The Inquirer (Monrovia)
31 December 2008
In keeping with its tradition, the INQUIRER Newspaper has selected and recognized several personalities and institutions for their exemplary roles in the year 2008.
This exercise has been based on the invaluable contributions these selected individuals and institutions have made over the one year for the good of humanity and our common patrimony, Liberia.
The INQUIRER did solicit the views of the public, which was received through entries delivered to the paper's office on Gurley Street over the past few weeks. We believe the selection carried out by the senior editors of the paper will meet your expectation.
The Inquirer takes great pleasure to reserve the right to withdraw its recognition from any of the honorees who fails to live up to expectation. Now, considering the tedious task involved in carrying out the exercise as we pat the backs of our senior editors for the good work done, we have the profound honor to present our personalities and institutions of the year 2008 as appended below:
Ailing Archbishop Michael Francis, Missing Voice in the Society; Liberty Party flag bearer Charles Brumskine and Dr. Togba Nah Tipoteh of the ADP are our Politicians of the Year; President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf; Most Focused Politician of the Year, Ambassador Dew Mason, Investor of the Year, Mr. George Haddah, Most Determined Businessman of the Year, Governor Mills Jones, Administrator of the Year and Mr. John Morlu of the General Auditing Commission as the News Maker of the Year.
Others are LBDI Bank of the Year, Mr. Upjit Jeety, Silent Educator of the Year, Minister Chris Toe, Minister of the Year, Mr. Kofi Woods, Most Determined Public Servant of the Year, Minister Brownie Samukai, Disciplinarian of the Year, Madam Julia Duncan Cassell, Superintendent of the Year; Scrap Dealer Association of Liberia, Business Institution of the Year, Liberty Party and Unity Party, Political Parties of the Year, Mr. Joseph Cornomia, Out Spoken Politician of the Year, Hon. Sam Page and Edwin Gaye, Lawmakers of the Year, Mr. Andrew Dackie Allakamenin, Deputy Minister of the Year.
The Inquirer has also honored the Concerned Christian Community (CCC), as our Relief Group of the Year; CBL, Financial Institution of the Year, Monrovia Transit Authority, Public Corporation of the Year; His Honor Yusuf Kabba, Judge of the Year, Mother Esther Nyemah, Religious Leader of the Year, Talking Drum Studio (TDS), Peace Promoter of the Year; Col. Chris Massaquoi, Security Officer of the Year, Mrs. Kanvee Gains Adams, Musician of the Year, COMIUM, GSM Company of the Year, Commissioner of the Year, John Stewart, Women Group of the Year, Association of Female Lawyers (AFELL), Women of the Year, Cllr. Pearl Brown Bull and Legislative Aide of the Year, Mr. Darius Dillion.
Others honored include, Commissioner Meekie Gray, Police Officer of the Year, Firestone, Company of the Year, Humanitarian of the Year, Mr. Marouf Mansour, Educator of the Year, Jene Bell Manning of the AME University, Concession Company of the Year, AcellorMittal; Scrap Company of the Year, Green Pasture and Managing Director of the Year, Abraham Simon.
Politicians of the Year
Our politicians of the Year Award this year is being shared by Liberty Party (LP) political leader, Cllr. Charles Walker Brumskine and Dr. Togba Nah Tipoteh of the Alliance for Peace and Democracy (APD)
Cllr. Brumskine, during the year under-review, openly engaged the government vocally and insisted in correcting what many Liberians saw as bad policies. Dr. Tipoteh for his part constructively engaged government especially the President of Liberia through his sound writing and communications to the media. His, was always an advice that could lead the way to good governance.
Most Outspoken Opposition Politician of the Year
Bong County former Representative, Joseph N. Cornomia Sr, did not hesitate to point out government's short-falls during the year under-review. He exposed corruption in and out of government especially the Mamba Point land case which is causing the Government of Liberia (GOL) thousands of United States dollars in losses but to the benefit of few officials.
Political Parties of the Year
Undoubtedly, our political parties of the year are the Liberty Party (LP) and the Unity Party (UP). During the year under-review, the Liberty Party was prepared at all times to collaborate with the policies of government and the ruling Unity Party by giving solutions that could be better for the citizenry.
