By: Laymah Kollie
Sinoe County Senator Crayton Duncan has warned that greed and weak leadership continue to undermine Liberia’s development, urging students to embrace courage, patriotism, and accountability as the country searches for leaders who will truly serve the people.
Duncan made the remarks on Friday while serving as keynote speaker at the inauguration of student leaders at Calvary Chapel Mission High School, where he challenged young Liberians to prepare for leadership grounded in integrity rather than personal gain.
Congratulating the newly elected student officials, the senator described their decision to contest leadership positions as an early demonstration of bravery.
He noted that Liberia urgently needs leaders who are willing to stand up for citizens, rather than those who rely on handouts, popularity, or empty promises to secure support.
“This is the beginning of leadership,” Duncan told the students, stressing that leadership is defined by courage, responsibility, and a willingness to speak for others—particularly the vulnerable.
The senator sharply criticized what he termed a culture of greed among public officials, arguing that many leaders abandon the people once they attain power.
He emphasized that Liberia is not a poor country, but one richly endowed with natural resources, including gold, diamonds, iron ore, timber, and fertile land.
According to Duncan, selfish leadership and unfavorable agreements have prevented these resources from translating into improved living standards for ordinary Liberians.“They call it greed,” he said.
“When somebody is greedy, the rice in their bowl is never enough. They want the rice in somebody else’s bowl.” He urged students to grow into leaders who think beyond themselves and prioritize future generations.
Duncan also called on students to take pride in Liberia’s history, reminding them that Liberia—alongside Ethiopia, is among the few African countries never colonized.
He urged young people to reject narratives that portray Africans as inferior and instead embrace their national identity.“Be proud of being Liberian,” he said, adding that many national institutions and landmarks were built through Liberian effort and sacrifice.
Senator Duncan further encouraged students to carry that pride into adulthood and to hold leaders accountable.Addressing the challenges faced by parents, including high school fees and limited government support for education, the senator said these burdens reflect weak public investment and poor policy choices.
He called on future voters to elect leaders committed to reforming laws and policies in the interest of ordinary citizens.
Duncan encouraged students to engage their parents and communities in discussions about responsible voting and leadership accountability. “If you don’t take anything from what I said today,” he told the gathering, “take the pride of being a Liberian, and don’t be greedy.”
The inauguration ceremony marked a milestone for Calvary Chapel Mission High School, with administrators expressing hope that the senator’s message would inspire students to pursue integrity, service, and courageous leadership.
