J. Nathaniel Daygbor
24 September 2008
Mittal Steel has sharply reacted to statements by groups from the civil society alleging that the 100 pick-ups recently donated to the government of Liberia by the company were intended to as bribery to win favor.
It is vividly recalled that in his clarification yesterday, Deputy Information Minister for Public Affairs, Gabriel I.H. Williams refuted the allegations, noting that although President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf had approved of the donation been turned over to members of the National Legislature, it was not for reasons as are being alleged by the civil society.
Instead, Hon. Williams pointed out, the gesture by Mittal Steel was intended to assist government in its economic recovery drive, especially coming at a time that members of the National Legislature are on an agricultural break and would require such vehicles to engage into agricultural production.
The civil society groups, including the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission, had described the donation of the pick-ups by Mittal as another sign of bribery of government, citing various past administrations in which similar acts were allegedly committed.
But in its reaction yesterday in Monrovia, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Joseph Matthews, said that it was worrisome for individuals and civil society groups to term the donation as bribery that tended to bring the good intention of his company to public ridicule.
He furthered that the hundred cars is the company's own way of identifying with the Liberian government, still in its embryonic stage towards national reconstruction.
Mr. Matthews noted that Mittal Steel is not only a business partner but a company that has the will to help the country and its people get back on their feet.
"Since 2003 when Arcelor Mittal expressed interest in investing in Liberia," Mittal's Chief Executive Officer indicated, it took into careful consideration the rendering of humanitarian services to government and not necessarily in exchange of softening grounds for the company to succeed in its operations.
He noted that his company has good records in many parts of the world and that it would not tamper with the high standards achieved at its detriment.
Mr. Matthews indicated that from the early stage of its operations, Mittal Steel successfully rehabilitated roads in the leeward counties, including the Grand Bassa and Nimba counties highways, adding that there were no commitments notwithstanding statements now being made as a result of the few vehicles recently donated.
The Arcelor Mittal Chief Executive Officer vouched that statements from the civil society groups will not deter his company from rendering needed assistance to government whenever appropriate, in order to assist in the improvement of lives of the Liberian people and other residents.
22 Liberians Head For Advanced Training
The President and Chief Executive Officer of Mittal Steel, Mr. Joseph Matthews, disclosed that 22 young Liberians have been selected to undergo advanced training in South Africa.
Mr. Matthews pointed out that the Liberians, all male; include drivers, artisans, electronic technicians, welders and locomotive operators.
Speaking during a farewell luncheon held in honor of the 22 yesterday at a local hotel in Monrovia, he specified that 15 of the 22 Liberians will undergo training in heavy duty driving, two for locomotive, four for electronics and one for welding.
Mr. Matthews stressed that one objective of his company is to build the capacity of Liberians, with the process expected to last for six months and may extend to Canada with different groups of Liberians to equally benefit from the scheme.
He said Arcelor Mittal does not believe in bringing to the country expatriates to perform jobs that Liberians are capable of doing. Also speaking at the program, Liberia's Minister of Lands, Mines and Energy, Dr. Eugene Shannon, welcomed the action of Mittal Steel on behalf of the Liberian government.
He interpreted activities of the company over the months as also generating interest in developments at the University of Liberia, especially its technology and mining schools.
"They are working along with us to build a vibrant institution that will produce productive men and women who will work in the mining sector," he said.
Speaking on behalf of the expected trainees who are expected to depart the country on Friday, Mr. John T. Teah of the Electronics Department expressed thanks and appreciation to the management of Mittal Steel for placing trust and confidence in them by forwarding their names for the advanced training in the respective fields.
He promised that they would live up to the expectations of both the Liberian government and the management of Mittal Steel.
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