By Amos Harris
MONROVIA—Sinoe County Senator Crayton Oldman Duncan delivered an uncompromising and highly critical message to his colleagues in the Liberian Senate, urging them to confront the nation’s governance failures and accept responsibility for Liberia’s slow pace of progress.
Speaking during the opening session of the Senate on October 14, 2025, Senator Duncan warned that Liberia’s greatest barrier to national development is not a lack of resources or external factors, but rather the complacency and conduct of its own leaders.
“The Senate floor is not a ground to joke,” Duncan declared. “Our major problem is ourselves—we represent our people.”
In a speech noted for its rare candor and introspection, the Sinoe lawmaker criticized both the Legislative and Executive Branches for what he described as a persistent cycle of negligence, corruption, and political self-interest that continues to undermine effective governance.
Duncan alleged that lawmakers have become too absorbed in political gamesmanship, personal gain, and partisan loyalty, thereby abandoning their constitutional duty to the Liberian people.
He held both branches accountable: “The Executive, when the laws are made, they do not enforce them. And we, as lawmakers, are equally guilty for sitting quietly while the people suffer.”
The Senator’s remarks underscored a growing public frustration over the government’s performance and the widening gap between elected officials and citizens. He accused some officials of prioritizing personal comfort over the welfare of their constituents, an attitude he believes has deepened mistrust in the political system.
Turning to his home, Sinoe County, Duncan expressed grave concern over worsening economic hardships and environmental degradation linked to illicit mining activities.
He specifically alleged that some local Class B mining license holders have entered into illegal arrangements with foreign operators, enabling them to exploit local resources at the expense of communities.
“These foreign miners come in through the back door, aided by our own people,” he lamented. “They take the gold and the wealth, but leave our land destroyed and our people jobless.”
Senator Duncan called for stronger enforcement of mining laws and stricter oversight of resource management, cautioning that continued exploitation would only exacerbate poverty and environmental destruction.
His strong critique has since sparked intense debate among both lawmakers and citizens, with many describing the speech as a much-needed wake-up call to restore integrity, accountability, and purpose to Liberia’s governance system.
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