Published: August 2, 2025
Gbarnga, Bong County – Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor says Liberia must embrace democratic maturity, economic reform, and political reconciliation as it confronts a new era of governance under President Joseph Boakai’s administration.
Speaking during a wide-ranging interview on Super Bongese Radio in Bong County, the former vice president reflected on her transition from public office, the internal challenges within her National Patriotic Party (NPP), and her views on national governance. Taylor, who served as Senator for Bong County before ascending to the vice presidency in 2018, said she remains politically active—albeit at a slower pace—and is committed to mentoring Liberia’s next generation of leaders.
“I’ve worked continuously from age 21 to 62,” Taylor said. “Now, life is quieter, but I’m still involved. I’m writing my memoirs, restructuring the Jewel Starfish Foundation, and staying engaged with my church and my county.”
She described Liberia as a “nation in transition,” noting that while progress has been made across successive administrations, many of the country’s structural and social challenges remain unresolved.
NPP Infighting and 2029 Ambitions
Taylor acknowledged deep divisions within the National Patriotic Party since it exited power in January, but said the party remains intact and intends to participate vigorously in the 2029 general elections.
“There’s still a lot of wrangling within the leadership of the party. But that is normal when parties lose power,” she said. “But we are preparing for our national convention this December. I don’t have a preferred candidate—I just want unity and clarity.”
The NPP, she said, is the “only truly grassroots party in Liberia,” boasting loyalists across the country. Taylor emphasized that rebuilding trust among partisans, many of whom feel neglected or are drifting to other parties, will be key.
“We must go to the people, count them, hear them, and bring them back into the fold,” she said. “In 2029, the NPP will be a potent opposition force.”
Bong County, Development, and National Budget Critique
Taylor, Liberia’s first female vice president, said she remains proud of development efforts initiated during the CDC-led administration and welcomes the Boakai government’s decision to continue those projects. But she called for greater fiscal discipline and a reorientation of national priorities.
“This year, our budget went up to almost $800 million. For the first time, we started in 2006 with like a $100 million budget. We managed to grow the budget. But I have an issue with the spending of the budget. And I’m not a lawmaker, I’m not the president. As an individual, if you look at where the money is going, you can tell that the development will be slower. So I hope by the time we get to looking at the 2026 budget, this government will look a little bit more keen on the things that need to be done.”
She called for increased investments in agriculture, tourism, youth empowerment, and local entrepreneurship, praising the African Development Bank’s recent $10 million support to the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank.
Taylor was particularly vocal about Bong County’s need for drug rehabilitation centers and vocational training programs for at-risk youth. “Drugs are a national emergency,” she said. “Government must act urgently and comprehensively.”
On Protests, Governance, and the Rule of Law
In response to a recent protest organized by STAND led by Mulbah Morlu, Taylor said the demonstration was a constitutional right and reflected genuine public frustration with worsening economic conditions.
“Things are difficult. People are not happy. It doesn’t mean you should bring the government down,” she said. “What it means is that government should listen.”
Taylor also emphasized the importance of the rule of law, warning that failure to adhere to Supreme Court rulings, such as in the case of the speakership dispute, risks undermining public faith in institutions.
“When the Supreme Court speaks, all should fall in line,” she said. “If we don’t uphold the rule of law, it encourages people to bypass legal systems altogether.”
Reflecting on Legacy, Owning Mistakes
Taylor conceded that her administration failed in effectively communicating its accomplishments. “I think that was our Achilles heel, that we did not provide all of the information to the media that we should have, so that people would have known the things that we were doing.”
She also distanced herself from corruption allegations that have engulfed several former officials, saying investigations must be fair, thorough, and devoid of political vendettas.
“Going to court is not an indictment. Everybody is considered innocent until they are proven guilty,” she said, referencing cases involving both Unity Party and CDC affiliates.
Commitment to Reconciliation and Stability
On Bong County politics, Taylor expressed support for ongoing reconciliation efforts and dismissed claims that she remains a divisive figure. “I’ve decided the past is the past. I will criticize when necessary, but constructively,” she said.
She said she had not been formally contacted by county reconciliation committees but was open to collaboration. “I want to walk freely in the market with my children. That requires a county at peace,” she added.
Asked whether she would support another run by former President George Weah or seek national office herself, Taylor remained noncommittal. “The opposition is in conversation. Anything is possible in Liberian politics,” she said.
Despite the political uncertainty, Taylor urged patience with the Boakai administration but warned that the clock is ticking.
“We’re just at year number one and a half, so let’s give them some time to see what they will bring to the table. They now have responsibilities. Coming into 2026, we will now have to see: what are the projects that they’re working on? What are the major things that the president has brought? What are the new investments that he has brought to the country? This is what we’ll be looking at. So, I think we should still give them another year,” she said.
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