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Samuel B. McGill Sr.

The Gola people and their relationship with their natural environment !!!

Updated: May 25

Welcome to My SB McGill Blog!

Samuel B. McGill CEO
Samuel B. McGill CEO & Blogger

Samuel B. McGill Sr., CEO & President: SB McGill Eco Energy & Environmental Inc. (WWW.SBMEEE.CA)

Samuel brings over 25 years of experience in environmental and energy sectors. His diverse work experience, education, professional designations and drive to make positive change are invaluable in leading SB McGill Eco Energy & Environmental Inc.


With degrees in Environmental Science and Community Design from Dalhousie University, and over three years of Chemistry and Biology study at the University of Liberia, Mr. McGill is well versed in environmental issues and solutions. He has worked as an Energy Consultant, Environmental Researcher and planner, Environmental Specialist, and Energy Efficiency Ambassador. These roles have provided him knowledge in project management, environmental compliance, renewable energy, and community engagement.


In addition to his environmental experience, Mr. McGill has a background in customer service, data processing, and business management. He has held positions such as CEO, Project Manager, Customer Service Representative, Data Processor, and Processing Lab Supervisor. These experiences, combined with his work delivering projects on time and budget, give him a balanced and prudent business sense.


As a former refugee, Mr. McGill understands firsthand the importance of environmental and social stewardship. His personal experiences, paired with his education and career, have cultivated his values of fairness, integrity, and professionalism. Under his leadership, SB McGill Eco Energy & Environmental Inc. has worked to develop sustainable solutions with a mission to create positive change.

Gola Rainforest


I have a strong passion for our relationship with the natural environment.

I believe that we only have one world, and if we destroy it, there will be nothing left for future generations.

It is this passion that led to the formation of my company, SB McGill Eco Energy & Environmental Inc.


I want to bring attention to the way the Gola people of Liberia and Sierra Leone lived in harmony with their environment, specifically the Gola Rainforest. There are valuable lessons we can learn from their sustainable practices.

Throughout my childhood, I engaged in countless discussions with the elders, zoes (spiritual leaders), traditional chiefs, and relatives about the history of the Gola settlement in western Liberia. These fireside historical narrations, along with spending time with my grandparents in the hinterland during annual school vacations, provided me with valuable insights into our people, the Gola.


While I am not a historian, I consider myself an attentive listener to our stories, folktales, and practices.

As a member of the "poro society" and through years of talking and interacting with the elders and zoes, I learned about the key institutions and figures that play important roles in regulating Gola society and passing on traditions:


  • The town chief serves as the political and administrative leader of the village, overseeing disputes, allocating land, and ensuring the enforcement of laws and regulations.

  • The "zoe" acts as a spiritual leader, upholding traditional religious beliefs and rituals, leading initiations, ceremonies, and facilitating communication with ancestors and spirits.

  • Families form the core social unit, passing on values and norms to children. Parents and elders instill respect for traditions and community responsibilities.

  • Age-based peer groups provide solidarity and accountability. Younger and older peers collaborate on tasks while ensuring proper behavior.


With this complex social framework, the Golas have maintained their culture for centuries, even amidst the challenges of the slave trade and colonization.

The relationship between humans and the natural environment is mutually beneficial. The natural environment provides humans with a place to live and resources necessary for life, while humans cultivate and preserve the natural environment for long-term sustainability.


The Gola Rainforest, known as the Greater Gola Landscape, spans the border of Sierra Leone and Liberia and is one of the largest remaining tracts of the Upper Guinean rainforest biome in West Africa. The Gola people are the custodians of this forest.


How have they managed to live in harmony with such a biodiverse environment for hundreds, if not thousands of years?


As the first tribe to settle in Western Liberia and parts of Sierra Leone, the Golas brought with them their culture, crops, livestock, and farming implements during their migration from Sudan to escape war and drought.

The Golas have developed mechanisms to guide their behaviors and live in sustainable harmony with their environment. They also sought the assistance of the Poro and Sande societies, harnessing the power of higher beings to fully implement regulations.

Gola Rain Forest National Park Logo


The Gola Transboundary Peace Park of Sierra Leone & Liberia, which encompasses Liberia's Gola Forest National Park, Foya Nature Reserve, and Sierra Leone's Gola Rainforest National Park, is situated within the Gola Forest. West Africa accounts for just 2% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, yet it is among the regions most affected by climate change impacts such as droughts, rising seas, crop and livestock losses, food insecurity, poverty, land degradation, and biodiversity loss.


This region, however, holds the potential for solutions as it is home to the largest remaining block of the Upper Guinean Forest, which plays a crucial role in absorbing and storing carbon, managing rainfall and waterflows, reducing temperature, and mitigating climate change impacts.


Gola Traditional Women Singers


West Africa's forests offer promise as they are home to the richest diversity of species in the world. The transboundary Gola landscape, despite being one of the most critically fragmented forests on Earth, provides a critical wildlife corridor. This biodiverse landscape is inhabited by hundreds of threatened or endangered plant and animal species, including mammals and birds.

Despite the region's history of war, efforts are being made to focus on conservation and climate solutions. The establishment of the Gola Forest Peace Park in 2009 by the presidents of Sierra Leone and Liberia marked a milestone in transforming this once-war-torn area into a force for life. The peace park promotes a sustainable forest economy, curbs poaching, facilitates biodiversity recovery, and fosters peace between the neighboring countries.


Gola Rain Forest


Click this link to make reservation on our Services:  Book Online | SB McGill Eco Energy (sbmeee.ca)


Gola women mask Dancers


Our Closing Message

At SB McGill Eco Energy & Environmental Inc. WWW.SBMEEE.CA, our mission and vision are clear:


Vision: We aim to revolutionize the relationship between people and the environment. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for our clients, customers, and local communities. We strive to provide exceptional consulting and services that promote both economic sustainability and environmental harmony.

  • Our Vision: A sustainable society powered by clean energy.


Mission: Our mission is to go beyond to ensure our customers are not just satisfied, but absolutely thrilled with our services. We are dedicated to creating a culture of outstanding employee performance, fueled by our unwavering dedication to excellence in every single aspect of our work.

  • Our Mission: To champion sustainability and empower environmental change.


Our Core Values:

  • Innovation: We are committed to pushing the boundaries of renewable energy and environmental technologies, constantly seeking new and innovative solutions.

  • Integrity: Our business is built on a foundation of unwavering ethical standards and a deep sense of responsibility towards the environment.

  • Partnership: We passionately believe that collaboration is key to accelerating positive change. By collaborating with diverse stakeholders, we can leverage our collective expertise, resources, and visions.

  • Empowerment: Our mission is to empower individuals and communities by providing them with educational opportunities and access to sustainable products and services. By fostering awareness about environmental issues and offering practical solutions, we inspire and enable greener choices.


Gola traditional Rice kitchens and huts


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Samuel B. McGill CEO & Blogger
Samuel B. McGill CEO & President--Blogger

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