MONROVIA – President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate, Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, on Monday, October 21, 2025, delivered a forceful and comprehensive opening statement as the 55th Legislature reconvened, outlining key reform milestones and fresh mandates for accountability, oversight, and modernization within the Senate.
Addressing her colleagues in the Senate Chambers, Karnga-Lawrence expressed gratitude for what she described as “a successful and rewarding trip to the People’s Republic of China,” where she represented Liberia at the Global Leaders’ Meeting for Women. “I am happy to be back home,” she said, “and I want to thank all Senators for your cooperation, commitment, and dedication during my absence.”
The Senate Pro Tempore commended Senators James Baney and Abe Darius Dillon for presiding over plenary sessions and managing administrative affairs while she was away. She also praised the collective work of the Senate, calling it “the house of elders, working in harmony and doing very well with reformation, robust oversight, and reviewing laws to suit today’s standards for the benefit of the country.”
Providing a report from the last session, Karnga-Lawrence disclosed that the Senate enacted, concurred, and ratified fifty-six (56) instruments, confirmed one hundred sixty-eight (168) nominees, and currently has twenty-six (26) instruments in committee rooms. “The details from this report are on the Senate’s website,” she noted, directing the public to www.senate.gov.lr.
She highlighted several critical issues addressed by the Senate during the last session, including concerns over work permit procedures, unfair petroleum pricing structures, drug abuse prevention, and the misappropriation of social and county development funds. “We applaud Senator Emmanuel Nuquay for raising the issue of unfair pricing at LPRC and Senator Abe Darius Dillon for his work on the labor and work permit concerns,” she added.
In a strong push for legislative action, Karnga-Lawrence issued fresh mandates to Senate committees. She instructed the Labor Committee to report within one week on work permit issuance versus job opportunities for Liberians, while the Committee on Agriculture must investigate the government’s US$200 million loan for the STAR-P and RETRAP projects. “This investigation must be concluded in two weeks,” she declared, “and a report sent to plenary for debate.”
Touching on issues of accountability, the Grand Bassa County Senator revealed that the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE) had failed to provide a proper account of over US$800,000 allocated for legislative projects. “The Senate will request an audit by the GAC,” she announced. She also confirmed that the Senate found fraud in the Liberia Timber Management Initiative (LTMI) agreement and has referred the matter to the Executive for investigation.
In her remarks, Karnga-Lawrence emphasized the Senate’s internal reform achievements, particularly in human resource management. She disclosed that a seasoned consultant has completed a comprehensive Employee Handbook, 98 job descriptions, and a draft organizational chart. “Our new compensation strategy will balance fairness, competitiveness, and fiscal responsibility,” she stated, adding that it will “reinforce a culture of merit and transparency.”
Karnga-Lawrence further reported significant progress in the Senate’s financial and digital modernization efforts, including the introduction of Starlink Internet, a Microsoft 365 email system, and a biometric attendance tracker. “These upgrades have dramatically improved internal communication and accountability,” she said.
She also announced that the Senate’s five-year Strategic Plan (2025–2029) has been completed and will soon be launched. “Colleagues, this Senate is not just deliberating, it is building,” she remarked. “We are laying the bricks of a future-proof, citizen-centric, and transparent legislature that fulfills its constitutional mandate with professionalism and integrity.”
Concluding her statement, Karnga-Lawrence recounted her meetings with top Chinese officials, including Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. “I requested support for the repair of the joint chamber that got burned and the renovation of the Capitol building,” she revealed. “The request was immediately approved for inclusion in China’s assistance projects for Liberia.” She also confirmed that scholarships and exchange programs for legislative staffers have been approved.
“As we resume this session,” Karnga-Lawrence told the Senate, “our mission remains clear to validate new HR policies, finalize compensation frameworks, institutionalize financial manuals, and engage more with the public through our ICT systems. Together, we can build a more transparent and accountable Senate.”
