[By Sampson W Weah/Greenville, Sinoe County]
The Superintendent of Sinoe County, Hon. Alexander Nah Sleweon, together with the Sinoe County Sports Steering Committee, has firmly rejected a US$1,500 donation from Golden Veroleum Liberia (GVL) intended for the county’s participation in the 2025/2026 National County Sports Meet, describing the offer as grossly inadequate, disrespectful, and unserious.
County authorities say the decision reflects not ingratitude, but a principled stand for dignity, sustainability, and meaningful corporate social responsibility from a company that benefits immensely from Sinoe County’s land and resources.
Superintendent Sleweon had earlier written a formal letter to GVL’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Johanes Handojo, requesting substantial assistance for the county’s teams. The request specifically included support for transportation—such as vehicles to convey players from Monrovia to Greenville—and assistance with players’ stipends and basic welfare.
According to the Superintendent, GVL failed to respond to the official correspondence. Instead, a company representative allegedly bypassed the Superintendent’s office and contacted the Chairman of the Sports Steering Committee, Mr. Dennis Jarpah Sr., with instructions to collect a cheque amounting to US$1,500.
Superintendent Sleweon said the manner and amount of the offer represented a clear disregard for the authority of the county administration and an insult to the people of Sinoe.
“The county would rather receive no contribution at all than accept a token amount that cannot solve even one major logistical problem for our teams,” the Superintendent stated. “This is not support; it is a blatant pretense.”
Members of the Sinoe County Sports Steering Committee unanimously agreed, stressing that the amount could not meaningfully cover transportation, accommodation, feeding, or player allowances critical elements for participation in the national sports meet.
The rejection has reignited debate about the obligations of major concessionaires to the communities in which they operate. Sinoe County leaders insist that corporate engagement must go beyond symbolic gestures and reflect the scale of operations and profits derived from local resources.
They are calling on GVL to demonstrate genuine commitment through structured, sustainable, and respectful support for sports, youth development, and community initiatives.
Despite the strong rejection, county officials emphasized that they remain open to a positive and mutually respectful partnership with Golden Veroleum Liberia one grounded in transparency, dialogue, and meaningful investment in the people of Sinoe County.
“This is not a rejection of partnership,” county authorities noted. “It is a demand for respect, sincerity, and development that matches the realities on the ground.”
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