The Unity Party, in correcting some of its weaknesses, instituted some changes in its leadership structure which automatically saw the emergence of a youthful but experienced head of its secretariat. The party had since continued to articulate its policies in the interest of the people since then.
Commissioner of the Year
Our commissioner of the year is Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Commissioner John Stewart who during the TRC hearing seriously took on witnesses and perpetrators no matter what their status in the society. He fearlessly took on the witnesses, victims and perpetrators in a constructive but tough manner that their true color during the crisis came out for Liberians and the international community to see. He fearlessly asked them questions that other commissioners never dared.
Woman of the Year
Our Woman of the Year is TRC Commissioner Pearl Brown-Bull as she stood the test of time in making the historical aspect of the TRC very relevant to Liberians and the International Community. Her steadfastness and eloquence unveiled the typical Liberian womanhood as if it was in the years of Liberia's importance among the comity of nations. She is not only outspoken but stands in the vanguard of properly executing her duties in a way that can bring pride to every woman.
Legislative Aide of the Year
The INQUIRER has selected Mr. Dairus Dilion as its Legislative aide of the year. Mr. Dilion was selected based on his pragmatic performance in speaking out against the ills in society during the year in review.
He has been vocal on the issues of selective justice allegedly being practiced by the government in prosecuting former government officials who are accused of corruption when people in the present administration are involved in corruption and are not being prosecuted.
Company of the Year
The INQUIRER, after a discreet search to find its Company of the Year, landed in Harbel and selected Firestone Liberia as its Company of the Year. It is no secret that in 2008, Firestone continue to carry out improvement starting with its collective bargaining agreement with its employees.
The company continues to move up the rungs of the ladder by improving the working condition of its workers, its educational system, housing facilities, and recently the reopening of the Duside Hospital that has been down for years due to the civil war. We applaud this company for a job well done in 2008 and hope such goodwill would continue in the future.
Business Association Of The Year
The Liberia Scrap Association (LSA) is our business association of the year. This association has been very reconstructive in engaging the government of Liberia when it comes to the association's relationship with the government.
Despite the imposed ban on the association by the government of Liberia, the association has been very peaceful in engaging the government. The scrap association leadership exhibited complete control over its membership during the ban.
Most Determined Public Servant
The Minister of Labor, Att. Samuel Kofi Woods is our most determined public servant of the year. Minister Woods has been very instrumental in rebuilding the labor image of Liberia with the International Labor Organization (ILO).
Additionally, Minister Woods, in recent time has led the campaign for youth employment throughout the country. He is also credited for initiating the Liberia Emergency Employment Program (LEEP), a program that seeks to provide job opportunities for many youths in the country.
Public Corporation of the Year
Our Public Corporation of the Year award goes to the Monrovia Transit Authority (MTA), headed by Mr. Senwar Weah. The MTA, which was in a complete shamble and completely dormant for years, has been able to rise from its slumber to provide public transport for commuters.
With the limited resources at its disposal, the MTA has been able to provide and maintain the buses entrusted to its care by foreign donors. Despite the high increase in price of fuel, the MTA has been able to regularly provide buses for public transport that ply various routes thus helping to alleviate the transportation difficulties facing city dwellers.
Peace Promoter of the Year
Our choice for this award goes to the Talking Drum Studio (TDS). Since the beginning of this year, the TDS has been actively engaged in spreading and promoting peace messages aimed at uniting Liberians using all forms of traditional and simple means. The TDS has over the year, sent peace messages of unity, reconciliation and using drama and songs to get to the people. In addition to this, the TDS has visited most of the counties organizing consultative meetings aimed at bringing the local people and their community leaders together to discuss issues of peace, security and development.
Police Officer of the Year
The Chief of Traffic of the Liberian National Police Commissioner, Meekie Gray is no doubt out choice for this award. Commissioner Gray has been very instrumental and hard working to ensure that vehicles plying the streets adhere to safety regulations. He has undoubtedly ensured that the government's decision on the enforcement of the new transport fares is enforced when the traffic division under him, deployed officers in the streets to make sure that commercial drivers adhere to the government's action.
