–Rep. Briggs-Mensah Tells Diaspora Liberians
By Vaye Abel Lepolu
MONROVIA — Representative Moima Briggs-Mensah (Bong County District #6) wants Liberians abroad to drive national development through investment, expertise and job creation — not through new demands on the country’s strained public purse.
Her call comes as the government deepens engagement with Liberians in the diaspora, particularly in the United States, and as debate grows over whether citizens at home remain central to the national development agenda.
Briggs-Mensah said diaspora contributions matter, but argued that policymakers must give equal attention to Liberians living and working at home under harsh economic conditions.
She pointed to citizens who travel long distances — sometimes walking through difficult terrain, rain and sunshine — to vote, saying government must not overlook them as it courts the diaspora.
The lawmaker rejected the notion that government should bankroll every initiative labeled a development project. Instead, she urged Liberians abroad to attract investors, introduce viable businesses, supply technical expertise and build partnerships that create jobs and expand Liberia’s productive capacity.
“Bring the investment. Bring the investors. Bring the expertise. Bring proposals that can create jobs, expand businesses, increase production, empower Liberians and contribute meaningfully to our national economy,” she said.
Briggs-Mensah noted that Liberia faces competing demands for limited public resources, making it essential that government spends taxpayers’ money responsibly and on programs with broad public benefit.
She called the diaspora a vital development partner but insisted that engagement must come with tangible economic contributions. Diaspora initiatives, she said, should promote investment, entrepreneurship, innovation, skills transfer and sustainable development — not create fresh financial obligations for government.
The Bong County lawmaker urged stronger cooperation among government, Liberians at home and those abroad to launch initiatives that create jobs, support local businesses, raise production and widen opportunity.
She said Liberia needs development partnerships that generate value and economic opportunity while protecting taxpayers’ limited resources.
Briggs-Mensah closed by stressing that citizens who endured difficult conditions to take part in Liberia’s democracy must remain visible in the country’s development agenda.
Those who walked through difficult conditions, braved the rain and endured the heat to cast their votes, she said, deserve to be seen, heard, recognized and served.
