See, I have been in Liberia over two years now. Well, to say I came to help in the Reconstruction effort as a volunteer, sometimes sounds redundant. Because I keep saying it each time I post an article. But I have to say it. Because that’s exactly what I am doing – working and speaking. Whether or not I am misconstrued, makes no difference on me.
I am an adventurer. That’s who I am!
I am beginning to appreciate myself more and more in Liberia. People approach me everyday to appreciate what I am doing. Not that I did not appreciate myself before, but my work is very visible when I see that it changes people’s lives for the best. Current November 29 preparations in Maryland County is a prime example of my work.
On November 22, I organized a group of young men. The purpose is for them to help clean Harper City for the upcoming observance of President William V. S. Tubman’s birth anniversary. Marylanders from all walks of life are expected to converge in the County. So the county needs to look better-off than it was.
During this Event, recognition will be given to some Marylanders who have continued to support the Cause of Maryland. Wreaths will be deposited on the graves and tombs of many of our fallen Heroes and Sheroes including, Vice Presidents Dr. H. Too Wesley (first indigenous vice president of the Republic of Liberia) and Allen N. Yancy, I.
Others will include but not limited to Dr. J. Bolton Williams (former supervisor of schools), Hons. O. Natty B. Davies, J. Sebastian Bush, Wakla Neufville, Gen. S. Wah-Kwee Bedell, Snr., J. Daniel Anderson, James Norman Anderson, Fred Gibson, Rev. McDilla Milton, William Alfred Tubman, Cllr. John Dennis, Prof Moraise, Cllr. Nettie Sie Brownell, Bishop Brown, J. J. Dossen, J. Hilary Brewer, and many more.
In my personal opinion, these young men that I have organized to help clean their communities, are doing themselves a favor. Why do I think so? Because I believe they are building for themselves a clean, safe and healthy environment. But all the same, they will receive a $3 (USD) Honorarium per day.
Currently we have 25 young men involved in this community task. They are expected to work for five days.
I have already purchased 25 cutlasses (machete) at $5 (USD) a piece, 10 bags of White Wash paint at $60 (USD) per bag, 7 rakes $9 (USD) a piece, 20 brooms at $1 (USD) a piece, 12 hoes at $5 (USD) a piece, 3 wheel barrows at $50 (USD) a piece &c. All this excludes food, water and refreshment.
I’m hoping, all along the line, donors will be forthcoming.
After the cleaning process for this Event is done, I have another plan. I want to maintain some of those young folks in a part-time employment. I mean the serious and most needy ones will identified and awarded this opportunity.
One of the major areas needing attention is The Merry-Go-Round Park. It needs constant maintenance. The grass in the Park grows so fast and high, the City Corporation cannot keep-up. Someone, other than the City, needs to step up. And I am. So I intend to hire at least four young folks to do the maintenance work. They will receive a monthly Honorarium of $50 per head. I am hoping someone somewhere can take such responsibility to help with the budget on a yearly basis. Or maybe on whatever level he or she can afford it. Otherwise, I will carry their load!
I am Thomas G. Bedell; I speak and work from on the ground in Liberia
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