Agribusiness:
Agricultural reform will be a major focus of the CDC. Subsidies to generate increased number of agricultural cooperatives and extensions to assist in the creation of jobs will be a major priority. We have to drive towards planned self-sufficiency in food production with strong consideration of seasonality and financial incentives for farmers. Government subsidy must come in the form of increased mechanization and use of technology as well as formal training for farmers in more efficient means of production.
Regulations must protect farm products and infrastructure must abet the ability of farmers to get their products to market. Increased focus has to return to our key crops: rubber, rice, cocoa, coffee, cassava, sugar cane, vegetables, and fruit to enable greater level of production for increased exports. Policies must be implemented to provide set-asides that will encourage land retirement programs based on land conservation and environmental considerations.
Emphasis will be placed on productive research and development to transition our farmers from primitive farming methods to more modern farming techniques which will yield expansion in productive capacity in an incremental fashion. Farmers will be exposed to tactical stock management Policy mechanisms supported by legislation will be implemented to ensure government’s commitment to incentivizing and compensating farmers for productivity gains.
The inputs to agribusiness, machinery, processors, marketing, and retailers must be farmer-centric and produce products that will recoup the full cost of production and profits. Alternatives have to be found for the use of farmland year round so that cropland can yield greater productivity. Livestock farmers must be subsidized to ensure that “grown in Liberia” becomes a recognizable byline for farm products. The CDC goal is to utilize policies and reform initiatives to move our nation from malnourishment to self-sufficiency.
Education:
We believe and hold true that no nation can compete in the 21st century without a skilled and educated workforce, especially with the present case of industrial competitiveness, and the advent of technological advancement in educational spheres, medicine, agriculture and the like. We also believe that access to quality education should be a guarantee to every Liberian, and, given the rate of unemployment in Liberia, we support a public school system with minimum financial contribution from students.
In an effort to decentralize the nation, and being cognizant of the level of lack of educational opportunities that have affected a multitude of Liberians, especially the present generation of our youth, have had to suffer, the CDC espouses to strategically place institutions of higher learning – Universities, Colleges, Technical, and Vocational schools – throughout the nation, with a 360 degrees emphasis in professional development, knowledge in the world of applied sciences, arts and crafts. This would entail a 10 year national educational education plan with infrastructure and capacity enhancement high on the agenda, so as to produce a workforce of highly capable and productive Liberians able to self-sustain through self and general (private and public sector) employment measures.
Environment:
CDC's commitment to Liberians include the health and welfare of citizens. It is an undisputed fact that a lot of diseases and illnesses are borne and spread due to improper waste management. A comprehensive waste management system will be devised to include citizens participation in disgarding waste appropriately; trash bins strategically placed in every neighborhood throughout Liberia; scheduled pickup times by municipal governments. A non-littering policy needs to be adapted with fines for offenders strictly enforced. Making it mandatory that businesses provide adequate toilets in their establishments. Enforcing strict adherence to food preparations by restaurants and public schools.
CDC will join the rest of the world in going "Green". A lot of research has already been done for easy adaptation. We will tailor some of these processes to be more specific to our own cultural needs. In an effort to provide basic necessities to our citizens, we will consider the health implications in providing electricity and drinking water.
Preservation of our beaches, rivers and lakes by keeping them clean and holding citizens accountable for littering by enforcing fines and community service, thus providing disease-free fish; enhancing our tourist revenue and maintaining the beauty of our country. Restrict the illegal digging of sand which is causing massive erosion.
Infrastructure:
The CDC believes in a total National Infrastructure Development, with a focus on National Rehabilitation, the Creation of Jobs and County Development – while decisively advancing the Liberialization policy, so as to have a deeply rooted ownership platform that everyday Liberians can grasp. We believe that a tangible plan for the reconstruction and building of Roads & Bridges will enable a nationalized connectivity, which is top on our list of priorities.
We believe in a development process that will include farm to market roads, a regional network of cities, counties and nations; this is all aimed at connecting our citizenry and our neighbors, thereby opening up trading routes and setting the stage for an improved economy. Important in this infrastructure plan is the setting up of a solid plan for the development of Liberia’s Energy & Water sector, Health Care, Schools, Air & Sea Ports, Information & Communication Technology, Tourism, including hotels and resorts, with the understanding that this might entail reform measures of pre-existing transnational pacts.