The move by the Police Traffic Division to introduce one passenger in the front seat and the adherence for passengers to wear the seat belts were all made possible through the hard work of Commissioner Gray. He has also been able to work in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and the Trucker Association in making sure that container trucks comply with the new set of regulations that was drafted thereby, reducing accident rate in the country.
GSM Company of the Year
Our choice for this year, Best GSM Company goes to COMIUM. During the year, COMIUM has been able to serve its customers with specific focus by making them to reap what they gave the company in return. Under its special raffle draws and other programs, many subscribers of the company have been able to win cash prices totaling almost over US$1,000. The company, during the year in review, was able to give out a free house to one of its raffle winners and is so far the only company with an instant refilling US$1.00 recharge card.
Religious Leader of the Year
Mother Esther Nyemah, of the Jireh International Ministries is our winner for this award. Our Religious Leader during the year under review won more souls for Jesus Christ by extending the church's activities to five separate missions in the Southeastern part of Liberia. This effort of the ministry under Mother Nyemah has yielded to the winning of over 500 new souls in that part of the country. Not only has our religious leader worked over the year to win souls, but she has taken keen interest in improving the educational standard of the nation by working toward the building of more schools across the country. She has been very vocal over the year in making sure that Christianity flourishes across the country with the renewed commitment to ensure the practical realization of her theme for the coming year taken from the Gospel of the Book of Amos 3:3.
Security Officer of the Year:
The Commissioner of Immigration, Chris Massaquoi is our choice for this award. Commissioner Massaquoi, during the year under review has worked to strengthen and build up the capacity of the Bureau of Immigration (BIN), with the focus of manning the border posts of the country. He has worked to erect new immigration post across the country to ensure proper border security. Despite the limited logistics at its disposal, the BIN under him has been able to nab many illegal people who try to enter the country and it has prevented others from coming into the country, because of the improved surveillance tactics put in place under him.
The Most Determine Businessman of the Year
Despite the complex unfavorable economic condition caused by changes in government's policy, the Haddad Group of Companies has stood the test of times, maintaining one of the largest work forces, and upholding good business practices in meeting up with all legitimate obligations to government. Its cooperate responsibilities to the people of Liberia including scholarship and assistance programs exemplify the Haddad Group of Companies as a truth and reliable partner in the reconstruction process of Liberia. These worthy initiatives, especially the Company's assistance programs master-minded by its Chief Executive Officer George E. Haddad make him our most eligible Businessman of the Year. At the recent inauguration of a local insurance company, Vice President Dr. Joseph Boakai referred to our Businessman of the Year as an excellent example of a pioneering Lebanese investor committed to the social-economic development of Liberia.
Silent Educator of the Year
Besides his involvement in business in the country, the Indian consul of Liberia, Jeety continues to identify with other needs of Liberians. Over the years, Mr. Jeety has contributed and continues to contribute to the educational needs of many Liberians through scholarships. He has been involved in this because of his belief in the philosophy that, 'education is the key to success.' Interestingly, he continues to remain silent on this aspect, something for which we has decided to honor him as the "Silent Educator of the year."
Bank of the Year
Our bank of the year is the Liberian Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI). The bank has been able to put into place proper mechanism to prevent fraud. Besides, it continues to establish branches in many parts of the country. As a result of this, many Liberians, in the leeward counties, who were facing problems in transacting with banking institutions, today now, have an easy ride in term of smooth banking transaction.
Managing Director of the Year
The Managing Director of the Roberts International Airport (RIA), Mr. Abraham Simmons is our man for this title for the countless improvements he along with his GEMAP expert Alex Cuffy has brought to that institution which was a place that once received public outcry but is today a different place with improved services and facilities. We gathered that he has been successful because he "cooperates with GEMAP" to move the institution forward. There has been improvement in security through the provision of modern equipment and that the both areas for arrival and departure as well as the VIP have been refurbished with modern facilities. The terminal now has additional duty free shops and that the facility has been fenced in order to prevent intruders. It was gathered that because of sound policy at the corporation, it has been able to attract funding. There have also been local and international training programs for its staff. On the financial aspect, there has been improved revenue intake and that the corporation has streamlined its workforce, something which is said to be generating high productivity and therefore has made the institution to get more funds for its development programs.
