Heritage (Monrovia)
23 December 2011
Students of the vacation job scheme initiated by the government Thursday stage a violent demonstration in Monrovia and its immediate environs in protest of what they called government “delay tactics” in paying their wages. During the incident, which sent shock waves across the entire city, the protesting students threw stones, attacked government vehicles and burnt tires. Several government and private vehicles were destroyed by the protesters. At least one government vehicle was set ablaze by the protesters.
Reports say one of the protesters got seriously wounded. So far, there has been no report of death.
A beneficiary of vacation job scheme told a local radio station that they were deceived into believing that they would be paid US$35 instead US$32 was being given at the payment center.
The student said the process was very slow prompting anger amongst them.
The situation created panic in Monrovia thereby causing huge traffic congestion in the Sinkor and Bushrod Island areas.
Information Minister Cletus A. Sieh in a statement following the violent demonstration said the government has enough money to pay the students.
Minister Sieh, who described the violence as disturbing and regrettable, called on the students, not to be used by “unscrupulous persons.”
According to him, President Johnson- Sirleaf would be in the streets today, Friday to ensure that the students are paid in an orderly manner.
Earlier, the MICAT boss blamed the violence on rumors, which he said, was fueled by “unscrupulous persons.”
He said the students gave into the rumors because they were impatient apparently because of the slow pace of the payment process.
Speaking further, Minister Sieh confirmed that students targeted government vehicles during the violent demonstration. However, he pointed that government is yet to analyze the level of damage as a result of the students’ actions.
Meanwhile, reports say the protest was brought under control following the intervention of the President who assured the students that they will be paid today.
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