By: Samuel P. Jackson, (Development and Financial Expert)
Introduction: Purpose of Statement
In light of recent discussions and observations regarding my engagement with the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, I find it necessary to offer a clear and principled statement to the Liberian public, policymakers, and civil society. My aim is to clarify the nature of my involvement and to reaffirm my unwavering commitment to the collective advancement of Liberia.
This is not my first time constructively engaging governments I critiqued and had policy differences. In late 1978 I came home to join the administration of William R. Tolbert as Deputy Comptroller at the Ministry of Finance after being recruited from my job as trade finance officer at the then Chase Manhattan Bank, in New York City.
Even after the rice riots, I was again asked to be Director of Price Control and Marketing Analysis and developed a structured approach to maintaining reasonable price levels for essential commodities. I expanded the model developed by the late great Patrick Smith.
In 1997, after my support for the candidacy of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, in an election overwhelmingly won by Charles Taylor, I engaged the Taylor administration by providing technical support to the creation of the Revenue Act of 2000, NOCAL Act of 2000 and the Petroleum Law of 2002.
I spent my vacation time in Liberia from my position as consultant in South Africa between 1999 and 2002 in supporting the economic development policies of the Taylor Administration. Ultimately, I was appointed Minister of State for Economic and Financial Affairs, in the dying days of the regime in 2002 and my focus was on decreasing the pressure of international sanctions on the suffering people of Liberia.
I was a negotiator at several peace conferences including direct talks with Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo in Dakar and during the crafting of the Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement that ushered the current peace through the liberal democracy we all enjoy today in Liberia,
In 2019 despite my differences with the George Weah Administration, I was recruited by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to help organize the National Economic Dialogue, headed by my learned cousin Dr. Toga McIntosh. We presented 17 recommendations to support the economy and strengthen sustainability. Thus, constructive engagement is my modus operandum and not a ploy to gain relevance and pecuniary gains.
Clarifying Constructive Engagement: Not Blanket Support
My constructive engagement with the current government should not be misconstrued as unconditional endorsement of all government policies, nor should it be seen as an indication of sycophantic allegiance. Engagement, in my view, is a civic responsibility—one that involves critical analysis, honest feedback, and the courage to challenge actions or decisions that do not serve the best interests of the Liberian people.
Ongoing Commitment to Critique and Recommendations
I remain steadfast in my commitment to scrutinize government actions, identifying shortcomings, and proposing constructive recommendations. Where policies or decisions are contrary to the welfare and aspirations of Liberians, I will not hesitate to speak out. My guiding principle is and will always be the pursuit of a more just, equitable, and prosperous Liberia.
No Interest in Personal Gain or Official Roles
For the avoidance of doubt, I wish to categorically state that I harbor no interest in consultancy, employment, or appointment to any public commission or official role. My engagement is driven solely by a sense of duty and patriotism, not by personal ambition or the pursuit of material benefit.
Goal: Fostering Unity and Reducing Toxicity
At the core of my efforts is a desire to foster national unity and to reduce the toxicity that has come to characterize much of our political discourse. Liberia’s progress depends on our collective ability to rise above divisions, engage in civil dialogue, and work towards common goals that transcend partisan interests.
Reflections from Recent Experience: Meetings and Lessons Learned
Since my arrival in Liberia, about six weeks ago, I had the privilege of engaging with several senior government officials and stakeholders. These interactions reinforced my understanding of the complexity and depth of the challenges facing our nation.
It became evident that, despite the abundance of capable Liberians at home and abroad, there remains a pervasive reluctance to strategically deploy our best talent in addressing key national issues.
Call for Expertise and Strategic Planning
Liberia’s development demands an inclusive, expertise-driven approach. Partisan loyalty and sycophancy must never be allowed to supplant competence and strategic planning.
We must create an environment where the brightest minds contribute to nation-building, regardless of political, ethnic, or social affiliation. Only through such inclusiveness can we hope to overcome our most pressing challenges and realize our full potential as a nation.
Conclusion: Reiterating Independence and Vision
In closing, I reaffirm my independent stance. I will continue to constructively engage, critique, and propose solutions in the national interest—without seeking or accepting any official role.
My vision is for a Liberia where unity, expertise, and principled leadership guide our path forward. Let us work together, free from the constraints of partisanship and personal gain, to build a future worthy of our people’s hopes and sacrifices. And so it goes.
