By Jerromie S. Walters
MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Former Vice President of Liberia, Chief Cllr. Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor, has petitioned the Liberian Senate, marking her third formal request for the payment of her pension benefits, immunities, and entitlements under the Pension Act of 2003.
In a letter addressed to Senate President Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence and members of the 55th National Legislature, Howard-Taylor expressed dismay that more than two and a half years after leaving office in January 2024, she has yet to receive any pension benefits—despite having fulfilled all legal requirements.
“This matter weighs heavily on me, not only because of its financial implications, but because of what it represents,” Howard-Taylor wrote. The former Vice President underscored her decades of public service, including roles as First Lady of the Republic, two-term Senator of Bong County, President Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate, and the country’s first elected female Vice President.
“Through seasons of peace and conflict, triumph and challenge, I remained steadfast in my commitment to our country and to the democratic institutions we have all worked so hard to build and strengthen,” she added.
Madam Howard-Taylor appealed to the Senate’s “sense of fairness, compassion, and institutional responsibility,” urging the body often referred to as the House of Elders to demonstrate that Liberia values those who have dedicated their lives to public service.
“I ask that the Senate uses its good offices and oversight authority to ensure that my benefits are processed and paid without further delay,” the letter reads. She further requested that the matter be resolved “with fairness, urgency, and finality.”
The former Vice President concluded by reaffirming her respect for the Senate and the Republic, submitting her appeal with “assurances of highest esteem and profound respect.” As of press time, the Senate President Pro-Tempore’s office had not issued a public response.