Good Governance & Rule of Law:
The CDC aims to clean up the systematic corruption that has eaten up our society for centuries and continues to do so; so much so, that our political systems and hopes for good governance are disintegrating under the weight of the war being waged by economic assailants. Corruption and abuse of public office have affected the social, economic and political fabric of the Liberian society, reaching endemic proportions.
A CDC government will demonstrate moral and ethical behavior in performing our duties as leaders and public servants, enforcing full disclosure of assets, liabilities, interests and all dealings of individuals, before being appointed to positions of public trust. Additionally, there would be a required annual disclosure of same, an act which will promote a climate of transparency, accountability and integrity. This, we believe, will enhance the leadership’s political will to combat corruption in all sectors of government, by improving governance and economic management, while eliminating governmental regulations that negatively affect economic activity and establish simple and readily available ones that have clearly set criteria and reporting requirements.
Our Governance Reform will include reform in the 3 branches of government that would include training on all levels, to strengthen our Judicial and Legal system. We also guarantee fair labor practices, freedom of the press, civil service and elections law reforms, while strategically solidifying relationships with our local, national and International partners.
Law Enforcement:
Law Enforcement around the world is an honorable society. Men and women in uniform have the aura of security and authority. They provide a sense of stability and peace for citizens. CDC recognizes this and will provide training, competitive salaries and benefits to uplift the morale of the Police, Military and Security Forces. Economic Investment and Growth and National Security go hand in hand, one without the other leads to lack of trust.
There will be checks and balances, automated as well as paper forms, to enhance accountability and transpency. As in any honor society, a law enforcement officer who dishonors his badge or strips by engaging in corruption of any kind, will be dishonorably discharged and held with the same contempt as criminals of the state. This also applies to Judges and Magistrates. No one is above the Law. By the same token, all will be accorded due process under the constitution and laws of the Nation.
Vegilante(sp) Justice will be frowned upon, while neighborhood policing encouraged. Citizens will be encouraged to keep their neighborhood safe by proactive involvement; where suspicious activities that could be detrimental to the social welfare of the neighborhood will be reported to the proper authorities for investigation. Our cultural belief that "it takes a village to raise a child" will be expanded to being our "brother's keeper" all in an effort to build trust amongs citizens and a peaceful environment where citizens can pursue happiness.
National Security:
CDC stands strong in its commitment to create a cohesive force capable of executing national defense policies in times of peace and war. Liberia’s ability to protect its citizens, boarders, and properties is of utmost importance and the major function of the Liberian Armed Forces. CDC believes that the primary focus must be on revamping, training and properly equipping the entire military sector including but not limited to: the army, national police, aviation/coast guard, immigration/border patrol, intelligence agencies and anti-terrorism units.
The image of the Liberian Armed Forces can be restored through total commitment of the Liberian government and the assistance of international organizations and friendly nations. By setting higher standards, participation in the Armed Forces can once again be viewed with prestige. Such prestige can be accomplished through developing clearly defined admission standards and processes for entry into the Armed Forces; shaping Armed Forces involvement as a career path by providing proper resources to foster career development; properly equipping and remodeling military bases and training locations; and providing adequate monetary, educational and housing benefits to personnel and their dependents.
By taking on a centralized approach to nationwide security and streamlining communication amongst the varying law enforcement agencies we will begin to minimize efforts and maximize results. Through the adoption and implementation of the abovementioned methods CDC will strive to uphold the national security of our nation, restore professionalism and respect to the men and women in arms, provide adequate training and resources, meet international military standards, build strategic relationships with varying nations and provide a breadth of protection from illegal immigrants and terrorists.
Trade & Monetary Policy:
The CDC’s major economic and trade focus is to provide Liberians with an affordable life. In order to achieve this all important goal, the CDC will focus on policies and legislation that advances employment equity and economically empowers Liberians in an affirmative direction. Liberianization in terms of jobs and entrepreneurship must be enabled for Liberians to benefit from the numerous opportunites our natural resources are creating.
Disadvantaged groups (youths, rural inhabitants, females) must be represented in all companies doing business in Liberia. Employment of disadvantaged persons and building the capacity of these individuals must be a legal requirement for all companies wanting to do business in Liberia. Micro and nano-economics will be the focus of economic policies to spur the small business sector, the individual entrepreneur, and the individual laborer. Government contracting must have set asides for Liberian owned businesses.
Social investment programs must be an important part of the operations of firms in Liberia through the development of tangible relationships with the communities they operate in and the support of projects/programs geared towards the sustainability of these communities.