The Board of Directors and Senior Management of Bea Mountain Mining Corporation says it has read with utter dismay, statements by some Liberians, calling for the removal of its Country General Manager, Mr. Debar W. Allen, who is said to be an experienced Liberian administrator.
The statements and protests alleged that Mr. Allen is responsible for the actions and inactions of the Company in matters concerning the performance of its obligations in the various communities and the Country.
According to the Board of Directors, Mr. Debar Allen in 2013 as a result of a nationwide search by the then CEO and President of Aureus Mining Company, Mr. David Reading, with the approval of the Board of Directors joined the Company and has since been performing degently.
The Company statement comes contrary to what some protesting Liberians had believed, the position of Country General Manager (General Manager for Country Affairs) is not occupied by a person recommended by the Government of Liberia. No such positions exist within the structure of the Company.
The Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) that Bea Mountain holds with the Government of Liberia calls for the hiring of qualified and competent Liberians, with no obligations to hire from any specific counties.
Mr. Allen is a model employee and Manager with an impeccable service record according to the company.
Companies look for employees of such that are ready, willing, and able to serve with such long-term commitment and distinction.
Bea Mountain Mining Corporation is Liberia’s first and largest commercial gold producer, providing employment opportunities for more than 3,500 Liberians.
The Company in a release says Mr. Allen has over the years contributed enormously to BMMC’s success story with his commitment, dedication, and expertise, something of which the company has no intentions of seeking his early resignation.
“We Have No Intentions Of Seeking His Resignations”.
At the same time, the company has emphasized that whatever actions are taken or not taken by the Company cannot and should not be attributed to any Manager; so the idea that Mr. Allen is responsible for the company not meeting its obligations to employees and communities cannot be further from the truth.
As a member of a team of more than 10 Managers who run the business here in Liberia, he is continually seeking creative ways by which the Company can strengthen its social license both in the project areas and the country at large.
An example is the additional commitment to communities today known as the Clan Development Fund which he suggested and championed because the County leaders failed to access and utilize the Community Development Fund that now exceeds 1.3 million USD.
We call on those seeking his resignation or removal to cease, desist, and instead join the company in finding more positive ways to strengthen the symbiotic relationships between the Company, the host communities, and the country.
“‘No amount of pressure or protest will cause the company to act illegally against any of its employees.”
“Our confidence in our General Manager for Country Affairs, Mr. Debar W. Allen, remains strong, unwavering, and uncompromising as he continues to serve at the will and pleasure of the CEO and Board of Directors.”
