Monrovia: Golden Veroleum (Liberia) Inc. (GVL) is pleased that a settlement has been reached with 16 dismissed employees as reported in the Liberian Observer in its October 26^th, 2021 edition: “GVL Pays US$35K for Illegal Dismissals”. However, there are several inaccuracies in the report which need to be corrected.

Rioters detained from the May 26^th, 2015 incident in Butaw – Sinoe County, which included some GVL employees, were not taken to the Court by GVL but instead were arrested by the Authorities for multiple crimes against the state including criminal mischief to commit murder, rioting, armed robbery and aggravated assault.  It is a matter of record that the rioters attacked and inflicted wounds on some GVL staff, held some manager’s hostage and looted properties. Subsequent prosecution actions and decisions were made by the relevant Authorities and not by GVL.

GVL also believes that it acted according to the employment contracts and prevailing law in the subsequent treatment of the employees who did not return to work upon their release. Reaching a mutually agreed settlement mediated by the Liberian Ministry of Labor does not in any way imply any wrongdoing.

On the RSPO complaint, GVL is implementing RSPO Complaints Panel directives as part of its Sustainability Action Plan.  Progress is publicly reported on a quarterly basis at: https://goldenveroleumliberia.com/sustainability-action-plan/ .

GVL has also acknowledged the grievance lodged to the HCSA and taking actions to remediate as explained in  https://goldenveroleumliberia.com/gvl-acknowledges-hcsa-decision-reaffirms-commitment-to-sustainable-operations/ and https://goldenveroleumliberia.com/gvl-points-out-inaccuracies-in-media-reports/.