Senate Pro-Temp Kangar-Lawrence and Sen. Findley clash over proposed legislation.
Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, January 16, 2026: Two senior members of the Bassa Legislative caucus were engaged in verbal clashes on Friday, January 16, 2026, before citizens during a town hall meeting over the proposed autonomy port bill.
Senate Pro-Temp Nyonblee Kangar-Lawrence and Grand Bassa County Senator Gbehzohngar M. Findley could not hide their disagreement during a county leadership meeting at the Grand Bassa County Administrative Building.
The focal point of their dispute was the proposed Port Autonomy Bill, a piece of legislation that has stirred considerable public debate.
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The Port Autonomy Bill is primarily sponsored by Senator Nyonblee Kangar-Lawrence of Grand Bassa County and Senator Abraham D. Dillon of Montserrado County.
The bill's stated intention is to transform the local port into a commercial hub, which, according to its proponents, would facilitate increased shipping activity and provide substantial economic and social benefits for the people of Grand Bassa County.
Despite its stated objectives, the bill has met with significant resistance from key local figures. Senator Findley has been one of the most vocal critics, labeling the bill as a "bad bill with no benefit for Grand Bassa."
During the public meeting, Senator Findley argued that the bill fails to clearly outline how Grand Bassa County would directly benefit from the proposed changes.
He remarked, "There is no clear line in the bill that talks about Grand Bassa's direct benefit, so it is a bad bill."
Former Grand Bassa County Superintendent Julia Duncan Cassell has also joined the opposition. In a telephone interview with a local media outlet, Madam Cassell expressed concerns that the bill, in its current form, does not adequately address the needs and concerns of the local communities. "I believe this bill, as it stands, may not bring the promised benefits to the people of Grand Bassa," she stated.
In contrast, Senator Kangar-Lawrence, along with co-sponsor Senator Dillon, has defended the Port Autonomy Bill vigorously. During the same public engagement in Grand Bassa County, Pro-Temp Lawrence countered the criticisms by emphasizing the bill's potential to generate jobs and deliver social benefits to the region. She stated, "We are pushing to make the port a commercial port to enable people to ship goods through Grand Bassa. This will create jobs and more social benefits for the Bassa people."
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The proponents maintain that opposition arguments are "false and misleading," asserting that the legislation is designed with the best interests of the county and its residents in mind. -Edited by Othello B. Garblah.
