By Alaskai Moore Johnson
Indian businessman and humanitarian, Mr. Upjit Singh Sachdeva, has told the 11 12th graders of the Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) High School in District #5, Margibi County, that he will sponsor the college education of anyone of them who score ‘A+’ in the next West African Examination Council’s tests in India. Mr. Sachdeva, who is more famously known in Liberia as “Mr. Jeety”, further told the 12th graders that those of them who will only score ‘A’ in the WAEC exams, he will sponsor their college education in whatever college/university that they will want to attend in Liberia.
This was music to the ears of those boys and girls, who applauded the Indian businessman, who is the owner and operator of the rubber plantation in which they are going to school.
Jeety made the promise to the students during a guarded tour of the rubber plantation and rubber-processing factory by India’s Deputy Minister at the Ministry for External Affairs, Mr. Sevala Naik Mude on Wednesday, December 19.
The plantation and factory, which spans over several hundred acres, is a testament to the growing Indian investment in Liberia’s agricultural sector.
During the tour, Mude was briefed on the various stages of rubber cultivation, from planting to harvesting and the innovative techniques employed to enhance productivity.
Some of the students who vowed to score A+ in the WAEC exams raise their hands
At the end of the tour, Mr. Mude, who is also the Additional Secretary for Central and West Africa, praised the strong ties between India and Liberia.
He expressed his admiration for Jeety’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and his role in boosting Liberia’s economy, noting, “Your investment here is not just about business; it is about creating jobs, empowering local communities, and contributing to the overall growth of Liberia.”
The Indian Government official highlighted the importance of foreign direct investment in developing countries, emphasizing that such initiatives are crucial for economic stability and growth.
Jeety, who has been a prominent figure in Liberia, has invested significantly in the country since he established his operations there. His factory, which produces high-quality rubber products for both local and international markets, has created thousands of jobs for Liberians, contributing to the reduction of unemployment in the region.
Jeety, who has employed over 1000 workers at the rubber-processing factory, invested US$50 million to set up the factory, which is equipped with state-of-the-art machines, with straight adherence to international standards on rubber products processing.
During the tour, Mude was shown the various processes involved in rubber production, including the extraction of latex and packaging. Jeety also highlighted to him his commitment to meeting his corporate social responsibility to the community.
The factory has initiated several community development programs, including educational scholarships for local children, healthcare initiatives, schools, and infrastructure development in some camps of SRC.
Jeety explaining to External Affairs, Mr. Sevala Naik Mude the processes the rubber goes through and the background are rubber trees of the Salala Rubber Corporation that is owned and operated by Jeety
The Indian diploma at the same time commended these efforts, stating, “It is heartening to see a business leader who understands the importance of giving back to the community. Your initiatives are paving the way for a brighter future for many Liberians.”
He urged Jeety and other business leaders to adopt environmentally friendly practices that would not only benefit their businesses but also contribute to the preservation of Liberia’s rich biodiversity.
In response, Jeety assured the Deputy Minister of his commitment to sustainable practices, stating, “We are dedicated to ensuring that our operations are environmentally friendly. We believe that responsible business practices are essential for the long-term success of our investments and the well-being of the communities we serve and work.”
He added, “Today’s visit has reinforced my belief that together, we can achieve great things. The partnership between India and Liberia is not just about trade; it is about building a shared future for both nations.”
It can be recalled Jeety, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Jeety Rubber LLC, Upjit Singh Sachdeva, legally and officially toke over the ownership of the Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) in September of this year, thus increasing his workforce by 900 Liberians.
Even though no fixed price has so far been attached to the purchase, Jeety Rubber LLC won the bid for SRC’s 4,400-hectare natural rubber plantation against Firestone Liberia and a former shareholder of the Socfinaf Group.
Mr. Upjit Singh Sachdeva leading India’s Deputy Minister at the Ministry for External Affairs, Mr. Sevala Naik Mude, on a guarded tour of his rubber-processing facilities in Weala, Upper Margibi County
The Socfinaf S.A., which owned SRC, is Liberia’s fourth-largest rubber-producing and processing company, as it produces semi-processed rubber used in the manufacture of tires.
The company was formed in July of 2007 through the merger of a stand-alone rubber processing factory (Weala Rubber Company) and a stand-alone rubber plantation (formerly Salala Rubber Corporation).
Before the sale of the company, SRC had for years been accused by its workers, Green Advocates, and other international rights groups of poor working conditions and causing significant harm to local communities, including land grabbing, environmental degradation, and human rights abuses.
Also, SRC, one of the country’s biggest rubber companies, shut down and laid off its entire workforce of about 900 workers after days of violent protests, leaving the company’s operations paralyzed about two months ago.
However, the laid-off workers, according to the company, had received end-of-service benefits in accordance with Liberian law. Also, Jeety Rubber LLC, which is also based in Weala, the same as SRC, buys and processes rubber into finished and semi-finished products, including TSR 10, for shipment, but it has struggled of late to buy enough latex cup lumps to operate its factory at full capacity, but the addition of SRC has now seen that struggles eradicated.
