—“Leaders are only as effective as the people around them, and some failed to deliver for the communities they claimed to represent.”
ZWEDRU, GRAND GEDEH COUNTY – June 25, 2026:A prominent Grand Gedeh son and veteran journalist has launched a blistering attack on former Gender, Children and Social Protection Minister Williametta Piso Saydee-Tarr, accusing her of failing to translate her cabinet influence into tangible development and empowerment opportunities for the people of her home county.
Lloyd N. Farley, a former manager of Voice of Gedeh 88.5 FM and current Public Relations Officer of Lib-Energy, delivered the scathing remarks in a public statement that has since ignited fierce debate across Grand Gedeh over accountability, leadership, and the responsibility of public officials to advance the interests of the communities they represent.
According to Farley, residents of Grand Gedeh had harbored high expectations when Piso Tarr ascended to one of the country’s most influential cabinet positions during the administration of former President George Weah. Many believed her appointment would unlock opportunities for young people and channel development projects to the county. Those expectations, Farley alleged, were never fulfilled.
“Many of us expected that influence to translate into tangible benefits for the young people and communities of Grand Gedeh. Unfortunately, that was not the case,” Farley stated bluntly.
While acknowledging the importance of youth empowerment initiatives across Liberia, including programmes in counties such as Lofa, Farley questioned why Grand Gedeh cannot point to significant empowerment programmes or major development initiatives linked to Tarr’s tenure at the Ministry of Gender. He further alleged that despite reported vacancies within the ministry over several years, many qualified young Grand Gedeans remained unemployed and unable to secure opportunities within government institutions.
Farley argued that a public official from Grand Gedeh occupying such a senior government position should have been more deliberate in creating pathways for qualified young people from the county to gain employment and contribute to national service.
The journalist also challenged what he described as a growing tendency among some citizens to place all responsibility for government shortcomings on former President Weah. According to Farley, appointed officials must also be held accountable for their performance and contributions.
“Leaders are only as effective as the people around them, and some failed to deliver for the communities they claimed to represent,” he asserted.
Farley further claimed that residents of Grand Gedeh cannot identify major infrastructure projects, development programmes, or lasting initiatives directly associated with Tarr’s years in office. He contrasted the county’s situation with what he described as visible contributions made by public officials and leaders from other counties.
Questioning the former minister’s legacy, Farley said many residents continue to search for evidence of long-term impact resulting from her service in government.
Concluding his remarks, he emphasized that leadership should be measured not by access to political power but by the opportunities created and the positive impact made on the lives of ordinary citizens.
“Before we blame former President Weah for everything, we must also examine the performance of those from our own county who were entrusted with positions of responsibility,” Farley said.
As of press time, former Minister Williametta Piso Saydee-Tarr had not publicly responded to the allegations and criticisms raised against her.
