Casual Workers Protest in CARI

Over 300 unskilled workers at the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) in Bong County have downed their tools since Monday. According to report, the workers are demanding the resignation of CARI Management Acting Head, Aaron Marshall.

He is being accused of “poor human relations” and holding two-month (May and June) salary arrears. The aggrieved workers said if Marshall cannot be removed; there must be increment in their monthly earning of US$50.00 per worker.

But the Ministry of Agriculture has insisted that it would not bow to pressure from the contractors, despite confirming the protest action. Public Relations Officer, Hassan Kiawu told a local radio station (Love) in Monrovia that the ministry will not replace Marshall without any reason.

Kiawu accused the striking workers of advocating for one of their kinsmen to replace Marshall, saying, “They want Marshall replaced with one of their kinsman (Kpelle) but we are not interested. Marshall is doing a good job.”

Meanwhile, Bong County Superintendent Selena Polson-Mappy has promised to intervene in the conflict. She made the comment when during a visit to CARI outside of Gbarnga Wednesday upon hearing the ongoing development there.

By Throble Suah in Monrovia and Jefferson Massa in Gbarnga