By Solomon T Gaye
Workers at the Cocopa Rubber Plantation are calling on the government, through the office of the Vice president, to replace its current management team.
Superintendent Kou Gono reported that tension is brewing at the plantation between workers and the management over the latter’s alleged failure to pay their salaries and other benefits.
According to Superintendent Gono, the school system was shut down as a result of the stalemate, and students attending the various schools within the plantation are no more in class.
“Vice president Koung, Senator Prince Johnson, and distinguished officials of government present, the Cocopa situation is posing serious threats to the peace and security of the county,” Superintendent Gono informed her colleagues.
During a normal routine at the plantation with VP Koung and his team on May 19, 2024, hundreds of workers, including tappers, were seen protesting with placards and calling for the removal of the management team.
In separate remarks on the same issue, Representative John Meamah frowned at the management team for its failure to cater to the welfare of the workers, and frowned at the management team’s head, Solomon Geageah, for creating hardship for the workers and their families.
Speaking on behalf of tappers, Gabriel Glay explained that the abrupt closure of the school system has left over two thousand school-going children out of school at the plantation, adding, “We don’t have food to eat, the company’s rubber factory is down, and all the staff working with the company have deserted the plantation in fear.”
Speaking on behalf of the government, Vice president Koung appealed to the workers to remain calm, with assurance that plans are underway to settle the Cocopa issue and other related issues in the county.
“I came purposely to thank everybody for voting for the Rescue Team; I will deliver your petition to President Boakai,” VP Koung disclosed.
