A Liberian peace advocate based in Staten Island, New York, United States of America, Rev. James Bestman, said he wants the citizenry back home to exhibit maximum unity amongst themselves in the wake of the just-ended run-off presidential election that saw the Unity Party Standard Bearer, Ambassador Joseph Nyuma Boakai ascend to the nation’s first office as President-elect.
Rev. Bestman intoned that Liberia is the common denominator the citizens have to cherish, and as such they ought to live in oneness and bury their differences so as to move the country forward amongst the comity of nations.
The Liberian US-based prelate made the statement in an exclusive interview with the Hot Pepper when he visited Monrovia, the capital of his native land, Liberia, recently.
Rev. Bestman, CEO/Board Chair of the Liberian Cultural Association (LCA), an institution committed to community needs in Staten, New York, USA, voiced that he has been in the vanguard of promoting Liberian culture in that part of the world, as this has made him gain tremendous recognition and respect among not only the Liberian community but also among citizens of America.
Touching on his visitation to the country, Rev. Bestman, whose advocacy for peace and unity to reign in Liberia and due to his strong lobbying power in the corridors of the US Congress and NGO circle in the interest of Liberians in the US and back home have won him high level recognition globally, explained that he has come to do feasibility studies in order to make his passionate contribution towards the growth and human development of the nation state, which was disposed by years of civil war.
Rev. Bestman, also a civil engineer, due his love for country and human development, particularly in the transformation of war-affected Liberian youth in the US and in Liberia, hinted this paper that his work and achievements towards his vision has distinguished him among other Liberian peace advocates in the Americas, evident of him being a proud winner of the City Council of New York prestigious certificate of award.
He then decried the sad effect the Liberian civil war had on the youth populace, especially ex-combatants whom, he recalled, were not de-traumatized nor rehabilitated by the UN peace mission and international peace brokers, as many of the youth today in the country continue to be stigmatized.
“Our advocacy for peace and unity in Liberia also takes into consideration a holistic youth empowerment and educational program through the Liberian Cultural Association’s effort. This program also calls for the full involvement of all well-meaning citizens at home and those in the diaspora to ensure that our disadvantaged youth, otherwise referred to as ‘zogos’, once more are made useful citizens in a few years’ time,” Rev. Bestman disclosed.
On the political front, Rev. Bestman used the opportunity to congratulate President-elect and Unity Party (UP) Standard Bearer, Ambassador Joseph Nyuma Boakai, on his election in the run-off polls against the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) Standard Bearer, President George Weah, a process that was declared free, fair and democratic by international election observers and the international community.
He entreated President-elect Boakai and the UP-led government, soon to be inaugurated, in January 2024, to strive to deliver on their campaign promises to Liberian voters, partisans and well-wishers in running an inclusive government of qualified personalities and statesmen, while at the same time uniting all citizens, irrespective of creed, religion, tribe and political connection—if the nation is to reclaim its lost respect globally as a member of the United Nations.
Rev. Bestman said he’s of the conviction that President-elect Boakai has the wherewithal to lead the country and work in the best interest of humanity, thereby building a vibrant society in his six-year term of office, because, as he put it, “Liberians are living below the poverty belt as many can’t even afford a meal a day and are craving for a better Liberia under the new political dispensation.”
Meanwhile, the Liberian Cultural Association CEO/Board Chair, Rev. James Bestman, has uttered that because of his love for country and vision to take the nation to the next level economically, socially and build stronger diplomatic ties with friendly nations of the world, including the United States, he is contemplating on contesting the country’s highest office, the presidency, come 2029’s general and presidential elections.
He did not readily say whether he will run for the presidency in 2029 polls on a political party’s ticket or will contest in the race as an independent candidate.