by Rocheford T. GArdiner
HARPER, MARYLAND COUNTY – In a move that has sent ripples through the local political landscape, Patrick Morais has officially redeemed the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) headquarters in Harper, effectively signaling a resurgence for the opposition party in Maryland County.
On Monday, March 30, Morais ceremoniously turned over the keys to the party’s home on Water Street following his formal renewal of membership with the CDC in Monrovia and several high level meetings with former President George Weah. The event was attended by a jubilant crowd of party stalwarts and sympathizers who have been seeking a sense of direction since the 2023 general elections.
Filling a Political Vacuum
The CDC in Harper has faced a period of internal turmoil following the party’s national defeat. Local officials, most notably incumbent Harper District Representative P. Mike Jurry, have been accused of abandoning the party in its hour of need.
Representative Jurry’s defection to the ruling Unity Party—the very platform he campaigned against to secure his second term—has drawn sharp criticism from the CDC hierarchy. Former President and CDC Standard Bearer George Weah previously labeled Jurry’s exit as an act of “hypocrisy,” given that the party provided the machinery for his electoral success.
With Jurry’s departure leaving a leadership void, sources within the Maryland County CDC hierarchy indicate a growing movement to have Patrick Morais step into the role and represent the party’s interests in the region moving forward.
More Than Just Politics
Morais’s commitment to the party was backed by significant financial investment. He reportedly covered three years of back-rent and funded extensive structural renovations to the Water Street building to ensure the CDC maintains a physical presence in central Harper.
However, the day’s announcements extended beyond partisan politics. Morais utilized the gathering to reiterate his dedication to local education, specifically the John Hilary Tubman High School. The institution has sat in a state of disrepair for over a decade, a symbol of neglect that Morais intends to rectify.
“The estimated cost of the school’s renovation is close to $75,000 USD,” Morais stated during the program. “We are not just talking about change; we are implementing it. Work is expected to commence this Wednesday, April 1, 2026.”
As the CDC looks to rebuild its base ahead of future electoral cycles, the “redemption” of its Harper headquarters marks a pivotal first step in reclaiming its influence in the southeast.