Personal Human Decency

Through poetry this book provides insightful reflections on the attributes of and imperative for human decency in one’s personal life and in the process of national development. Focusing on Liberia, the book illuminates aspects of the country’s history, particularly its war and postwar situation as well as the challenges for development. The book further advocates the need for patriotism, peace, knowledge, integrity and capacity building while conveying a message that development should not be regarded solely by the level of material wealth, but also by how it touches human life and whether it protects or undermines the dignity of people.

Anthony Barclay is an economic development specialist. He writes poetry as a hobby and is the author of Liberia in Thoughts and Plans and other Poems, published in 2002. Some of his poems are also included in a number of anthologies. Educated in economics, public policy and administration and urban and regional planning in the USA, and Liberia, he has served in several senior level positions in national and international development institutions. Currently he is a Senior Advisor to the Executive Director for Africa at the World Bank in Washington DC, USA. He has also published several socio-economic development papers.