work, the market, school or just to run errands and it was sometimes useless.  I also observed lines of citizens on Johnson Street waiting to board buses to get home after work.

There was something sad but funny that I just could not believe.  I saw three men on a motor cycle and also saw a man on a motor cycle with a bed mattress between him and the driver of the motor cycle.  I learned that motor cycles are other means of transportation.  On the other hand, I  learned that many young men have been killed riding those bikes.

The bridge that broke almost a years ago still lies in the river.  There are vendors all in the area where the bridge broke.  If they had the opportunity, I believe they will have their markets in the river.

I really do not understand why the Government has allowed people to sell all over the city.  There should be some restrictions and laws governing vendors from being all over the city.

There were people I spoke to who said many days they and their children go to bed hungry.  What is happening in Liberia?

I went there and saw the destruction and also poverty and am afraid for our beloved country.

I also learned of people who were sick and could not afford to go to the doctor.  I also know for a fact that if one goes to the hospital ill and does not have money to pay for a bag of drip or blood, treatment will not be administered until it is paid for.

I also saw some historic buildings used as homes for the homeless.  One of the buildings that really touched me was, the Executive Pavilion. A place were heads of states were entertained back in the days.  I saw with my own eyes, vendors selling items such as; suitcases, jeans, shoes, etc.  What a disgrace.  Tears filled my eyes when I saw that.

I was tempted to go and ask everyone out of there but, who would have been my defense.

I know the President is trying her best by traveling over the world to get help for Liberia.  On the other hand, she has officials she has appointed and they need to help her.  She cannot do it all by herself. She has done well by bringing stability to our country and we must work with her as a TEAM

From my observation, Liberia has a long way to recovery.  There are people in government who do not really have Liberia at heart.  You know yourself.

Most of our government offices are dirty and need a face lift. We need to take pride in our country and stop focusing on our personal needs.  How dare you sit in those dirty Government and receive foreig investors.  Where have your pride gone?  Are you blaming those dirty buildings on the war or lack of pride. 

The war has ended and we must move forward.  Looking back and blaming everything on the war will keep us backward.

I must congratulate the Minister of Education for the stand he took in regards to the National Exam.  I must also congratulate the Director of Passport who is fighting corruption in her office. Liberia needs more Ministers and Directors to bring Liberia back on its feet.

I wish those corrupt employees at the airport are fired. Most of the employees in the arrival and departure areas are corrupt and need to be checked.  I would recommend a hidden camera at both areas to see what  citizens and visitors go through when they enter or depart the country.

I want to personally advise Liberians who are seriously thinking about going home to take a visit before packing up your things and family.

I know there are many Liberians who have left their jobs and families here to go for some of the GRAVY but, they are not really happy.  Some of them are there for good reasons and those are trying to rebuild.  

God Bless Liberia, The Head of State  Citizens, the United Nations Troops and all Foreigh Investors.

Thom Gibson,

Gibsonthom55@aol.com