The NEWS (Monrovia)
Benjamin B. Sworh
24 March 2008
Monrovia — Members of the Senate last Thursday ratified the amended version of the Firestone Agreement.
The Firestone Agreement submitted to the august body recently by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was ratified following four hours of closed door session by the Senators at the Capitol.
Senate Pro-tempore Isaac W. Nyenabo said the amended Firestone agreement was ratified based on increased benefits to Liberia and other incentives provided for employees of the company.
He said Liberia will benefit from US$2.5 million in taxes and other levies from the company.
Mr. Nyenabo also said under the agreement, Firestone would construct additional schools, clinics and undertake other infrastructural development for employees of the company.
The Pro-tempore lamented that the 1926 Firestone agreement with the Liberia did not provide better working condition, and noted, "We will advocate for better incentives for our people who are working in these concession areas."
Commenting further, Mr. Nyenabo said the US$2.00 per acre paid by Firestone would be reviewed to meet present day's reality.
Meanwhile, the ratified Firestone agreement has been forwarded to the House for concurrence.
The House's Committees on Judiciary, Agriculture and Investment are expected to conduct public hearing today on the Amended Firestone agreement.
Several government agencies and groups including the Ministries of Justice, Agriculture, the Federation of Agriculture Workers Union of Liberia, Rubber Planters Association of Liberia, the Environmental Protection Unit, and Green Advocate are expected to speak on the agreement.
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