Africa-Press – Liberia. Tension is brewing in the Gedetarbo community of Maryland County following reports that local authorities are allegedly planning to relocate the long-awaited Maryland Vocational Training Institute (MVTI) from its originally agreed site.
The residents, including traditional leaders, youth, and women’s groups, have expressed deep frustration over what they describe as politically motivated actions aimed at diverting development away from their town despite a formal land donation and previous commitments.
In an exclusive interview, Paramount Chief Podee Nyan Williams of Gedetarbo and Pleebo towns voiced his disappointment in the local leadership, particularly pointing fingers at the County Superintendent and some lawmakers for what he termed a betrayal of trust.
“We were the ones who offered eight acres of land two years ago for the school. The land was surveyed and probated. Nobody asked us to give a certain amount,” Chief Williams said. “Now they want to move the institute elsewhere? If they need more land, let them come—we’re ready to give more than 150 acres if necessary.”
The Paramount Chief emphasized that Gedetarbo has historically contributed to the county’s economic development, referencing the Cavalla Rubber Corporation (CRC), whose concession area lies on land provided by the community.
“We’ve given so much to the national government through CRC, yet we see no development in return. Why should we be denied the one major project promised to us?” he asked. “We deserve the school. There should be no reason why the government cannot construct the MVTI right here in Gedetarbo, as agreed.”
The community believes the proposed relocation of the MVTI is part of a wider trend of uneven development, where major infrastructure and investment projects are consistently centered in Pleebo City, sidelining other areas within Pleebo-Sodoken District.
Marie Pokolo Williams, the Women’s Leader of Gedetarbo, echoed similar sentiments. She described the move as unjust and warned against marginalizing other parts of the district.
“Why is it that all development is going to Pleebo?” she questioned.
“Don’t we deserve development as well? Our children need skills training, and this school is our chance for a better future.”
Anger and disappointment were also voiced by the youth of the community. Joel Hne, the Youth President of Gedetarbo, issued a stern warning to lawmakers and district authorities.
“If the Maryland Vocational Training Institute is not built in Gedetarbo, we will completely disassociate ourselves from Pleebo-Sodoken District,” Hne declared. “We will also boycott future elections because we are being treated like outsiders in our own district.”
Hne emphasized that the MVTI is not just a building but a potential engine of economic growth and social transformation for the entire community.
“This project would bring employment, business, and opportunities. We are not asking for too much—we only ask the government to respect the original agreement.”
The leaders and residents are now calling on Maryland County legislators and other national authorities to intervene and honor the previous commitment made to the Gedetarbo community.
They maintain that their offer of land—both the initial eight acres and the willingness to provide more—is a demonstration of good faith and a clear indication of their commitment to hosting the vocational training center.
“We are not just protesting; we are presenting facts. The land is there. The documents are there. The community is ready,” said Chief Williams. “The only thing missing is political will—and we’re calling on our leaders to do what is right.”
The situation continues to attract attention, with increasing pressure being mounted on lawmakers and county officials to provide clarity and avoid further community unrest.
As one elder put it during a town hall gathering, “If Gedetarbo is good enough to give land to CRC, then Gedetarbo is good enough to host a school.”
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