In the realm of politics, credibility and integrity are essential. Leaders are trusted to represent the truth and act in the best interests of the people they serve. Unfortunately, former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has gravely undermined these values in her recent claims, and the Liberian people deserve an immediate apology for the misleading statements she has made.
In an attempt to paint herself as a victim of neglect, Madam Howard-Taylor has made public statements claiming that the government of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has failed to provide her with any post-service benefits. She alleged that her attempts to communicate with the authorities regarding her benefits were ignored and dismissed. She even went as far as to describe herself as abandoned, stating that she had received no official vehicle after leaving office and was forced to rely on personal means of transportation. To top it off, Madam Howard-Taylor told the nation during a live broadcast that, on the day of President Boakai’s inauguration, she was left stranded at the Executive Mansion, waiting for a private ride home under a tree.
These claims, though emotionally charged, are entirely false. Contrary to her public assertions, official documents obtained by Verity News reveal that Madam Howard-Taylor has in fact received 100% of her constitutionally mandated benefits, including substantial financial payments. Leaked internal records from the Ministry of Finance show that she received the bulk of her entitlements in March 2025, including 70% of her benefits in U.S. dollars and 30% in Liberian dollars. The documents reveal that for March 2025, Madam Howard-Taylor received a net payment of USD $782.52, which represents her 70% entitlement in U.S. dollars, as well as LRD $66,311.52, which is part of the local currency portion of her benefits. The total gross amount she received for the month was USD $11,643.83 and LRD $986,714.62.
This revelation of a considerable sum in payments directly contradicts her claims of being abandoned and neglected by the current government.For a public figure of her stature to misrepresent the facts so egregiously is not just disappointing, it is a betrayal of the trust the Liberian people place in their leaders. For someone who has held the office of Vice President and made significant public service contributions, such fabrications are not only unbecoming but deeply damaging to the political climate in Liberia.
The fact remains that Liberia has a well-established procedure for providing post-service benefits to former officials, including Madam Howard-Taylor. This payment structure, which is consistent with practices followed during her own tenure, includes a combination of U.S. dollars and Liberian dollars. The 70% portion is disbursed in U.S. dollars, while the remaining 30%, known as the Local Dollar Residual (LDR), is paid in Liberian dollars. These procedures have been in place for years, and they were followed even when Madam Howard-Taylor held office. There is no ambiguity in these established processes, and yet, she has chosen to mislead the public by claiming otherwise.
Such dishonesty undermines the credibility of the office she once held and further erodes the trust between the people and their government. At a time when Liberia is grappling with pressing issues such as corruption, mismanagement, and inadequate service delivery, the last thing the country needs is a former leader engaging in deceptive practices for political gain. This kind of behavior only deepens the political divide and distracts from the real issues facing the nation.
Madam Howard-Taylor must apologize to the Liberian people for her attempt to distort the truth. She has caused unnecessary confusion and frustration by pushing a false narrative that has now been thoroughly debunked. By spreading misinformation, she has not only misled the public but has also done a disservice to the reputation of the government of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, which is working hard to rebuild Liberia’s economy and strengthen its democratic institutions.
For someone in a leadership position to be so cavalier with the truth sends a dangerous message to the public. Leaders must be held accountable for their actions, especially when their statements have the potential to harm the credibility of the entire political system. It is essential for all Liberians, particularly former leaders, to demonstrate responsibility and transparency in their actions.
In the case of Madam Howard-Taylor, this means issuing a full and unreserved apology to the Liberian people for misleading them with her false claims. As a former Vice President, she should know the weight of her words and the impact they can have on the public. She must set a higher standard for herself, one that reflects the values of honesty, integrity, and respect for the office she once held.
The people of Liberia deserve better. They deserve leaders who speak the truth, uphold their responsibilities, and work for the betterment of the nation. This is a time for unity and progress, not division and deceit. Madam Howard-Taylor must take the first step toward healing the divide she has caused by acknowledging her mistake and offering a sincere apology to the Liberian people. Only then can she begin to rebuild the trust that has been so recklessly damaged.
