–Former VP Taylor Terms EPS’ initial findings
By Jerromie S. Walters
In a release dated May 29, 2024, the Executive Protection Service (EPS) said it is investigating the allegations of an attack on Former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor but no evidence has been found to support the claim that she was targeted by an unknown assailant in the Duport Road area, as reported.
However, the former Vice President has strongly opposed to this, as she termed the report as “Lies”. Madam Taylor disagrees with the report but hasn’t been explicit as to whether she’s interested in more investigation or whether the matter should remain as it is.
The Executive force said its preliminary investigation was unable to confirm the reported targeted attack. “It was determined that former Vice President Taylor was traveling in a two-vehicle convoy when a sound from one of the vehicles’ back windshields caused minor damage. There is no indication that a vehicle intentionally crashed into her convoy, as suggested in the media. Following the alleged incident, the area was promptly searched, and individuals in the vicinity were interviewed. No witnesses reported seeing anyone throwing projectiles at the former VP’s vehicle.”
Howbeit, the Executive Protection Service (EPS) says it is speculated that gravel from under the tire of a passing vehicle in the opposite lane may have caused the damage to the rear windshield. “However, this theory remains inconclusive, and there is no concrete evidence to support the claim of an attack on the former Vice President.” Photos of the damaged windshield show that both the left and right sides of the vehicle were hit.
It continues, “The EPS is committed to providing protection services to high-profile individuals, including the President, Vice President, and their families. The agency is dedicated to uncovering the truth behind any threats or incidents and will not be swayed by political agendas or baseless accusations of targeted attacks designed to garner public attention and sympathy.” However, the has reported that currently, it is ensuring the security of Former Vice President Taylor with a team of nearly half a dozen highly trained agents and two police officers.
Over the weekend, Madam Taylor told WomenVoices that a large rock was thrown at the back windshield of her vehicle, on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Paynesville, Liberia, while she was returning from a visit to the CHAP RICE PROJECT ON DUPORT ROAD. “I was coming from Duport Road and someone threw a large rock at the back windshield of my car…. I now really feel unsafe. I went to visit the CHAP Rice Project on Duport Road, and on my way back without proper escort vehicle and security my vehicle was attacked from the back.” This also happened after she served as Keynote Speaker earlier that day (Saturday) at the National Women Leadership and Entrepreneurship Conference (NWLEC- 2024) held at the Paynesville Town Hall.
Following the incident, she expressed her dismay at the absence of adequate security, escort vehicles, and backup support during her trip, which she believes ultimately led to the attack on her vehicle. “We were in the normal traffic as there were no escorts nor backup vehicle. Not sufficient security.
Everyone just stood by and looked. My life isn’t safe. How can I even go out when I don’t know if I will be attacked again?” she asked in disappointment.
The former Vice President described the attack as the first physical incident following verbal threats, indicating that it appeared to be targeted and could potentially happen again. Madam Taylor: “There were some mean words thrown at us but this is the first physical one..it seemed targeted and once they have tried – it will be done again. It feels so sad that my life is now at this kind of threat level in my own home!” She voiced her distress at the realization that her safety is now compromised in her own country. Engulfed in fear, Madam Taylor articulated: “My life isn’t safe. How can I even go out when I don’t know if I will be attacked again?”
Prior to the incident, Madam Jewel Howard Taylor informed Womenvoices that she repeatedly raised concerns with the Executive Protection Service (EPS) about feeling unsafe, but her pleas have fallen on deaf ears. “I had complained to EPS over and over that I felt unsafe but to no avail…I don’t have sufficient security or any vehicles to go about. I only have my 1 private vehicle.”
To avoid a repeat of Saturday’s tragedy, Madam Taylor stresses the essentiality of enhanced security measures to ensure her protection and safety as she goes about her daily life. She appears baffled by the lack of response from authorities as the need for her safety becomes visible every other day.
Executive Order No. 91 issued by President Sirleaf outlines the provision of transition services, including vehicles, chauffeurs, and VIP protection (EPS and Police Services), for the outgoing President and Vice President. It illustrates the practical application of principles laid out in the Executive Law regarding the security of former leaders and reinforces the idea that such provisions are part of the expected transition package.
Also, the 2023 Pension Bill passed by the Liberian Senate includes personal staff and police protection among the retirement benefits for former presidents and other high-ranking officials. The bill clarifies and expands the scope of benefits, including security, that the state is mandated to provide to its former executives.
In March of this year, the Executive Protection Service (EPS) admonished former President George Weah to hire private security as they said the size of the detail or bodyguard corps assigned is determined by the EPS based on the threat level around said VIP. This came after Mr. Weah requested a minimum of twenty-five Executive Protection Service agents.