Scrap Company of the Year
The company that stood most favorable to take on the mantle of honor for this award is 'Green Pastures Company Inc.' which is owned and operated by a young Liberian.
The company is not only involved in scrap exportation. But over the year, it has been in the vanguard to rebuild the country by helping local communities.
The company has employed many young Liberians and has operated two scrap extraction contracts with the GOL, which are the former Bong Mines Concession in Fuamah District in Bong County and the former National Iron Ore Company in Mano River.
Green Pastures is one of the highest exporters of scrap metals in Liberia. It operates many scrap purchasing sites around Liberia. During the year under review, the company realizing the need to share some of its proceeds with communities donated US$30,000.00 to Grand Cape Mount County for the construction of the Konjah Bride which links the Mano River area with the rest of Porkpa District. It has also constructed a Youth Center in Heinde, the capital of Fuamah District in Bong County and carryout road rehabilitation in Bong and Cape Mount Counties.
Green Pastures provided scholarships to over 500 students from elementary up to college level in Bong, Montserrado and Grand Cape Mount Counties. The company has made a financial contribution worth over US$50,000.00 to many organizations and entities during the year under review.
The Missing Voice In The Society
Archbishop Michael Kpakala Francis is being remembered again by The INQUIRER s the missing voice in the society today. The one who stood for justice, fair play and equality can no longer be heard and what is most astonishing is that up to present, there has been no possible replacement for this noble statesman.
Archbishop Francis was the voice of the voiceless; a comforter to those that needed comfort and now his silence can be felt in almost every sector of our society.
We have selected him as the missing voice in the society based on numerous entries received and upon deliberations amongst our senior editorial staff. We are of the conclusion that indeed there is a missing voice in our society and this voice is Archbishop Michael Kpakala Francis.
Disciplinarian of the Year
Our choice for this award is the Minister of Defense Brownie Samukai. Minister Samukai has exemplified himself as an administrator who has endeavored during the year in review to instill discipline to the new Liberian army. He has taken a tougher stance with out any compromise to the integrity of the force against members of the army who has violated the military code of ethics. Whenever he addresses the army, Minister Samukai's speeches are normally emphatic on the importance of making discipline a hallmark in the discharge of the duties of the army. We have observed with satisfaction the Minister's stance to build up an army of professionalism and discipline that would respect the rights of the people.
Educator of the Year
The President of the African Methodist Episcopal University, Madam Jene Bell Manning, is our educator of the year under review. She has transformed the African Methodist Episcopal University by over hauling the teaching staff and injecting qualified individuals some of whom have worked abroad. Under her administration, our educator has put in place a well organized system that is resulting to the speedy improvement of the university, making it as one of the fastest growing higher institutions of learning in the country. Under her, the campus of the university has improved with all compartments refurbished and tidy for the relaxation of the staff and students. She has also created for all the various courses an office space that is well furnished for the staff.
Relief Group of the Year
The Concerned Christian Community is our Relief Group of the year. In consistent with its desire to help the less fortunate in our society, the CCC has brought hopes to many providing relief assistance to the needed and working with farmers to boost agriculture in the country. The group has been very instrumental in providing to farmers seed rice and farming implement to strengthen rice production and help the nation reach its goal of being food secure.
Deputy Minister of the Year:
This award goes to Deputy Minister, Andrew Sackie Allakamenin of the Ministry of Commerce. Minister Allakamenin, a specialist in Organization and Management, has over the year been a brain behind the Ministry's decision to launch the consumer rights education, awareness program in four counties and reducing the absenteeism at the Ministry, thereby preventing huge financial losses that were sustained by the government in the past.
He has ably worked to promote the Ministry's entrepreneurship program through seed money and the grooming of the country's future entrepreneurship program, special export fund for Liberian business in collaboration with the nation's international partners. He has also worked to improve the capacity building of the Ministry's staff through external training and planning several training workshops locally.
