MONROVIA – As several calls continue to be made towards improving the lives of motorcyclists in the country, Mrs. Teresa Cummings has added her voice to the cause, stating that a more sustainable way of empowering the motorcyclists will be the best option and stressed that such initiative is key to the agenda of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP).
Mrs. Cummings made the assertion on Sunday, January 22, 2023, when she represented her husband and Political leader of the CPP, Mr. Alexander B. Cummings at the induction ceremony of officers of the 20th Street, Sinkor Motorcyclist Parking Lot association.
“Many of you do not want to ride motorcycles for the rest of your lives. Some of you may want to continue in transportation by owning more motorcycles. Some of you may move up to driving taxis and buses. Some others may want to do different things. That’s why vocational and technical education, creating jobs, and assisting you to be successful in business are integral parts of the CPP platform for young people,” Mrs. Cummings said.
She said while the CPP, is concerned about commercial Motorcyclists’ safety and welfare, it’s also concerned about their individual economic development, in terms of improved income, need for reliable insurance policy, which will be serious issues for engagement and discussions with the national leadership of the Liberia Motorcycle Union”, she said.
She spoke of how they are exposed to the risk associated with commercial motorcycle driving especially at night, their resilience to survive under the prevailing harsh economic conditions as well as the need for unity among the motorcyclists as a way to overcome some of the challenges they face.
Mrs. Cummings also applauded Motorcyclists for their crucial role in the country’s transport sector, but cautioned them on the imperative need to observe basic traffic regulations aimed at protecting life and property.
Motorcycles and Keh-kehs (tricycles) have become the major means of road transport for most of Liberia’s estimated five million population and seemingly, the only attractive fallback economic alternative for thousands of unemployed youths nationwide.
Mrs. Cummings said considering the huge increase in the number of Motorcyclists, she said, they have greater responsibilities to ensure peace and stability, by being law abiding and respecting safety regulations.
Madam Cummings, who had been supportive of her husband’s political ambition for the Liberian presidency later committed the Cummings Africa Foundation to ensuring the provision of clean drinking water through the rehabilitation of all hand pumps in the 24th Street Sinkor area. She also made a cash donation to the organization at the occasion.
Following the program, the CPP First Lady toured the 24th Street Sinkor area upon request of the group to acquaint her with the detestable conditions of the community’s school, clinic and prevailing situations.
Earlier, the Chairman of the 20th Street Motorcyclist Parking Lot, Eric Kehn, commended Mrs. Cummings for honoring the group’s invitation and provided brief background for the formation of the group which aimed at installing discipline and promoting the welfare of Motorcyclists.
Officers of the 20th Street Motorcyclist Parking Lot installed included Mr. Eric Kehn, Chairman; Thomas Tumbey, Secretary; and Eric Woart, Treasurer among others.
The program was attended by over six representative groups of Motorcyclists in the Monrovia area.
Motorcycles and Keh-kehs (tricycles) have become the major means of road transport for most of Liberia’s estimated five million population and seemingly, the only attractive fallback economic alternative for thousands of unemployed youths nationwide.