The group recalled that the Tolbert-led government instituted free public elementary and high school education and subsidized up to 50 percent tuition, books and board for all College and University students throughout the country.

Comprising family members of Tolbert, who was killed in the April 12, 1980 coup and the 13 government officials and others killed on April 22, 1980, said prior to
the April 12 coup, the government began the construction of a new campus for the University of Liberia to allow a greater number of students.

The group’s acknowledgement was contained in a position statement delivered on its behalf by the Mayor of Paynesville City, Cyvette Gibson, at a program marking the 35th Anniversary Memorial Service of their relatives held under the Theme ”A Celebration of Life” held at the first Presbyterian Church located at the corner of Johnson and Broad streets.

She said the Tolbert government also enacted legislations, policies, and strategies to execute war on the illiteracy, poverty and disease undermining Liberia’s nascent democracy, and invested over one million dollars in 1972 in a wholly government-owned mechanized Agricultural Company (AGRIMECO).

Gibson pointed out that the government spearheaded land clearance and development of vast areas to cope with the proliferation of agricultural cooperatives and established two public corporations, Liberia Produce Marketing Corporation and Liberia Coffee and Cocoa Corporation to maximize the production of oil palm, coconuts, cocoa, and coffee.

She added that the Tolbert-led government established essential national and continental development finance institutions such as the National Housing Bank, Agricultural Bank and Liberia Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI), in order to stimulate capital flow into the agricultural, housing and priority development sectors.

She noted that President Tolbert also co-facilitated the formation of the African Development Bank (AfDB) for continental financial growth and management, and expanded health facilities to include free medical care to prenatal mothers and infants up to two years.

Gibson added that the Tolbert-led government constructed thousands of low-cost housing units in Gardnerville New Georgia, Stephen Tolbert and Barnesville Estates as well as the Matadi and New Matadi and Cabral Estates in Sinkor.
LINA