The Board of Directors and senior management of Bea Mountain Mining Corporation say they have read with utter dismay statements by some Liberians calling for the removal of their Country General Manager, Debar W. Allen, an experienced Liberian administrator.
According to a Bea Mountain release, the statements and protests alleged that 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.
“For the record, Mr. Allen joined the company 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,” the release noted.
According to the release, “Contrary to what some may believe, the position of Country General Manager (General Manager for Country Affairs) is not occupied by a person recommended by the Government of Liberia. In fact, 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.”
The release described Allen as a model employee and manager with an impeccable service record.
“Companies look for employees of such that are ready, willing and able to serve with such long-term commitment and distinction,” the release added.
“Mr. Allen has contributed enormously to BMMC’ success story with his commitment, dedication and expertise, and the Board of Directors and Senior Management of Bea Mountain Mining Corporation has no intentions of seeking his resignation.
“It is also important to emphasize that whatever actions taken or not taken by the company cannot and should not be attributed to any one 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 runs 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 US$1.3 million.
“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,” the release observed.
“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,” the release maintained.
Bea Mountain Mining Corporation is Liberia’s first and largest commercial gold producer, providing employment opportunities for more than 3,500 Liberians.