The program marking the first induction ceremony of the Liberia Cement Corporation Staff Association (CEMSAL) took place on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at the Liberia Cement Corporation Compound on Somalia Drive, Freeport, Monrovia. The program was attended by the management of CEMENCO, special guests, esteemed colleagues and members of CEMSAL.
Speaking as keynote speaker, Cllr. Charles K. Harris, Commissioner at the Independent National Commission on Human Rights, thanked the management of CEMENCO for the establishment of the association. Cllr. Harris, who also extolled members and staff of CEMSAL for braving the storm to establish the association, encouraged them to work in the interest of the company and the association.
While challenging the leadership of CEMSAL to protect the rights and dignity of all workers, Cllr. Harris also pointed out that the association must operate in line with the company’s operation.
The Liberian lawyer, who highlighted the importance of human rights in any democratic society, expressed the hope that all rights would be respected at all times.
He used the occasion to reaffirm support to the management of CEMENCO and the association, and wished them well in their undertakings.
Also speaking, the President of CEMSAL, Victor Johnson Saah, expressed thanks to members of CEMSAL for placing their trust in him as their leader for the next two years.
According to Saah, this moment is not just a personal milestone; it is a collective step toward a brighter, equitable future for all of them.
“As I look around, I see faces filled with determination, courage and, yes, a sense of anxiety. Many of us are grappling with deception that have been woven into the fabric of our working lives. We have felt the weight of uncertainty—fear of losing our jobs, fear of retaliation of speaking out, and fear of being deceived of those who should be our allies,” Saah stated.
“But today, I want to tell you this: you are not alone. Together we can confront these fears. Together we can dismantle the deception that has kept us divided and powerless. We are an association, recognized by the Government of Liberia (GoL), and that means we are stronger together. We have the right to reclaim our voices, our dignity and our rights,” Saah further stated.
He told his colleagues that they must acknowledge the challenges they face. “We live in a world where workers’ rights are often overlooked, where our contributions are taken for granted, and where our fears are exploited. But I believe in the resilience of our community, I believe in our capacity to rise above the fear that has held us back for too long.”
He continued that their mission will be clear: to create an environment where every member feels safe, respected and empowered.
The President of CEMSAL, who thanked the Managing Director of CEMENCO, William Grignard, for the role he played getting them to where they are, pointed out that they will advocate for transparency, fairness and justice in their workplaces.
“We will stand together against intimidation and deception, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. We will respectfully hold those in power accountable, demanding that they recognize our worth and treat us with the respect we deserve,” the President of CEMSAL said.
He said they should begin to build a culture of trust and solidarity. “Let us support one another, sharing our stories and our struggles, so that we can learn from each other and grow stronger together. Our association is not just an organization; it is a family, and together we will face whatever challenges lie ahead,” Saah assured.
“As your leader, I promise to listen to you, to fight for you and to work tirelessly to ensure that our association becomes a beacon of hope and strength. Together, we will turn our fear into action, our deception into clarity and our uncertainty into unity. Thank you for your trust. Thank you for your commitment. Let us embark on this journey together, hand in hand, toward a future filled with hope, strength and solidarity. Together, we will overcome,” he added.
The Technical Director at the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), Charle F. Johnson, who spoke at the ceremony on behalf of the Ministry, applauded the management of CEMENCO for establishment of the association.
Johnson, who extended the Minister of Justice greetings to the management of CEMENCO and said he could not have been at the program because of other key engagements, said the ministry will work with the association and the company in all aspects of human rights.
He told the congregation that the company has the responsibility to respect the workers, and the workers must also respect the work of the company. He urged all of them to work together for the betterment of both institutions.
For his part, the Managing Director of CEMENCO, William Grignard, thanked the President, members of the association and everyone for the cooperation regarding the establishment of the association.
Grignard said the company is built around the workers, staff, the customers and suppliers, and therefore it is important for all to work together.
“The company is from Europe, and Europeans believe in human rights, and this is why my administration supports the establishment of the association. I remember when you came to my office that you want to form an association. I said, ‘You are welcome,’” Grignard stated
He reassured his support and the cooperation of his administration with the association, in the interest of both the company and the association.