MONROVIA, Feb. 17 (LINA) – Amidst efforts to discourage drug abuse and addiction in Liberia, Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor has broken ground for the construction of the proposed Bai T. Moore Rehabilitation Center in Bomi County.
When completed, the center will host disadvantaged youths in order to transform their lives so that they can contribute to the development of the country.
The 47.3 acres of land on which the center is being constructed, was provided by the Vice President through the people of Bomi County and was subsequently turned over to a private institution called Agents for Change to lead the establishment of the facility.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony held in Bomi County over the weekend, Madam Taylor termed the project as an essential one that is going to provide rehabilitation for disadvantaged youth, saying « we want a center where young people can engage their minds to be transformed into a better one, so that they can become useful citizens. »
« As a human, if you do not have a transformed mind, you will not be able to do anything; we want to grow old and see our young people in control of their country, » she stressed.
According to her, Liberia is a resourceful and a beautiful country, but it cannot be discovered if the minds of the youths are not set, adding, « if we stay here and work on our country, we will be surprised to view what we reap because the riches are right under our feet here. »
Taylor commended the people of Bomi for the provision of the land space, stating that the project will be the beginning of the rebuilding of Bomi County.
The Liberian Vice President, however, requested for an additional 50 acres of land that is adjoining the property to enhance the sustainability of the facility.
When the land is obtained, Taylor said, “we will first begin an agriculture project that will provide training, and job for the youths and will also provide funding for the maintenance of the center.”
At a fundrising rally which preceded the groundbreaking exercise, VP Taylor hailed the Agents for Change for its crucial role in the fight against drugs addiction and abuse in Liberia, while submitting a check of US$10,000 as contribution from her office.
She also promised to provide a mini-bus to help ease the mobility challenge while the center is being constructed.
Taylor reiterated the need for the active involvement of all into the fight against drug abuse and addiction, hoping that when completed, the Bai T. Moore Rehabilitation Village will guide, rehabilitate, accompany and follow drug abusers.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Board Chair of Agents for Change, Rev. Samuel Reeves, put the cost of the project at US$3 million, disclosing that the Project will be done in three phrases.
Reeves thanked the Vice President and the people of Bomi County for welcoming such project while calling for more support for its realization.
For his part, Bomi County Senator Sando Dazoe Johnson, praised the Vice President and the founders of the project for their vision to construct a rehabilitation center in Bomi County.
Johnson also pledged US$1,000 as his initial contribution towards the project.
Several dignitaries, including representatives of UN agencies also graced the occasion and made commitments to support the project.
