Monrovia – For its services to the people of Liberia, particularly in Sinoe and Grand Kru counties, the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Liberia has bestowed on Golden Veroleum Liberia Inc.(GVL) the “Outstanding concession Company of the year 2021” award.

The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Liberia is a conglomeration of seven civil society groupings:  Independent Societal Watch Advocates, Legislative Watch Forum, Progressive Student Alliance of Liberia, Citizens Action Committee, African Journalists Network and Youth United to Sustain Peace and Liberian for Better Liberia

Giving an overview at an honoring ceremony held at the cape Hotel in Mamba Point over the weekend, the group spokesperson Evans Tuku said the group selected GVL for the prestigious award as a result of the form and manner in which the company conducted itself the last 12 months. He lauded the oil palm giant for the strategy employed that has promoted peace amongst its workers and the host communities.

Presenting the Certificate of Honor, the group national chairman, Mark S. Chea said they are pleased with the level of work done by the company in the Southeast. He said over the past years, the GVL name was always in the news for violent acts and protests by workers and communities, but for the past one year, the company and its workers including communities have smoked the peace pipe thus reducing negative things in the media and the public, something he said was worth commending. “In recognition of your dedicated services to the people of Liberia, specifically your operational sites in Grand Kru Sinoe and Counties as well as the form and manner in which your company has conducted itself the last three years since this regime, your suitability of peace among workers of your company, unlike other company and when GVL workers were in the news for violence act and protest are noteworthy of recognition”, Mark told the company.

Receiving the Certificate of Honor on behalf of the company, GVL Chief Executive Officer, Ferdy Surya Handojo lauded the civil right actors for the recognition and honor bestowed on GVL. He also praised the government of Liberia and the communities for the support and cordial working relationship that has existed over the years. “We are happy to receive this prestigious honor today as the best Performing Company from the Civil Society groups. It is because our team has work hard and we will work harder to ensure our investment is sustained in Liberia.”  he said. The CEO maintained that having good collaboration and understanding among communities and workers will allow GVL to achieve more and improve its operations. “We thank the government of Liberia and all other institutions particularly the local authorities and communities for the collaboration and good understanding.” he concluded.

The event was covered in local news media FrontPage Africa, The New, Daily Observer and other media outlets