As Christmas draws near, the festive spirit that usually fills the air is mainly absent for many Liberians, as financial hardship weighs heavily on the population. A survey of market vendors and private-sector workers across the country reveals the grim reality of an economy struggling to bring joy this holiday season.
“Things are hard,” said Grace Kollie, a marketeer, her voice tinged with frustration. “The cost of goods keeps rising, and nothing is selling as it used to. How can we enjoy Christmas when we are barely surviving?”
The situation is no better at Waterside Market, one of Monrovia’s busiest commercial centers, where traders grapple with slow sales and high prices. “We can sit here all day and still not sell enough to feed our families,” said Peter Saah, a clothes vendor. “If things continue like this, Christmas will only bring more stress, not joy.”
For many, delayed salaries and economic stagnation contribute to the hardship. Willy Moore, an employee at the National Printers of Liberia, explained the toll on his ability to enjoy the season. “Christmas is for everyone, but it depends on the individual’s situation,” he said. “As for me, it’s tough financially because I haven’t been paid yet.”
However, not everyone shares this bleak outlook. Scolastica D’Almeida, a local worker, remained optimistic about the season, attributing her ability to manage financially to her steady employment. “The season is not hard on me because I’m working,” she said. “It will only be hard for those who refuse to work or try to earn a living.”
Despite D’Almeida’s optimism, most Liberians are facing an unyielding economy. Many private-sector workers, like Moore, are left waiting for their salaries, while market vendors at Waterside and other areas continue to struggle with rising costs and stagnant sales.
This contrast highlights the broader challenges facing Liberia, where most citizens feel the burden of economic hardship. While a few have managed to navigate these difficulties, for most, the weight of financial strain overshadows the joy of the Christmas season, leaving many uncertain about how they will provide for their families during what is supposed to be a time of celebration.
For many Liberians, the message remains clear: “We are suffering.”