The Most Determined Businessman of the Year
Despite, the complex unfavorable economic condition caused by changes in government's policy, the Haddad Group of Companies has stood the test of times maintaining one of the largest work force, and upholding good business practices in meeting up with all legitimate obligations to government. Its cooperate responsibilities to the people of Liberia including scholarships and assistance programs exemplify the Haddad Group of Companies as a truth and reliable partner in the reconstruction process of Liberia. These worthy initiatives especially the company's assistance programs headed by its Chief Executive Officer, George E. Haddad makes him our most eligible Determined Businessman of the Year. At the recent inauguration of a local insurance company, Vice President Dr. Joseph Boakai referred to our Businessman of the Year as an excellent example of a pioneering Lebanese investor committed to the socio-economic development of Liberia. GEH is a friend, brother, father, and uncle of thousands of Liberians who need help.
Lawmakes of the year
Our lawmakers of the year award of 2008 goes to two distinguished lawmakers in the House of Representatives. Grand Bassa County Representative, Samuel Page and Rep. Edwin Power Gaye of Nimba County deserve this award based on the distinguished services they have rendered to the state, their counties and their respective districts.
Rep Samuel Page: Grand Bassa County District #1 Representative Samuel Page is one of the astute lawmakers in the House of Representatives who has worked diligently in the interest of the people of Grand Bassa County especially citizens of District #1.
Rep. Page who many describe as the quiet lawmaker has in a single year, transformed his District Headquarters (#1 Compound) that has been deserted for many years to a modern city with the construction of his office, the district offices and other important infrastructures on the compound under his self-help initiative. Rep. Page, though hailed from one of the underdeveloped areas in Grand Bassa County, is doing everything possible to put his district on par with other areas in the county in terms of development.
He is presently engaged in the rehabilitation of damaged roads and bridges in the district and the construction of educational and health facilities in the district.
He is a lawmaker who sits and listens to his people at all times as he regularly visits the district and hold talks with the citizens of District #1. He has single-handedly constructed clinics, educational facilities in many parts of District #1, Grand Bassa County. Presently, the construction of a US$60,000 health facility is ongoing in Jacob Lathre Town, Timber District through the instrumentality of the able representative.
On the international scene, Rep. Page is one of Liberia's representatives to the ECOWAS Parliamentarian Union and has been very instrumental in putting Liberia's problems before the international community.
Rep. Edwin Power Gaye: Rep Gaye, one of the youngest lawmakers from Nimba County is indeed our lawmaker of the year. Rep. Gaye deserves this award based on the level of development he has undertaken in District #7 in Nimba County.
A professional nurse by profession, Rep. Gaye is the Chairman on the House Standing Committee on Health and Social Welfare. At the Capitol Building, Rep. Gaye through his committee, advocated for budgetary increment for the health sector in the country thus, leading to the increment in the number of hospitals and clinics around the country.
One of his major achievements in the House is the passage of the compulsory vaccination Bill for children under one year. In Nimba County where the lawmaker hails from, he visits his constituent on a regular basis. In Tapita, District #7, he renovated two hospital residential units which are expected to host the Chinese who are in the county to construct a modern hospital for the people of Nimba.
Several students from Nimba County are on his scholarship while he has distributed over eight generators to schools and clinics in his district. Rep. Gaye, among other achievements, was very instrumental in ensuring that the Chinese sign a contract with the government of Liberia for the construction of US$10 million 100-bedroom hospital in Tapita. With these achievements in a single year, it is no doubt that these two lawmakers have done much and deserve this award.
Minister of the year 2008
The Inquirer has selected Dr. J. Chris Toe as the Minister of the year 2008. During the course of the year, Minister Toe had been very influential in empowering farmers throughout the country to ensure that the country has enough food to feed its citizens and if possible export some of its products. As a result of his hard work, the Minister succeeded in organizing a food trade fair in Lofa County, the 'bread basket' of the country where several food items were displayed for purchasing. Minister Toe also gave out prizes to the best farmers, as a means of encouraging them to produce more food. Of late, Dr. Toe, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization trained many rural women throughout the country and gave them some agro processing machines to reduce the labor that is involved in agriculture. The over 320 agro-processing machines fabricated included those used for rice, cassava and palm kernel processing. Minister Toe assured the citizens that the processing machines that were manufactured in the country by some ex-combatants will no longer be purchased outside of the country. He stated that this government, through the Ministry of Agriculture will continue to empower the ex-combatants, now trained manufacturers of agro-processing machines to expand in many areas of their production.
