‘Fruitful’

-Rep Snowe Describes Meeting With Sime Darby

By Reuben Sei Waylaun

Bomi County electoral district one Representative Edwin Melvin Snowe has congratulated the new management of Sime Darby Plantation Liberia (SDPL) for reaching out to project affected communities (PACs) and other communities in the county.

(L-R), Commissioner Free, Rep Edwin Snowe & Ali Karma of Sime Darby Liberia

Speaking to journalists following a brief meeting with the Acting General Manager of Sime Darby Plantation Liberia (SDPL) Ali Karma, some officials of the company and local officials, the Bomi County lawmaker who described the meeting as ‘very fruitful’ said such mini meetings with community members will make them take ownership of the company and see it as their own and a blessing to the county.

Representative Snowe also lauded the company for commencing the removal of abester zinc from workers’ homes, construction of pit-latrines, water system among others.

“Sime Darby is now in full compliance and this is a new beginning and we can start from here. What the new management team is doing has not been happening. The feedback from the communities is good,” he said.

Representative Snowe also confirmed the company has commenced the distribution of rice to Muslim as they reach the climaxing point of Ramadan.

“When the people benefit, I benefit and the county will also be happy,” he added.

Also speaking, the Acting General Manager of Sime Darby Plantation Liberia (SDPL), Ali Karma, assured citizens of Bomi County that indeed it is now time for a new beginning as they reached out to Project Affected Communities (PACs) and other communities in Bomi County.

Karma said it is time to rekindle the relationship that has been slower in the past.

He said indeed it is a new beginning for everyone and assured them of all the good working relationship to ensure sustainability and peaceful co-existence.

Karma is acting for the suspended General Manager David Parker who had previously been accused by some citizens of Grand Cape Mount and Bomi counties of masterminding the instabilities at the plantation said the relationship hasn’t been what it ought to be due to breakdown in communication and some issues he couldn’t explain further.

However, Karma said they are in full compliance as a reputable international company to ensure the livelihood of the people are improved as envisaged in the concession agreement signed with the Liberian Government nine years ago.

“We are here to cement our relationship. We will do all we can to help the citizens of the county and we must work together in helping the company as well. It’s a new beginning for every one of us,” he said.

The Acting General Manager also said they are working to ensure the out-grower scheme benefit the locals which according to him will make the citizens take ownership of the company.

At the same time, the new Commissioner of Senjeh district has pledged her unflinching supports to ensure the relationship between the company and the county is good which she said will have direct benefit on the lives of the people.

“Although I am just taking over as the new commissioner for this district, but we are prepared to work with the company and everyone to ensure a smooth working operation in the county.

In a related development, Bomi County electoral district one Representative Edwin Melvin Snowe has lauded the management of Malaysian oil giant company, Sime Darby Plantation Liberia (SDPL) for operating one of the best schools in western Liberia.

Speaking during a meeting with officials of the company in Tubmanburg city, Representative Snowe said he has realized that the company has brought its schools to speed and the company must be commended for such initiative.

The Bomi county lawmaker who had been critical of the company’s operations confirmed that the company is in compliance as mandated by the House of Representatives recently.

Representative Snowe once led an investigative committee of the House of Representatives to the plantation of the company where it was alleged that the company was not in compliance with the concession agreement it signed with the Liberian Government.

The company was mandated to ensure those basic needs are provided to improve living conditions at the plantation.

According to him, he is so much impressed about the company’s school system, something he said it is one of the best in the western region.

“The company’s school system is one of the best in the region. Besides, the company is in full compliance as mandated by the House of Representatives. The company has commenced work as mandated,” he confirmed.

Snowe who was seen in an exuberance mood following the open-door meeting with officials of the company assured the management of Sime Darby of his unflinching supports.