By Amos Harris
MONROVIA – The Patriotic Entrepreneurs of Liberia (PATEL) has formally distanced itself from a planned protest allegedly being organized under its name. While clarifying its stance on civil action, the organization also commended the Government of Liberia for recent efforts to support local businesses while highlighting critical challenges remaining in the telecommunications and retail sectors.
Speaking at a press conference in Monrovia, PATEL National Chairman Dominic Nimely stated firmly that the organization has not authorized any protest against the government or the private sector. He warned the public against individuals using the PATEL name without approval, clarifying that anyone calling for a protest under their banner is acting in a personal capacity and does not speak for the leadership.
Nimely revealed that a former official of the organization had been circulating statements and flyers on social media. According to the Chairman, the individual initially used the PATEL name before rebranding the action as an “economic movement” after realizing the initial use was improper. Following consultations with senior stakeholders and business leaders, PATEL leadership concluded that dialogue, rather than confrontation, remains the most effective way to address their grievances.
While ruling out protest actions, Chairman Nimely raised serious concerns regarding the poor quality of services provided by GSM companies in Liberia. He lamented persistent call failures, delayed connections, and unreliable internet services, noting that Liberians pay some of the highest telecommunications tariffs in the region for substandard delivery. He disclosed that while PATEL had previously contemplated a protest over these services, they chose instead to engage lawmakers and regulators. However, despite repeated promises, Nimely noted that services continue to decline, prompting PATEL to call on the government to mandate that operators invest in modern equipment.
The PATEL Chairman also offered a sharp critique of the implementation of Liberia’s liberalization policy. He argued that the policy has largely failed to protect local entrepreneurs, noting that sectors legally reserved for Liberians—such as wholesale and retail—are increasingly dominated by foreign nationals. Nimely expressed frustration that many foreign traders secure loans from local banks rather than bringing in fresh capital, effectively crowding out Liberian businesses and leaving local entrepreneurs stagnant.
Despite these criticisms, PATEL acknowledged significant positive steps taken by the current administration. Nimely praised the government for including business associations in the national budget for the first time in years, noting that the Liberia Business Association and related bodies received modest but important allocations. He also lauded President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for his consistent engagement with foreign investors, insisting they partner with Liberians rather than dominate the economy. Other praised measures included the issuance of service passports to businesspeople and government sponsorship for private-sector participation in international trade missions.
In closing, the PATEL Chairman maintained that while protests may attract attention, they are not always the best solution for sustainable growth. He renewed his call for President Boakai to meet directly with Liberian business associations and chambers of commerce to hear their concerns firsthand. Reaffirming PATEL’s commitment to peaceful engagement, Nimely emphasized that the goal is to ensure Liberians become active participants, rather than mere spectators, in their own economy.
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