While many Liberians have expressed gratitude over the recent announcement of a U.S. visa extension for Liberian nationals, not everyone sees reason to celebrate.
Trokon Gray, affectionately known in Monrovia’s motorcycling community as Yellow Machine, voiced his frustration following the news released by the Executive Mansion earlier this week.
“Why should we, the motorcyclists, celebrate the U.S. visa extension? Will it put food on our tables?” Gray questioned. “That benefit is only for the privileged people.”
According to Gray, while the policy may offer relief to Liberians already residing in the United States, it does little to address the economic struggles faced by those at home ~ especially commercial motorcyclists, who make up a large portion of Liberia’s informal workforce.
“This will not benefit we the common people, mostly we the motorcyclists,” he added, expressing disappointment that such announcements often bypass those struggling to make ends meet locally.
The U.S. visa extension, which allows Liberians to remain legally in the United States, has been hailed by government officials as a continuation of strong diplomatic ties between the two nations. However, for everyday workers like Gray, the move highlights the widening gap between Liberia’s political elite and its working class.
As celebrations continue among some segments of society, others ~ like Yellow Machine ~ are calling for greater attention to domestic issues such as unemployment, inflation, and economic inequality.
