GVL to start production in 2016

Golden Veroleum Liberia or GVL has expressed optimism of commencing oil palm production here by 2016, company’s spokesman Stephen Binda, announced Thursday in Monrovia. Speaking at a media luncheon, the company said despite the Ebola virus slowing activities during the course of the year, it is hopeful of reaching its 2016 goal.

Mr. Binda said besides the scheduled production, it would also increase employment to 4,000. Currently, the company has over 3,500 employees. Beginning operation here in 2010, GVL seeks to develop a vibrant oil palm sector in Sinoe and Grand Kru counties, southeast Liberia.

The company, with an investment portfolio of over 1 billion dollars, continues to contribute to the country’s economy, particularly in its concession areas through several corporate interventions some of which range from construction of schools, clinics to feeder roads.

Mr. Binda, accompanied by Head of Corporate Communication, Virgil Magee, commended the Liberian media for its positive role during the height of the Ebola crisis. “We are very pleased with the level of work done by the media over the years for GVL,” said Mr.  Magee, and added, “We look forward to more of this collaboration in the coming months and year.”

The company further announced that as part of the production plan for 2016, it would shortly resume construction work on its oil palm mill in Tarjouwon, Sinoe County with call for citizens’ support.

Although actual cost for the construction of the oil palm mill has not been disclosed, but it is said to be in thousands of United States dollars with employment opportunities for citizens in the counties.

Yesterday’s engagement brought together several media editors and senior reporters, including the President of the Press Union of Liberia, Mr. Abudullia Kamara. 

Speaking on behalf of the media, Mr. Kamara thanked GVL for selecting one of Liberia’s best brains in the media (Mr. Binda) to work in its communication sector.

“We applaud GVL for hiring Mr. Binda,” he said, adding, “The PUL trusts that he will shape the public image of the company in a more positive manner.”  Kamara also pledged the media commitment towards improving and lifting the image of the company both locally and internationally.