‘Sime Darby Cooperating’

-NBC Director-General Asserts

The Director-General of the National Bureau of Concession (NBC), Gregory Coleman has confirmed that the management of Sime Darby Plantation Liberia (SDPL) has begun implementing mandates given by the plenary of the House of Representatives.

Director-General of the National Bureau of Concession (NBC), Gregory Coleman

Addressing legislative reporters Tuesday following the acceptance of the mandates from the specialized investigative committee of the House of Representatives, Coleman said the company is in full compliance.

The management of the company was earlier summoned to explain what it knows about the alleged torturing of a Liberian in a video at its western Liberia plantation by men believed to be security guards at the plantation.

The company was also alleged of violating the Concession Agreement (CA) it signed with the Liberian Government in 2009. Mainly on employing top Liberians in senior managerial positions.

After the investigation by the committee, the company was asked by plenary of the House of Representatives to ensure that the CA is executed.

The NBC’s boss said the company is already renovating homes, constructing hand pumps, pit-latrines among others at the plantation.

Meanwhile, the Legal Advisor at the company, Attorney Ebenezer Gibson has assured Liberians and partners that Sime Darby Plantation Liberia will ensure that the lives of the people at the plantation are improved as envisaged.

Attorney Ebenezer Gibson said the company will remain cooperative in implementing all the recommendations from the Liberian people through their lawmakers.

He commended the lawmakers for working with the company and said they are in advance stage of the recommendations already and would do nothing to affect the smooth relations between the government and the company.