News Analysis: A Brief Perspective on the Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) Saga: The Injustice of Implicating Businessman Jeety
By Jarlawah A. Tonpo
The Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) plantation has been a crucial player in Liberia’s economic landscape since its establishment in 1959, covering 8,000 hectares in Margibi County. At that time, it was the country’s fourth-largest rubber-producing and processing company, significantly contributing to economic stability and job creation. However, before its sale to Indian businessman Jeety, SRC faced various challenges, including local claims of land encroachment and environmental concerns. In response, SRC committed itself to upholding its concession agreement by compensating for damaged crops and actively engaging in dialogue with surrounding communities. This approach demonstrated SRC’s dedication to sustainable development in Liberia.
Unfortunately, in June 2024, SRC ceased operations in Liberia following a violent incident at the site involving the Worker Union, led by Madam Mary Bolmah. The unrest was sparked by protests regarding inadequate pay and poor labor conditions, when Jeety was nowhere around.
Additionally, an investigation by the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) revealed significant environmental and social repercussions resulting from the company’s activities. It is noteworthy that the same Worker Union had previously led a protest around 2019, during which they burned down the only magistrate court and police station built by the United Nations Mission in Liberia Quick Impact Project. The head of the SRC Worker Union, Madam Mary Bolmah, along with others, was arrested and later released on bail through the intervention of the District Representative, Hon. Clarence Garr. However, after SKY International Insurance Corporation withdrew their bond due to concerns about the financial implications of the delayed case, Mary Bolmah, Lawrence Gborbor and others were re-arrested.
For the record, they were charged with several alleged crimes, including armed robbery, arson, terroristic threats, rioting, failure to disperse, burglary, theft of property, criminal mischief, aiding and abetting a crime, criminal conspiracy, criminal facilitation, attempted murder, and criminal solicitation.
They were indicted by the 13th Judicial Circuit Court for Margibi County during its February Term in 2025, but the trial venue was changed to Montserrado County at the request of the prosecution attorney.
Court documents indicated that the damage caused by the accused amounted to USD 275,210. Consequently, to secure the necessary insurance bond, an amount of USD 550,420.00 must be made available. Apparently, this is yet to be secured.
Jeety’s Role in Redeeming SRC and Saving Employees:
Three months after the SRC was burned and the attempted murder of the SRC General Manager, on August 26, 2024, SRC was sold to Jeety by the Socfin Group, the original owner of SRC. Jeety, an industrial businessman, began operating SRC, refurbishing the facilities and employing Liberians, some of whom were initially employed by SRC. It has been established that since taking over, prior grievances, including poor housing, inadequate medical care, and unfair labor practices, have been addressed by Mr. Jeety. Workers, predominantly tappers, have reported noticeable improvements in their working environment.
The concerns of Implicating Jeety in the case:
It is therefore far-fetched and incomprehensible that individuals, motivated by political interests, would attempt to implicate Jeety as responsible for the imprisonment of the former SRC Worker Union President, Madam Mary Bolmah and others.
Let these questions linger in your mind:
1. Was Jeety the owner of SRC when it was set on fire? No
2. Was it Jeety who sued them for which they are still in imprison? No
3. Is it the Government of Liberia that is prosecuting them? Yes. Please see the case Title attached
It is therefore my opinion that those who want to politicize the case should stop and allow Madam Mary Bolmah and others have their day in court with a strong legal representation and account for their alleged actions.
