Tuesday, December 8, 2009

[09 Dec] Fear Grips Rubber Planters

General Manager of the Cocopa Rubber plantation, Harrison Karnwea, says the constant wave of killings of rubber farmers has created fear amongst the farmers thus urging government to launch a full scale investigation into the incidents.
Speaking Thursday to newsmen, Mr. Karnwea said those who are involved in the agricultural industry are vulnerable due to the lack of security for them.
He recounted that a plantation worker from the Liberia Agriculture Company (LAC) the late Machel Bruno, a Belgian national was brutally killed by some unknown persons and up to now, there has been no prosecution of the perpetrators,
He also mentioned another death incident involving the former President of Rubber Planters Association of Liberia (RPAL) Keith Jubah, who was recently assassinated at his Morrison Farm residence in Margibi County.
Though nine persons have been arrested to face justice, Mr. Karnwea further expressed fear that with the death of these two agricultural workers, others are said to be living in fear.
The Cocopa Rubber Plantation General Manager is therefore urging the Government of Liberia to speedily handle the death case of the late Keith Jubah and bring the matter to a close.
Mr. Karnwea then disclosed that they are about to plant some 200,000 hectors of rubber in 25 years, which he said will create job opportunities for several Liberians.
He pointed out that the first target is to re-plant 100,000 hectors, accumulating to 247,000 acres in 11 years. He further stated that there will also be the planting of another 100,000 new hectares in 14 years; bringing all to half a million acres of the rubber industry.

(Source: irco.biz)

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