WEALA, DISTRICT #5, MARGIBI COUNTY – The Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC), and its subsidiary, Jeety Rubber LLC, jointly organized an important Independence Day celebration that brought joy and relief to over 7,145 Liberians on Saturday, July 26, Liberia’s Independence, in Monrovia and Weala, Margibi County.
The initiative, marked by kindness and community engagement, provided tangible support to 1,600 inmates at the Monrovia Central Prison (South Beach), 500 disadvantaged youths (zogoes), 45 motorbike riders facing economic hardship, and 5,000 children who received 26 gifts in Weala, Margibi County.
The core of the initiative which commemorated Liberia’s 178 Independence Day, over the Weekend, involved the providing of a hot meal to the 1,600 inmates housed at the overcrowded Central Prison, also referred to as South Beach Prison.
The meal, including rice, chicken, beans, cake, water, and soft drinks (soda), was a significant upgrade from the prison’s standard food, offering a much-needed nutritional boost and a sense of communal celebration on the country’s historical day.
Beyond the prison bars, the companies also extended their generosity to the over 500 disadvantaged youths (zogoes) residing on Center Street in Monrovia and its environs, after being neglected by society due to their involvement in drugs and other narcotic substances.
As it is commonly said that Liberia is not Monrovia, the Companies’, through its CEO, Upjit Singh Sachdeva, commonly known as “Jeety,” and team also identified with motorbike riders in Weala, Margibi, a crucial part of Liberia’s transportation system and economy, but often faced significant economic challenges and neglect.
Each motorbike rider who was present received a 25kg bag of rice, a substantial contribution that provided much-needed sustenance for many families dependent on these riders’ daily income for survivability.
The distribution process, carefully organized to avoid chaos and ensure fair allocation, took place at one of the companies’ facilities, with several riders expressing their deep gratitude, stating that the rice would significantly help their families, particularly considering the current high cost of living. There were 44 bike riders present.
The impact of SRC and Jeety Rubber initiative was not restricted to adults alone, as 5,000 children in Weala, across SRC’s seven camps received gifts, reflecting the companies’ commitment to fostering a brighter future for Liberia’s younger generation.
The gifts were carefully chosen to put smiles on the faces of these children being dressed up by their parents to form part of the country’s Independence Day celebration, thereby reinforcing the spirit of national unity.
The gesture followed days after the companies on July 23, 2025, donated a fully-equipped ambulance and school bus, and a renovated Town Hall to workers and the people of District #5, Margibi County, as part of the companies’ corporate social responsibility.
The initiative is intended to provide critical emergency medical services for the region, as the nearest hospital or companies clinic is often hours away by road during the Rainy Season, as well as transport students to school and give community dwellers a decent place for meetings and other events.
SRC, one of Liberia’s oldest rubber plantations, was a few years ago, acquired by Mr. Jeety, after suffering years of aging facilities, losses and internal conflicts between the company’s management and employees, while Jeety Rubber LLC, also based in Weala buys and processes rubber into finished and semi-finished products, including TSR10, for shipment.
Since taking over the SRC, the company has witnessed significant changes, including the ongoing renovation and expansion of management camp, the seven ordinary workers’ camps, school, employment of more Liberians with a better pay structure and the lightning of various adjacent communities with solar lights among others.
In remarks, Mr. Jeety said his decision was not just about providing food or gifts, but extending a hand of compassion and demonstrating that even those behind bars, the neglected, motorcyclists’, and children are not forgotten on a special day, like the July 26 celebration.
He further elaborated on the companies’ commitment to community development and social responsibility, highlighting the importance of remembering and supporting all members of the Liberian society.
Jeety also emphasized the importance of corporate citizenship and investing in the well-being of the community, adding that he believes businesses have a responsibility to contribute positively to the societies in which they operate and serve.
Meanwhile, the initiative garnered widespread praise from several residents of Weala, including the motorcyclists’, local community leaders, parents, expressing deep appreciation for the Jeety’s continuous support to Liberians.
