Monrovia, June 22, 2025 – Bomi County Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe has issued a public apology following widespread backlash over an invitation-only celebration held in honor of his 90-year-old mother. The event, which was initially scheduled for the EJS Ministerial Complex, was abruptly relocated to the Paynesville Town Hall, leaving many of his constituents and supporters feeling snubbed.
The controversy began when Senator Snowe posted on Facebook on June 16, 2025, informing followers that only individuals with formal invitations would be allowed into the relocated venue. “Dear Guest! The venue for mom’s birthday celebration is relocated… This announcement is only for those that are formally invited and were given invitation,” he wrote.
The post triggered intense criticism on social media, with over 660 comments by press time. Many Liberians, particularly residents of Bomi County, accused the Senator of excluding the ordinary people who have supported him over the years.
One user, Martin M. Kromah, wrote: “2029 you should be invited before coming in to any of our county because you can jump from county to county just to say you are the one who established those counties.” Another, Austin Zarwolo Gonletuo Bonkuo Gbay, commented: “It’s only for the big boys… but in the end the locals will be in the rain to vote for y’all.”
In response to the uproar, Senator Snowe took to a private youth chatroom linked to his political movement, releasing a video in which he apologized on behalf of himself and his mother.
“This message is from my mother and I. We want to extend our apology to you all for the situation yesterday (June 16),” Snowe said. “Since February, we booked the Ministerial Complex that would have hosted 700 persons. But on Sunday evening, the government said it needed the venue, so we had no choice but to move to the Paynesville Town Hall.”
He described the situation as “embarrassing,” noting that even his colleagues from the Senate and personal staff were denied access due to space and crowd control issues.
Senator Snowe disclosed plans to organize a separate celebration in Bomi County to make amends to constituents, supporters, and friends who felt excluded.
His mother also joined the apology, sending a heartfelt message to those who were turned away or never received invitations. “We are truly sorry,” she said in the video.
While some citizens have welcomed the apology, others remain skeptical, citing what they see as a growing disconnect between elected officials and the people who vote them into office.
