Sen. Duncan Challenges Liberians at 14th Midwifery Convocation In Zwedru

By: D Abraham Cooper Sr.| Grand Gedeh Correspondent

Duogee Town, Grand Gedeh County |Tuesday, December 9, 2025|Senator Crayton O. Duncan of Sinoe County delivered a powerful and provocative keynote address over the weekend, fundamentally challenging Liberians to shed the identity of a “poor country” and adopt a radical philosophy of self-reliance as the core engine for national transformation.

Call for End to External Dependency

Speaking at the 14th post-war Commencement Exercise of the Deanna Kay Isaacson School of Midwifery in Duogee Town, Senator Duncan strongly urged the graduating class and all citizens to cease their dependency on external partners for Liberia’s national progress.

He stressed the imperative of Liberians taking full responsibility for shaping their own destiny.

The Senator, who recalled his past as a student activist, maintained that his commitment to truth-telling remains paramount. He directly challenged entrenched national narratives that often link “blackness with negativity,” asserting emphatically that Liberia is not “cursed with poverty.”

Senator Duncan underscored the nation’s inherent natural wealth, pointing specifically to its:

Fertile soil

Vast forests

Gold reserves

He argued that these resources are clear evidence that Liberia already possesses the foundational elements necessary for prosperity.

New Midwives Lauded as “True Survivors”

The commencement, held on Saturday, December 6, celebrated a new cohort of skilled midwives, bringing together key stakeholders including the Board of Trustees, administrators, county health officials, NGOs, preceptors, parents, and guests.

Mrs. Madea W. Payne, the school’s Training Manager, lauded the graduates as “true survivors.” She commended them for successfully navigating a rigorous journey from classroom simulations to real-world labor rooms, highlighting their mastery of both essential medical skills and compassionate patient care.

The Director of Program and Leadership was also acknowledged for the instrumental work in developing the institution into one that consistently produces confident and skilled midwives ready to serve communities across Liberia.

Duncan Pledges Significant Transport Support

Beyond his philosophical challenge, Senator Duncan underscored his tangible commitment to education support. He revealed a significant pledge to donate a new bus—referred to by locals as a “killed bean bus”—to assist the Midwifery School with its transportation needs.

Furthermore, he highlighted broader efforts in Sinoe County, noting his commitment to providing:

Three school buses for free student transportation within Sinoe County.

Securing an additional fleet to alleviate the financial burden on students and parents across the region.

As the new graduates prepare to enter the health sector, program speakers encouraged them to remain steadfast, resilient, and compassionate in their roles, which are deemed absolutely critical to ensuring safe motherhood throughout Liberia.