Several Receive Golden Image Awards

By Edwin G. Wandah
United States Ambassador to Liberia, Christine Elder is calling on Liberians to uphold the rule of law and human dignity which continue to be violated.
Speaking as guest of the 2019 Edition of the Golden Image Award event which was a prelude to the Independence Day celebrations, at the Monrovia City Hall on Thursday, July 18, Ambassador Elder called on Liberians to uphold the rights of all persons, irrespective of culture, tribe and ethnic diversities.
The US diplomat sees Liberians as people who could make a difference and called on all Liberians to join the fight in upholding the rights of all persons reminding the country that the United States Government, as Liberia’s traditional partner, sees the violation of human rights as a serious threat to humanity.
She hailed the 54th National Legislature for the passage of the Domestic Violence Bill, adding, Liberians had shown to the entire world that they are opened to upholding the rights of persons, irrespective of whatever means.
She further thanked the CDC-led Government for sustaining the peace and most especially the Liberian leader, President George M. Weah, for his enabling leadership that had landed the country to this stage; recounting his efforts in pursuing and championing women’s agenda.
Referring to the Liberian leader as a ‘He-for-She,” Amb. Elder also called on others to emanate the example of the Liberian leader as something that will bring an end to the numerous challenges and violence women, young girls and children face on a daily basis.
However, last Thursday’s event brought together several international guests, dignitaries and officials of government, some of whom were honored for their dedicated services to humanity and the society at large.
Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf who was the Image of the Award could not attend due pressing engagement, but two male recipients, the legend was Minister of State Nathaniel McGill, while a golden face carved and decorated beautifully was the Liberian leader, President Weah.
The golden face carved, designed and decorated by Liberian artists and Cultural Ambassador Julie Endee, was made with pure Liberian gold with was unveiled by President Weah with excitement.
Others honored were the Nimba Women United for Peace and Reconciliation for their role in the national peace and reconciliation process; Women on the Move from Margibi County also walked away with a golden trophy and certificate, making two Women groups that contributed in the peace and reconciliation process of the country.
The rest of the awardees who were certificated, also received trophies and they included Mother Martha Gblosea for the category of empowerment from Grand Bassa County, National Rural Women of Liberia and Montserrado Muslim Women Caucus; Nyemadi Pearson, Gender Minister Williametta Saydee-Tarr of the Gender and Children Protection, Finda N. Bundo and the three were honored for their distinct contributions in the areas of reconciliation, empowerment and peace.
Others who were awarded were Madam Maima Karneh, Isatu Bah-Kanneh, Ellen Momo, Jamama Wolokollie and Estelle Liberty Kermue; Deddeh Kwekwe and Ophelia Weeks among others.
Cultural Ambassador Endee lauded the government of Liberia and other partners including the Carter Center for the support given to her institution which allowed
for the hosting of the event and further thanked former the Liberian President Sirleaf for making it possible for the event to be held for the first during her regime.
Meanwhile, President Weah has committed the government’s support to the Golden Image Award and called on all Liberians to rally around Ambassador Endee and the Crusaders for peace to showcase Liberia’s hidden talents.
Speaking as the “Legend” of the Golden Image Award, Minister Nathaniel F. McGill committed the Ministry of State’s support to the Golden Image Award Committee and called for the protection of mothers and children.