Monrovia – The Union of Diamond, and Gold Brokers in Liberia have released a statement in Monrovia, centered around the mineral sector under the administration of Minister Wilmot Paye. The Brokers Union told Journalists on Thursday, March 6, 2025, that after a careful review of administrative and operational activities of the new leadership of the Mines and Energy Ministry, they are convinced that steps taken thus far are in the right direction of reforms crucially needed to ensure that the mineral sector is and remains a strong engine of revenue generation.
Speaking through their Chairman, Omaru A. Sangary, the Diamond, and Gold Brokers Union said they have observed that actions taken by Minister Wilmot Paye, particularly the proposed reduction in license fees in their business aspect of the mineral sector is highly commendable.
Sangary intoned that their positive impression is not only because the fees were proposed for reduction, but noted that when the process is concluded and new fees finally go into effect, such move will promote an open playing field for more participation of Liberians in mineral brokerage.
Chairman Sangary stated that when more interests are expressed in obtaining Brokers License, the Liberian revenue envelope stands a better change of increment from scaled up tax collection.
He also believes that making Brokers License easily obtainable to interested business people benefits the Country by discouraging illegal activities the mineral sector, which Mr. Sangarty termed as a serious challenge.
Urging his own members, the Brokers Union Chairman called on them to augment efforts by the Wilmot Paye-led team of administrators at the Ministry by making use of the new license fees and keep their businesses actively compliant with laws and regulations governing the mineral sector.
Sangary briefly touched on his administration’s orderly organizing of the February 27, 2025 prayer and reconciliation program during which he said they felt impressed by the boldness and patriotism exhibited by the Mines and Energy Minister in his brief remarks whilst honoring their invitation. He hopes such in-person interaction with Minister Paye, and members and officials of the Diamond, and Gold Brokers Union charts a new course of cooperation and support in many ways intended to keep the mineral sector vibrant.
Also important among the Brokers’ capturing of policy and regulatory reforms under the Wilmot Paye-led administration at the Ministry of Mines and Energy is the recent massive renovation and modernization project which Mr. Sangary said, has significantly restored some dignity to the Ministry. Sangary noted that improvements in office facilities of the mineral Ministry restores investors’ confidence and properly positions the Ministry as a serious business [Mineral] sector regulator.
“For such a very big first of its kind renovation exercise that has made important business transaction office facilities of the Mines and Energy Ministry look respected, we commend Minister Wilmot Paye and assure him that we the Brokers are here to also respect the law and do business with the government legally”, the Diamond, and Gold Brokers Union Chairman concluded.
