Firestone Liberia’s Response to August 10, 2022 Daily Observer editorial

In response to the recent editorial concerning Liberia’s agricultural economy, we felt it might be helpful to provide additional context with respect to the operations of Firestone Liberia and its place in Liberia’s economic landscape and social landscape. 

For nearly a century, Firestone Liberia has been a leading investor in the country of Liberia. During this time, the company has sought to operate as a responsible corporate citizen, growing and maturing in concert with the needs and expectations of a progressing society and evolving societal norms, making unparalleled investments in the country and its people.

Firestone Liberia operates under a concession agreement with the Government of Liberia that provides economic opportunity for thousands of individuals and their families in terms of fair wages, stable and secure employment, and critical social benefits such as free housing, medical care, and dependent education. 

Moreover, we have and continue to make important contributions to the broader economic welfare of Liberia beyond the boundaries of our own operations and concession territory, supporting the development of critical infrastructure, investing in small share rubber farming, providing essential health and social services to fence-line communities and more.

Firestone Liberia remains committed to the health and welfare of Liberia, with a robust and continually strengthening commitment to fundamental human rights, to the just and proper treatment of people including not only our teammates but also surrounding communities, and to policies that protect the environment that sustains us. 

It is our most sincere desire that the Liberian people, its leaders and opinion makers will consider the fullness of our actions, and that they would continually engage with us in open and honest dialogue to ensure that Firestone Liberia remains a net positive contributor to this country.