By K. Ericson Sayee
MONROVIA, June 24 (LINA) – Former Liberian Vice President, Jewel Howard Taylor, has expressed deep concern over what she describes as the Liberian media’s continued tendency to trumpet negative stories over some positive developments taking place in the country.
She argued that despite the existence of challenges, the media has widespread development initiatives, and not only the negative stories that continue to flood the social media as if nothing good is happening in the country.
One of the good things that had happened recently, the former VP mentioned the groundbreaking of the first maternity health center, which, according to her, is great development for the country.
She added that despite this wonderful development, there has not been more discussion surrounding the first post-war maternity center.
“Just yesterday, the First Lady broke ground for Liberia’s first post-war maternity hospital—an achievement that deserves praise.
It is being undertaken in partnership with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However, the media tends to focus too much on negative stories”
Taylor urged media institutions to adopt a more balanced reportage by focusing on not only problems and shortcomings but also success stories and initiatives that contribute to Liberia’s development.
“Even as an opposition member, aren’t there some good things happening? Yes, there are good things happening, but when you turn on your social media, all you see is negativity. Very few people talk about what’s happening positively. So, we have gotten engaged in a very negative society “, she asserted
Making her comment on the most-talked about US$19 million narcotic drugs that were seized at the Roberts International Airport, Madam Taylor called for a collaborative approach in the fight against drugs. She wants communities to get involved in the fight.
She believes the war against narcotic substances that are destroying the youthful population of the country cannot be politicized, calling on parents and communities to report centers to authority, stating that this collaborative effort will help in curbing the dangerous substances that are damaging young people.