Margibi County—After more than 60 years, the lives of workers at the SRC plantation are set to change positively, thanks to a recent visit from the plantation’s owner and CEO, Mr. Jeety. This historic visit on October 19, 2024, marked the first time an owner has lived in Liberia and engaged directly with the tappers to acknowledge their long-standing struggles.
By Yawah Y. Jaivey
During his visit, Mr. Jeety connected with tapers from various gangs, expressing empathy for the hardships they face daily. “I have come to change the lives of the ordinary tappers, who are the backbone of the rubber plantation,” he stated, highlighting the contrast between their meager wages and the salaries of managers and other professionals in the community.
Mr. Jeety announced several initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of the tappers. He urged families to enroll their children in school immediately and re-opened the plantation’s clinic, which will now provide free medical care for workers and their spouses—a significant shift from past practices.
In an effort to support the tappers and their families, Mr. Jeety introduced a bonus system that rewards workers for meeting specific targets, including the provision of three bags of rice for those who achieve their goals. Previously, pregnant workers faced delivery fees of 5,000 to 7,000 Liberian dollars, but recent reforms have eliminated these charges. At the first birth in the newly renovated clinic, the mother faced no costs, exemplifying the changes being made.
In a bid to further support the tappers, Mr. Jeety distributed rice to every worker and provided cash assistance to nurses, physician assistants, nurse aides, and midwives, along with a bag of rice for each. The plantation’s school has also reopened following renovations, with promises to erect a fence and install fans in classrooms to improve the learning environment.
In their responses, tappers expressed gratitude for Mr. Jeety’s efforts, stating, “We understand the love you have for our people, and we will stand with you in every aspect.”
They noted that this was the first time they witnessed an owner come into the field and share resources with them directly.
The tappers were moved by the changes and pledged to protect the company through their dedicated service. “Mr. Jeety, thank you! May God bless you as we walk this path together,” they said, affirming their commitment to the plantation’s success and their hopes for a better future.
