Senator Duncan is expected to appear before the Monrovia City Court on Wednesday, February 19 to answer to the lawsuit.
MONROVIA – Sinoe County Senator Crayton Duncan is speaking out against allegations of neglect and non-support for his two children, following a persistent lawsuit filed by his ex-wife, Jamila Burphy (formerly Koussa).
By Obediah Johnson, [email protected]
The former Liberian musician and Senator Duncan’s ex-wife is now remarried, but their divorce has left behind legal and emotional battles that continue to unfold in court.
According to a lawsuit filed at the Monrovia City Court, Mrs. Burphy, represented by Mrs. Tenneh S. Johnson, claims that Senator Duncan has repeatedly failed to provide financial support for their children. The complaint accuses the Senator of intentionally neglecting his responsibilities, which is in violation of Section 16.5 of Liberia’s Penal Code.
In an interview on February 18, Senator Duncan vehemently denied the accusations, asserting that he has always been supportive of his children’s welfare. “At no point have I ever neglected my children or delayed in providing the necessary financial, academic, and moral support,” Duncan said.
He emphasized that since his relationship with Jamila, he has consistently supported not only his biological children but also her four children from a previous marriage.
Duncan recalled that during their divorce, the court had initially awarded him custody of their children. However, he chose to allow his ex-wife to care for them, citing their young age at the time. “The day we divorced, the court gave me the right to have the children, but I said no; they are very small, she can have them and I will be supporting them,” Duncan explained.
He further added that the court had also agreed that he would have unfettered access to his children, and they were to visit him on weekends so that they could bond with their father. “I have been doing that over the years, even supporting her other children,” he said.
However, he revealed that despite these arrangements, his ex-wife has been refusing him access to the children.
Financial Support and Discrepancies
Senator Duncan made it clear that he has never faltered in his financial contributions, highlighting a recent payment of US$10,000 to Cyber-Ed International School to cover outstanding tuition and fees for his children. “I was shocked when I found out about the arrears because I have always sent the school fees directly to her,” Duncan said.
He explained that after his ex-wife left Liberia for the United States, he attempted to maintain regular contact with his children and encourage weekend visits to his home. However, he claims that Mrs. Burphy has been blocking these attempts, effectively depriving his children of their fatherly love and presence.
Despite his efforts to reach a resolution, Duncan said he made the difficult decision to slow down his financial support earlier this year, in January, until the court could intervene and address the issue of access to his children.
“She is coming up with this court action because I have decided not to give her a dime until I can have access to my children,” Duncan explained. “I cannot be supporting my children in a blind spot. They must be able to see me or come and spend weekends with me.”
A History of Support
The Senator further expressed disbelief at the notion that he would neglect his own biological children when he has been so devoted to supporting Jamila’s children from her previous marriage.
“How can I refuse to support my own children when I even sent Jamila’s children to the Liberian-Turkish Light International School, paying US$3,500 per child annually?” he asked. “Her children cannot take care of mine because they are all babies to me.”
Senator Duncan also recalled that the first lawyer hired by his ex-wife, Counselor Syrrenius Cyphus, had initially pursued the case but later withdrew after learning that Mrs. Burphy was obstructing his access to their children.
“He refused to go further with the case because of her decision to deprive me of seeing my children,” Duncan noted.
Awaiting Court Decision
Senator Duncan is expected to appear before the Monrovia City Court on February 19 to answer to the lawsuit.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, he made it clear that he would abide by any ruling the court delivers. “I have an unending love for my children, and I will continue to provide all necessary support for them, regardless of how this case unfolds,” he said.
While Senator Duncan speculated that his ex-wife’s actions may have political undertones, he assured the public that his commitment to supporting his children remains steadfast. “No matter what the court decides, I will continue to be there for my children and provide them with the love and support they deserve,” he added.
