By Grace Q. Bryant
The Liberia National Red Cross Society has honored Criminal Court ‘A’ Judge Roosevelt Willie along with others past leaders of Red Cross for dedicating their lives to serving humanity and laid the foundations for the progress of today.
The 2023 May Month celebration recognition and honoring program which brought today past presidents and Secretary Generals of the Liberia National Red Cross Society which was held at the LNRC head office on Lynch Street in Monrovia.
The former LNRCS presidents honored today are Madam Ophelia Hoff. Saytumah 1991-1999, Dr. Eric Johnson 2000-2001, Madam Haja Y. Fatumata Taylor 2001-2003 and Madam Theresa Leigh-Sherman from 2004-2012.
The program also honored six of the LNRCS former secretary generals including G. Ambullai Perry, Saybah Tamba, Daniel S. Clarke, Jr., Roosevelt Z. Willie 1997-2000, Momo Larmena and Mr. Morris Gbesegee.
Giving the overview of the Program, Madam Stephanie Dorleh explained that they have gathered to pay tribute to remarkable former presidents and secretary generals who have tirelessly served humanity during their respective terms of leadership and their unwavering dedication and the solid foundations they established have paved the way for the progress of the organization.
“We are deeply inspired as they shared their experiences and insights, recounting their moments of service,” she noted.
According to her, their remarkable leadership during Liberia’s tumultuous civil war, the devastating Ebola outbreak, the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19, and the heart-wrenching impact of flooding and mass population movements, truly demonstrated their strength and resilience.
She maintained that their extraordinary efforts, along with the brave men and women of the LNRCS, enabled us to respond to these enormous disasters with compassion and effectiveness. They led the way in building community resilience, promoting recovery, and championing humanitarian values across our beloved country.
“As we move forward, we are consolidating the gains achieved by these exceptional leaders and engaging potential donors and partners to explore new opportunities for a sustainable future. Together, we will continue the noble work of the LNRCS, striving to create more prosperous,” she expressed.
She concluded, “Let us express our deepest gratitude to these visionary leaders who have left an indelible mark on our history. Join us in honoring their service and celebrating the spirit of humanitarianism that continues to guide us on this extraordinary journey,”
Honorees Willie, the former Secretary General of the Liberian Red Cross Society joined the LNRCS in the early 1990 as youth coordinator and rose to the position of Assistant Secretary General and became Secretary General respectively.
He is a graduate from the University of Liberia; studied Math and Physics and left the LNRCS in 2000 for a position at YMCA of Liberia and later resigned, presently, he is the resident Judge of the Criminal Court ‘A’
Receiving his honor, Willie said award came as a surprised and it is testimony after so many years of serving the LNRCS.
“This is a testimony for me today as I go to my church. When I joined the Red Cross, because of my status, I tried to be honest and transparent; so many people do not like me because of my transparency,” Judge Willie noted.
According to him, the program has taught him that people do not like honest people noting, “This program have taught me that at times in our country, if someone tries to be honest; many people do not want to work with you.”
He encouraged the organization to work with people who are willing to work for the development of the society and thanked the leaders for such program and assured them of his contributions and input when the need arises.
Also speaking at the honoring program, the LNRCS Secretary General Gregory T. Blamoh said the unwavering commitment and exemplary leadership of the past have propelled the Red Cross forward, navigating it through tumultuous times and leaving an indelible mark in the LNRCS’ history.
“As we reflect on their services, we are deeply inspired by their experiences and insights, which they shared with us today”, Mr. Blamoh added.
Mr. Blamoh told the gathering that the extraordinary leadership of the former officials during Liberia’s tumultuous civil war, the devastating Ebola outbreak, the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19, and the heart-wrenching impact of flooding and mass population movements demonstrated their unwavering strength and resilience.
In partnership with the brave men and women of the LNRCS, these exceptional leaders paved the way for compassionate and effective responses to these enormous disasters.
He emphasized that the former officials spearheaded efforts to build community resilience, promote recovery, and champion humanitarian values across our beloved country.
