The Plenary of the House of Representatives has presented a number of recommendations to the Minister of Labor, Cllr. Charles Gibson, and Police Inspector General, Col. Patrick Sudue, to immediately proceed with an investigation into a reported violent situation at Bea Mountain Mining Company (BMMC) recently.
Plenary’s decision was triggered by its joint committee on National Security, Concession & Investment, Mines & Energy, and Labor report based on a communication from Hon. Thomas Goshua, Representative of District #5, Grand Bassa County, alleging, among other things, that on June 4, 2023, a certain group of persons believed to be in the employ of Bea Mountain engaged in violent activities wherein they mobbed and beat up several employees of the company (including ex-pats and the company’s lawyer, who was nearly killed). The violent conduct is ongoing, as several ex-pats and Liberian workers exposed to these forms of threats are likely to organize themselves in self-defense.
The joint committee has since probed the matter and reported to the plenary with its findings and recommendations.
Instructing the labor and police on Thursday, June 29, during its 14th day sitting of the 2nd quarter of the 6th session in open session, the plenary presented them the recommendations for implementation aimed at resolving the matter speedily.
Both Labor Minister Cllr. Gibson and Police Inspector General Sudue received the recommendations from the House’s chief clerk, Mildred Sayon, and promised to probe the matter in time.
The joint committee’s six recommendations, among other things, include 1.
The security issues flagged by the company are of primary focus. Employees, expatriates, and concessionaires are to be accorded maximum security under the laws.
The government is concerned about employees and expatriates as well. Absolutely no employee or expatriate shall attempt to provide self-protection anywhere in the Republic of Liberia. Protection under the laws of Liberia is the responsibility of the Government of Liberia.
2. The Government of Liberia, through the Liberia National Police, shall help beef up security at BMMC as a means to add weight, strength, or power to the company’s security apparatus.
3. Investigation before apprehension as a caveat!
The Minister of Justice should be mandated to commence an immediate investigation into the strike circumstances at BMMC and report its findings to the Plenary in the shortest possible time. The investigation will cover workers and expatriates, and penalties under the laws must be applied to anyone found culpable.
4. Justice must prevail! Those identified as ringleaders of the strike action must be given due diligence—reasonable steps taken in order to satisfy legal requirements before a competent court of jurisdiction. Therefore, for a fair trial and safety, the case is tried outside of the company’s operational area. The case should be tried in Monrovia.
5. The Ministry of Labor must exert every effort to complete the process of resolving the labor issues in collaboration with the company and report resolutions agreed upon to plenary in 2 weeks.
6. BMMC shall continue the dialogue with the workers to settle the remaining counts of the worker’s petition, and the resolution agreed upon shall be reported to the plenary in 2 weeks.
Speaking further, House Speaker Bhofal Chambers said the House, representing the interests and concerns of the citizens of Liberia, will ensure that their voices are heard in the legislative process.
He stated that as the highest legislative body in Liberia, the House of Representatives plays a crucial role in passing laws, addressing issues, and advocating for the welfare of the people. By affirming their commitment, the speaker is emphasizing the responsibility of the House to serve as a voice for the public and work towards the betterment of the Country.
