-Awards honorees who missed the main event.
The Liberia Crusaders for Peace (LCP), host of the magnificent Golden Image Award (GIA), has officially climaxed the presentation of awards to deserving individuals, with a mini ceremony as part of this year’s edition.
Ambassador Juli Endee, the lead Organizer of the prestigious award acknowledged that this year’s award was successfully executed, and considering that some awardees were unable to attend the main event, they had to organize another one to afford them the opportunity.
This event was held mid Monday, July 31, 2023, at the headquarters of the Liberia Crusaders for Peace (LCP) in Bye Pass.
Providing an overview of the occasion, Ambassador Juli Endee said GIA is intended to recognize the achievements of individuals and institutions that have made sacrificial contributions to the social and economic development of the country and their recognition should inspire others to make the needful impact in society.
In addition to scores of other individuals that were awarded during the main event and GIA 2023 last recipients are KarwoUdou Cole (alias Bucky Raw), in the Act and Culture category, he was awarded the National Musical lconAward. Madam Deddeh Kwekwe, in the category of Advocacy, she was awarded the Women’s
Champlon Award.
Mth. Leamu K. Ciapha, in the category of SERVICE, she got the (Natlonal
Patriots Award. Eark A. Townsand, in the Humanity category, sealed the National Humanitarian Award. Rev. Veronica W. Smith, Humanity, Humanitarian Award. Ms. Facia Haris, Leadership, the got the GIA Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Courage Award Dewirt VonBallmoose, in the category of Leadership, he secured the Leadership Award. Hon. Clr. DeweyE. Gray, Human rights, he sealed the Advocate for Justice Award. Elder ShamaYah Samuel
Yasharahla (Valerlon O. Farr, of the USA, he was placed in the Development category and he secure African International Development Award.
Since the award was endorsed by former president Sirleaf, they have had 13 editions. Amid Madam Sirleaf’s departure from national politics, it didn’t stop them from conducting the award in her honor.
However, she applauded President and described him as a great leader, judging from his commitment to the award, and ensuring peace.
Amb. Endee emphasized that the award has nine categories that basically include
Education Development, Health, humanity and human rights, journalism, acts etc.
At the same time, she clarified the Liberia Crusaders for Peace apolitical role in the Liberia, and maintained that they have supported the works of every governments over the last two to three decades.
With just few months to the October 10, 2023 legislative and presidential elections, the peace icon encouraged Liberians to exhibit tolerance in all they do, and avoid acts that have the propensity to create chaos, especially during these elections.
She clarified issues of reported embezzlement of funds that were intended for the construction of the children village, which the LCP broke ground for years ago.
Amb. Endee said all funds intended to be used for the facility were properly used, while other individuals that made commitment to support the project later abstained because they were ill advised that it was a government project.
Also at the event, Amb. Endee was honored by her guests from the United States,
, which she later gave to President Weah and former president Sirleaf for their support to her quests and the Golden Image Award.
Founded in September 2010 by the Liberia Crusaders for Peace and the Visionary Juli Endee, the GIA has grown into a premier national event and has been officially captured as part of the Independence Day activities in Liberia, with President Weah as the Convener and Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleafas the Face behind the Golden image.
According to the Golden Image Secretariat, the most merited individuals, organizations; governments and donor institutions that have made the most contributions to peace, sanity, and the transformation of Liberia over the years are being selected through an intensive vetting process and recognized for their enormous contributions to peace in Liberia and the world.
The awardees of the 13th GIA were drawn from three levels, three from the County level, four from the national Level and four from the International Level.
Liberia Foreign Minister Dee Maxwell Saah Kimayahand Deputy House Speaker Fonati Kofa are some of the recipients of the 13th edition of the GIA Award.
