MONROVIA, Montserrado – Representative J. Byron Browne of Grand Bassa’s fourth district has proposed setting up a 24-hour security service for legislators.

Browne, the current Chairman of the House’s Committee on Rules, Order and Administration, said in a communication to Speaker Alex Tyler on Feb. 22 that he was making the proposal based on security threats posed globally by the growing wave of terrorist organizations.

He added that West Africa has been gradually drawn into the fray and the issue should concern his colleagues.

“The inadequacies inherent in the Liberia national security arrangements, especially at the Capitol Building where there are an ill-equipped private security guard and non-existent response capacity is of serious concern to Speaker Tyler,” Browne emphasized.

The Liberian lawmaker recalled that the May 26, 2015 fire that gutted the Richard R. Tolbert Joint Chambers was of particular concern, especially since no cause was established.

Browne said the Capitol Building was vulnerable, adding that “such has led to several offices being broken into by thieves.”

The lawmaker said that the proposal when accepted, will provide security for all legislators while at work and not for their personal use.

However, when contacted about whether the existing security setup would be restructured or whether the “ill-equipped” guards would be better equipped or retrained to provide improved safety for lawmakers, Browne was not reachable by his cell phone.

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