-As Amb. Endee leads massive cleaning-up exercise

By Jerromie S. Walters

As expected- the Inaugural sub-committee on Culture and Entertainment of the inauguration of President-elect, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, seems to be enraged with a fervent desire to leave fond memories for the pending inauguration, as it (the sub-committee) remains assertive in its workings, through the devotion of its Chair, Amb. Juli Endee.

This commitment that’s vivid through the committee’s proactive strives since its formation appears relentless as Liberia Culture Ambassador, Amb. Juli Endee has been leading efforts through assessment, mapping, and a massive cleaning-up exercise. All of these are aptly intended to ensure a memorable and culturally rich inauguration.

During a recent media engagement following a tense cleaning-up exercise at the historic Providence Island, Ambassador Endee highlighted the importance of showcasing Liberia’s rich cultural heritage during the inauguration ceremony. She emphasized the need to celebrate the diversity and traditions of the Liberian people, as well as the significance of promoting unity and national pride through cultural expressions.

As part of different works they have done, she referenced the ongoing clean-up exercise at the historic Providence Island. Providence Island holds great historical and cultural significance for Liberia, and it is where a major event will be held as part of the inauguration festivities. Amb. Endee, along with the committee members, is spearheading a massive clean-up campaign to ensure that the venue is well-prepared and presentable for the upcoming event.

She tells journalists that the clean-up exercise aims to restore the island’s natural beauty and preserve its historical landmarks. “Today on the Providence Island, we had to total of 134 volunteers, Crusaders for Peace, and the National Council of Chiefs and Elders’ members here to clean the island. During the inauguration, a lot of guests that have never visited Liberia or have been here will want to know the various sites that we have to show and one of the most important sites that we have to show is Providence Island.”

But imperatively, she says a major event will be held on the Island comes January 19, 2024, in commemoration of the inauguration of President-elect Joseph Nyuma Boakai. “Most importantly- we will be having a major activity on the 19th of January, on this island after the Islamic prayer and there’s a lot of things that the going to be unfolding on this island.”

Over the last few days, dozens of volunteers have assembled at the famous Providence Island, as part of an effort to prepare the site for pending events, in concurs with Amb. Boakai’s inauguration that slated for January 22, 2024. The volunteers will continue with the massive cleaning-up exercise in the next few days, ahead of the main event.

Amb. Endee: “As you saw today we had volunteers from different communities, as well as our committee, the LCP, and Traditional Council. If I look around today, I’m impressed, I’m happy, and I’m excited that we are going to make it and we are moving.” The Liberian Culture Ambassador expressed her gratitude to the various government institutions, the inaugural committee, and volunteers who have joined hands to make this initiative a success.

Other efforts by the Committee

Also from their end, the Committee on Culture and Entertainment which she (Amb. Endee) Chairs, Amb. Endee recalled their recent assessment tour at the different venues that are expected to be used in commemoration of the inauguration.

She articulates- “From our Committee point of view- we have been able to visit the various sites. We’ve been to the Airport, we have been here at Providence Island before, we have been at the Executive Mansion, the Capitol, and the Centennial Pavillon. We mapped up the Centennial Pavillon where the Liberian arts and crafts will take place and also a tour of historic sites.”

Along the way, she says they have had engagements with different groupings that were recommended by the Inaugural Committee and the government. Also to ensure the needed progress and leave memories, she said the Liberia Crusaders for Peace is partnering with the Traditional Council.

She says the committee is working tirelessly to organize a diverse range of cultural performances and entertainment for the inauguration ceremony. This includes traditional music, dance, and theatrical presentations that will showcase the talents and creativity of Liberian artists.

Beautifying the island

Amb. Endee, “I don’t want to tell you what will be taking place on the Providence Island but three days before the festivity, come and see because the island will be taking shape. The women will be here and we will be doing a lot of work here, we will be telling the world the beauty of our culture. One of the major things about our culture that Liberia is known for is our hospitality so we are going to give the guests and other visitors that great hospitality of the Liberian people.”

She added: “This is a historic site, so we are going to be telling you the story, how it all started, where we are, and where we are heading. We want to let the world know that we are the beacon of hope and this is the land of return if you are talking about pan-Africanism, it started with Liberia so it is that leadership, and if we don’t tell our story, who will tell our story for us?” She adds- “So this is the time to show that even though our democracy is young, it is strong and moving in love, unity, and peace.”

Above all, she endeavors to share the vision of reconciliation, peace, and togetherness. “We want to share that vision of reconciliation, that vision of peace, and togetherness because together we are stronger and in Union success is sure.”
With this, she expressed her optimism for a successful and memorable inauguration ceremony that will not only honor the newly elected President but also celebrate Liberia’s vibrant culture.

Amb. Juli Endee acclaimed the transitional and inaugural teams for enabling her to serve. “I’m happy, I’m grateful, and I’m humbled that I can be part of this historic moment in our democratic process, to transition from one democratically elected government to another democratically elected government, I’m grateful to God for that.”

As Liberia’s Culture Ambassador and Chair of the strategic sub-committee on the inauguration of Mr. Boakai- her leadership and dedication to promoting Liberia’s cultural heritage appears unmatched.
With her guidance, the committee is working diligently to organize a culturally rich and enjoyable inauguration ceremony that will leave a lasting impression on all attendees.