By: Abraham Sylvester Panto

Monrovia, July 26, 2024 – Addressing scores of citizens, government officials and International guests at the Centennial Pavilion in Monrovia, Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey, the National Orator for Liberia’s 177th Independence Day, called for a radical agenda to re-imagine the nation’s future.

Dr. Pailey, a distinguished academic and Assistant Professor at the London School of Economics, delivered her speech under the theme, “A Radical Agenda for Re-imagining Liberia.” She emphasized the revolutionary spirit of Liberia’s founding in 1847 and the need to reconnect with the nation’s core principles of dignity and self-determination.

“Our declaration of independence was a revolutionary act of defiance,” Dr. Pailey declared. “Back then, when blackness was synonymous with bondage, we Liberians dared to be free.”

Dr. Pailey outlined a bold vision for Liberia, calling for a redefinition of citizenship that includes claiming rights, fulfilling responsibilities, and building healthy relationships. “A re-imagined Liberia is one in which we claim rights, fulfill responsibilities, and cultivate wholesome relationships with one another,” she stated.

Addressing the country’s socio-economic challenges, Dr. Pailey criticized the persistence of “structural violence” and “unfreedoms.” She advocated for a shift from an extractive economic model to one focused on industrialization and creative industries. “We must invest heavily in Liberians,” she asserted, highlighting the importance of education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Pailey also stressed the need for inclusive growth and tackling income inequality. She urged lawmakers to revise labor laws, protect local businesses, and promote food security. “A country that pays its average workers below average salaries is setting itself up for failure,” she warned.

In a passionate plea, Dr. Pailey called for a “values-based revolution” against corruption, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and the enforcement of anti-corruption laws. “High-level corruption is like mass murder, and we must treat it like the egregious crime it is,” she stated.

Dr. Pailey concluded with a call to action, urging Liberians to re-imagine their nation and work towards a future defined by dignity and collective prosperity. “Dignity must define us,” she repeated, encapsulating her vision for a transformed Liberia.