Monrovia, Liberia — Petty traders at Duala Market on Bushrod Island over the weekend honored Sinoe County Senator Crayton Duncan during a visit marked by appreciation, engagement, and candid dialogue on national development and grassroots challenges.
The program was attended by scores of marketers and community members.
During the ceremony, the marketers formally honored Senator Duncan in recognition of his leadership and what they described as his continued efforts to advocate for the welfare of ordinary Liberians. The women, including Julie Brown, Martha Sano, and Brenda Davis, led the appreciation segment, pledging their support and confidence in his leadership.
Speaking on behalf of the traders, representative of the market women Julie Brown expressed gratitude to Senator Duncan for the level done at the Legislature and described the gathering as a significant moment for their community.
The Youth Chair Abraham Sannoh noted that the visit symbolized a “new chapter” in strengthening ties between national leaders and ordinary citizens, particularly those in the informal sector.
Marketers raised concerns affecting their livelihoods, including limited selling space, poor market conditions, and the need for better infrastructure. They appealed to the senator to support initiatives that would improve their working environment, including market expansion and drainage improvements. Key request in their plight was for the Senator to help back-fill a swamp in the premises to allow them extend the market structure and quit selling on the main road.
In his remarks, Senator Duncan thanked the traders for the warm reception and used the opportunity to reflect on his personal journey and political experience. He emphasized that he understands the daily struggles of ordinary Liberians, noting that he once lived under similar conditions.
“I know what it means to struggle,” the senator said, urging the marketers not to judge leaders by appearances but by their commitment to improving lives.
The Sinoe County lawmaker also used the platform to speak broadly on governance and national politics, encouraging citizens to make informed decisions and remain engaged in shaping the country’s future. He stressed that Liberia is richly endowed with natural resources but continues to face challenges due to leadership shortcomings.
“Our country is not poor,” he told the gathering. “God has blessed Liberia with resources, but the problem has always been how those resources are managed.”
The activity concluded with renewed calls for collaboration between lawmakers and grassroots communities, as traders expressed hope that such engagements would translate into tangible development and improved living conditions across markets in Monrovia.
