SRC, Jeety Rubber Put a Smile on Over 7,000 Liberians’ Faces 

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ADNews- Liberia: In a remarkable show of generosity and community spirit, the Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC) and its subsidiary, Jeety Rubber LLC, brought joy and support to over 7,145 Liberians during this year’s Independence Day celebrations, held in both Monrovia and Weala, Margibi County.

The initiative, aimed at marking Liberia’s 178th Independence Anniversary, targeted several vulnerable groups and provided them with much-needed assistance. Among the beneficiaries were 1,600 inmates at the Monrovia Central Prison (South Beach), 500 disadvantaged youths (commonly referred to as Zogoes), 45 motorbike riders, and 5,000 children in Weala.

At the heart of the celebration was a hot meal provided to inmates at the overcrowded South Beach Prison. The meal, which included rice, chicken, beans, cake, water, and soft drinks,was a welcome departure from the prison’s usual offerings, offering not just nutrition but a sense of belonging and festivity.

“This is not just about food. It’s about reminding them that they are still part of this country and worthy of care, especially on such a significant day,” said Mr. Upjit Singh Sachdeva, widely known as Jeety, CEO of both companies.

On Center Street in Monrovia and surrounding areas, the companies also reached out to more than 500 disadvantaged youths, many of whom have been neglected due to substance abuse and social stigma. Volunteers handed out meals and provided words of encouragement, underscoring the companies’ inclusive approach to community engagement.

Recognizing the economic hardship faced by motorbike riders, who form a vital part of Liberia’s transport sector, the companies distributed 25kg bags of rice to 45 riders in Weala. The distribution took place at one of SRC’s facilities and was carefully managed to ensure transparency and fairness.

Several riders expressed heartfelt appreciation, noting the gesture came at a time when the rising cost of living is making basic survival increasingly difficult.

Independence Day festivities continued in Weala, where over 5,000 children across SRC’s five residential camps received carefully selected gifts. The initiative aimed to reinforce a sense of unity and national pride while offering children a moment of happiness and celebration.

Parents dressed their children in their finest attire to participate in the celebration, with the distribution of gifts adding to the festive atmosphere.

In a further show of support for youth development, Mr. Jeety pledged cash prizes to the winners of a local tournament sponsored by the companies. He announced that the first-place winner would receive L$25,000, the second-place team L$15,000, the third-place team L$10,000, and the fourth-place team L$5,000—even in addition to pre-existing tournament prizes.

The Independence Day outreach followed a major donation on July 23, 2025, when the companies provided a fully equipped ambulance, a school bus, and a renovated town hall to the people of Weala. These efforts are part of the companies’ broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy aimed at improving infrastructure and essential services in underserved areas.

The ambulance is expected to provide critical emergency services, especially during the rainy season when access to hospitals is limited. The school bus will ease transportation for students, while the town hall now offers residents a suitable space for meetings and events.

SRC, one of Liberia’s oldest rubber plantations, was acquired by Mr. Jeety after years of declining operations, aging infrastructure, and internal conflict. Since the takeover, the company has undergone a significant transformation—renovating schools and residential camps, expanding facilities, employing more Liberians with improved salaries, and installing solar lighting in several communities.

Jeety Rubber LLC, based in Weala, focuses on processing raw rubber into finished and semi-finished products such as TSR 10, for export.

In his remarks, Mr. Jeety emphasized that the Independence Day activities were about more than giving; they were about inclusivity and compassion.

“We are not just celebrating a holiday—we are showing that even those behind bars, the marginalized, and children deserve to be seen, heard, and supported,” he said.

He also underscored the importance of corporate citizenship, stating that businesses must play an active role in uplifting the communities they serve.

The initiative drew widespread praise from Weala residents, including local leaders, motorcyclists, and parents. Many expressed deep appreciation for the companies’ ongoing contributions to the social and economic development of their communities.