Courtesy: AfricDaily
The citizens of Grand Cape Mount County, along with the workers of the Bea Mountain Mining Company (BMMC), have jointly submitted a 38-point petition against the company. The petition addresses various concerns, including the removal of Mr. Debar Allen, country general manager, from MNG/BMMC operations in Liberia, and the establishment of a new country management team by the government of Liberia. This team is to be headed by a qualified Cape Mountainean, Mr. Sando Wayne, Mr. Henry Vincent and other Liberians, aimed at ensuring compliance with the Decent Work Act and obligations under the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA).
The demands outlined in the petition require immediate action from the company within a two-week timeframe to guarantee the mine’s continued operations.
The counts listed in the petition include: 1. Establishment of a new country management team to be headed by qualified Cape Mountainean and other Liberians.
2. Reservation of positions for Liberians in accordance with labor regulations.
3. Membership in the World Gold Council (WGC) for operations in Liberia.
4. Demonstration of corporate social responsibility by providing essential services to project-affected communities.
5. Replacement of seasonal employment with permanent positions.
6. Provision of life insurance benefits for mineworkers.
7. Regular supply of safety gear and training for employees.
8. Development of a plan to safeguard water sources and reduce environmental impact.
9. Implementation of recommendations within agreed timelines.
10. Construction and maintenance of health facilities in operational areas.
11. Establishment of a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program.
12. Provision of local and international scholarships.
13. Transportation assistance for students living in production areas.
14. Appointment of a General Manager from Grand Cape Mount County.
15. Appointment of the former Community Relations Superintendent as Government Relations.
16. Transfer of Community Relations positions to affected communities.
17. Reinstatement of the worker’s union chairman.
18. Improvement of tailings storage facilities.
19. Ensuring safety measures and emergency preparedness at all sites.
20. Sharing electricity with project-affected communities.
21. Completion of community relocation processes.
22. Establishment of qualified inspectors to monitor operations.
23. Training and certification of blasting activities for Liberians.
24. Provision of alternative livelihood activities.
25. Construction of modern housing for workers.
26. Increase in school fees support.
27. Audit of community social development funds.
28. Transfer of mineral water production to affected communities.
29. Withdrawal of armed forces from the mine.
30. Review of the mineral agreement.
31. Transfer of catering services to women in affected communities among others.
Failure to address these demands within the stipulated time frame may lead to a week-long protest starting February 12, 2024.
Editor’s note: This article is published verbatim, courtesy of Afric Daily Newspaper
