BUCHANAN (Jan. 16, 2026) – Senator Gbehzohngar Findley has firmly defended his decision to vote against the Port Autonomy Bill, describing it as a “bad bill” that provides no tangible benefits to the people of Bassa or to Liberia as a whole.
Speaking on the issue, Senator Findley emphasized that his stance has been consistent from the outset. He criticized the legislation for failing to guarantee local representation, ownership, or management, despite claims from supporters that the bill would serve the interests of Bassa.
“The bill offers nothing that ensures benefits for Bassa,” Findley stated. “There is no provision requiring anyone from Bassa to be on the board, in management, or even considered. I challenge anyone to show me a single clause in the law that proves otherwise.”
The senator highlighted the President’s decision to veto the bill as further confirmation of its flaws. While some lawmakers criticized the veto, Findley maintained that it clearly demonstrated the bill was not ready to become law.
“The President himself recognized it was a bad bill and sent it back,” he said. “I was therefore correct in voting against it.”
Findley also dismissed arguments that the bill would deliver meaningful reform, explaining that it essentially preserves the current system where the President appoints the board and management, leaving local communities without guaranteed influence or control.
He insisted that genuine reform would require privatization, local ownership, and clear social and economic benefits for host communities—none of which are addressed in the current legislation.
“As a legislator, my duty is to examine the law, raise concerns, and vote in the best interest of the people,” Findley added. “If a bill fails to meet those standards, I will oppose it. Once it becomes law, it is binding, and debate ends.”
The Port Autonomy Bill remains a topic of national discussion as it returns to the President following his initial veto.