Women's Group of the Year
The Association of Female Lawyers (AFELL) is our Women's Group of the year. AFELL has been selected based on its overtime advocacy and prompt implementation of its objectives.
For the year under review, AFELL worked along with the Justice system in securing a legislation that established a new court called the Criminal Court "E" which is an extension of the 1st Judicial Circuit Court with a specific mandate of handling issues that deal with Sexual and Gender Based Violence. The renovation of the well equipped courtroom came as a result of a grant forwarded to the Judiciary under a project implemented by AFELL. With this court, everyone is now sure that SGBV cases that have been in limbo would be speedily handled. This court is expected to be opened next February.
Judge of the Year
The Presiding Judge of the Criminal Court "B", Yussif D. Kaba, for the November term of Court is our choice for this year's Judge of the year because of his ability in handling his courtrooms. Judge Kaba who is also the Resident Judge nominated to the Sixth Judicial Circuit Civil Law Court at the Temple of Justice has been mirrored over the year in review for his equal zeal to preside and pass judgment on all cases regardless of the figures/personalities involved.
Judge Kaba who has been serving as Judge for the past 10 years, since December 1998 and the Relieving Judge of the Republic of Liberia has been observed for applying maturity balanced by the law to all parties indicating that all cases are equally important which has always placed his courtroom in order.
Having served as the Presiding Judge of the 11th Judicial Circuit Court in Lofa County, Judge Kaba had always seen his job as a challenge thereby bringing to reality the motto of the judicial system, "Let Justice be Done to All." He is presently the president of the National Association of Trial Judges of Liberia.
Musician of the Year
For our musician of the year, 2008, we decided to focus on the religious side and after careful scrutiny of our local artists, we selected Minister Kanvee Gaines Adams for the Musician of the Year due to her inspirational songs and the latest being the album, "You will carry my Load" selection.
'Kanvee' a name that became a household name in the singing business in the middle of the 2000s has been placed at the peak after capturing one of the Liberia Association of Gospel Musical Artist (LAGMA) in 2007/2008 blending her rhythm and wordings to today's happenings. She has been singled out from among other gospel artists not only for her songs but her character as well. She truly deserves our award because there is a common saying "may the life you live speak for you!"
Movie of the Year
Juetey (children's business) is the thrilling of all of the most recent Liberian movies. We have decided to make this entertaining and educating Liberian movie our choice due to the splendid performance of all the actors. It is a movie portraying an everyday reality. It is beyond applause to our Liberian actors. The scene and sound track were all amazing! Investor Of The Year
Our investor of the year is Ambassador Dew T. Mayson. Ambassador Mayson has been very instrumental in establishing two major investments in the country. Mr. Mayson used his influence to bring to the country the Universal Bank of Africa (UBA) and the Mutual Benefits Assurance (MBA).
He served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the two companies. Moreover Mr. Mayson has been involved in community development. He has currently opened two computer institutions; one in his Airfield Community where he currently resides and another one in his own hometown town, Sinoe County. We believe that if more Liberians can been like Ambassador Mayson who used his resources to bring investment in the country, Liberia will achieve a lot in terms of investment.
Humanitarian of the Year
Mr. Marouf Mansour, a Lebanese businessman downtown Monrovia is our humanitarian of the year 2008.
Mr. Mansour is one of the founding members of former Cedar United Football Club that won Liberia championship league in the 70's.
He is currently providing financial assistance to hundreds of students in higher institutions of learning in the country.
Our humanitarian of the year has resided in the country for over 35 years. He is engaged in business and the provision of humanitarian services to people in need.
At present, our man serves as Treasurer of the World Lebanese Cultural Union. Recently, he assisted the ECOWAS Women in Liberia to implement agricultural activities in Bong and Grand Bassa Counties.
Mr. Mansour is also chairing a new non-governmental organization called "Connection Inc." an organization that provides assistance to the needy in the society.
Be the first to Write a Comment!
Copyright © 2008 The Inquirer. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.
AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 125 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.
