CMC Women Chair Backs Jewel, Questions ‘Different Treatment’ | News

National Women Congress Chairperson of the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), Alice Baysah, has expressed solidarity with former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor amid allegations of drug trafficking, while calling on the Government of Liberia to ensure that any investigation is impartial, transparent and free from political influence.

Baysah, a former representative candidate in Margibi County District #5, said she has known Taylor since childhood and described her as a woman of “character, strength and courage.”

In a statement issued in solidarity with Taylor, Baysah urged the former vice president to remain strong and resilient, assuring her that the current controversy would eventually pass.

“My sister, continue to remain strong, courageous, and resilient. This too shall pass,” Baysah said.

She, however, made clear that her support for Taylor should not be interpreted as support for drug trafficking, stressing that she does not condone the illegal trade in narcotics under any circumstances.

“Let me state publicly and unequivocally that I do not support drug trafficking in any form,” Baysah said.

She also emphasized the constitutional principle of presumption of innocence, arguing that no individual should be considered guilty before being given an opportunity to face a competent court and benefit from due process.

“I do not believe anyone should be considered guilty until they have had their day in a court of competent jurisdiction and due process has been followed,” she stated.

Baysah, who serves as Chairperson of the CMC National Women Congress, said she would continue to stand with Taylor throughout the legal and political controversy.

“As a national leader and Chairperson of the CMC National Women Congress, I stand with you today and will continue to stand with you. Keep pushing, remain strong, and soldier on,” she said.

‘Liberia Versus Drugs’

Turning her attention to the Government of Liberia, Baysah urged authorities to avoid treating the drug trafficking allegations as a partisan political matter.

She argued that the fight against illegal drugs should transcend political affiliations, including the Unity Party, the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) and the CMC.

“Drug trafficking is not a Unity Party, CDC, or CMC issue. It is Liberia versus drugs—not one political party against another,” she said.

Baysah called for all allegations of drug trafficking to be thoroughly investigated and said anyone found guilty should face the full weight of the law.

“Anyone found to be involved in drug trafficking should be investigated thoroughly and, where the evidence establishes guilt, punished in accordance with the laws of Liberia,” she stated.

She further urged authorities to ensure that investigations are conducted fairly and without political interference.

“We must ensure that every investigation is impartial, transparent, and free from political influence,” Baysah added.

Questions Equal Application of Justice

Baysah also raised concerns over what she described as apparent differences in the manner allegations of similar crimes are being handled, questioning why Taylor may be receiving different treatment.

“It is deeply concerning and frustrating to see allegations of similar crimes involving others while questions remain about why Jewel is being treated differently,” she said.

According to Baysah, justice must be applied equally, regardless of an individual’s political affiliation, social standing or public position.

“Justice must be applied fairly and equally to everyone, regardless of political affiliation, status, or position,” she emphasized.

Her statement comes amid heightened public attention surrounding allegations involving Taylor and has added another political voice to the growing debate over how Liberia should handle high-profile drug trafficking allegations.

Baysah concluded her message by again encouraging Taylor to remain steadfast throughout the controversy.

“My sister, keep standing strong and vibrant. Do not lose courage. Until the finish line, we will keep pushing,” she said.