By Sampat J.M.B. Kpakimah
The Chairman of St. Michael Community on New Georgia Estate Road, D. Faidesco Lama, has identified drug abuse among young people as one of the community’s most pressing challenges, while noting that most domestic violence complaints brought before community leaders involve women.
Speaking in an interview on Friday, July 10, 2026, Lama said the majority of cases reported to the community leadership are minor disputes involving couples, family disagreements, and requests for mediation. However, he recalled one of the most disturbing incidents handled in recent years, in which a mother allegedly beat her child severely and abandoned the victim.
According to Lama, the case was immediately reported to the Liberia National Police’s Women and Children Protection Section, which rescued the child, arrested the mother, and launched an investigation.
On gender-based violence, Lama said women between the ages of 20 and 40 account for most of the complaints received by the community.
“Women are usually the ones who come forward to report abuse, while many men tend to remain silent until situations become more serious,” he said.
The chairman explained that community leaders often mediate domestic disputes before referring cases to the police because many complainants later request reconciliation instead of prosecution.
“When violence becomes severe or someone’s life is in danger, we immediately involve the Women and Children Protection Section and the Liberia National Police,” he added.
Lama disclosed that no major domestic violence case requiring police intervention has been recorded in the community so far in 2026, with most disputes being resolved through dialogue.
He also raised concerns over the financial burden facing women participating in local loan programs, noting that while the loans help support small businesses, the weekly repayment schedule places significant pressure on borrowers.
“The women appreciate the loans because they help their businesses, but many complain that the repayment period is too short. We hope the lending institutions can consider more flexible payment arrangements,” he said.
Despite these concerns, Lama described drug abuse as the community’s greatest challenge, warning that young people continue to abuse substances such as tramadol despite a noticeable decline in open drug use.
“Although drug use has reduced compared to previous years, many young people still gather at night to abuse drugs. This affects their behavior and threatens the safety and well-being of the community,” he said.
Lama called for stronger collaboration among community leaders, law enforcement agencies, and residents to address substance abuse, protect vulnerable people, and promote peace within the community.
