BUCHANAN, Grand Bassa – The body of the late Fayiah Kettor has finally been buried. He went missing and was found dead on the plantation of the Liberia Agricultural Company after an intensive search by authorities.
Kettor, who was believed to be in his early 40s, was an employee of the company. He had been taken to the company’s health facility on March 22 when he went missing. Grand Bassa’s fourth district representative, Vincent Willie, and members of the deceased’s family had called for an investigation into the actual cause of death.
Kettor’s decomposed body was turned over to family members last week based on their request to have him buried after the family reached an agreement with the management of the Liberia Agricultural Company.
The company’s management agreed to provide the family with US$10,000 to cover the funeral cost. LAC also agreed to provide employment for the deceased’s wife and another family member, in addition to housing for the family on the plantation. The company will further sponsor all of Kettor’s six children’s education up to university level.
Prior to the burial, the Abraham Robert Funeral Home had reportedly complained to the Liberian government that the body was too far decomposed and was polluting the entire funeral home.
The body was turned over to family members with the acquiescence of Rep. Willie, who had been pushing for an autopsy and thorough investigation.
Authorities have noted that Kettor’s burial does not mean that the government will no longer take legal actions against culpable persons.
Two Liberian pathologists conducted the autopsy last week. The result of the autopsy is expected to be submitted to the Ministry of Justice. Investigators in Grand Bassa are waiting on the result of the autopsy to know the cause of the Kettor’s death, which will allow them to determine whether to press any charges.
LAC’s management has already been charged with negligent homicide, given that the deceased was an employee of the company and went missing while in the custody of its health facility.
Featured photo courtesy of Michael Caroe Andersen
