In keeping with its tradition, the INQUIRER Newspaper has selected and recognized several personalities and institutions for their exemplary roles in the year 2009. This exercise has been based on the invaluable contributions these selected individuals and institutions have made over the 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 offices on Gurley Street over the past weeks. The INQUIRER believes the selection carried out by its senior editors 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 the expectation.

Considering the tedious task involved in carrying out the exercise, as we pat the back of our senior editors for the good work done, we have the profound honor to present our personalities/ institution of the Year 2009 as appended below.   Nicholas Buiggur; Man of the Year, Mary Broh; Woman of the Year, Peter Quaqua; Administrator of the Year, while Bong County Senator Franklin Siakor and Maryland County Representative Bhofal Chamber; Legislators of the Year.   The Executive Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia Dr. Joseph Mills Jones; Economic and Financial Manager of the Year, The Liberia Bank for Development and Investment(LBDI) and Ecobank Liberia; Banks of the Year and Mrs. Geraldine Doe Sheriff; Politician of the Year. The National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP) is our Public Corporation of the Year.

Others are the United States Ambassador to Liberia, Mrs. Linda Thomas Greenfield; iplomat of the Year, University of Liberia's President, Dr. Emmett Dennis; Educator of the Year, Kimmie Weeks; Youth Leader of the Year and Mr. Musa Bility; Businessman of the Year.  The Most Determined Official is Defense Minister Brownie Samukai, Most Focused Public Servant; NEC James Fromoyan, Lonestar Communication Corporation and Cellcom Communication share the Cell-phone Companies Award. Our Security Officer of the Year is Police Director Marc Amblard and the Deputy Security Officer of the Year is Mr. Darlington George.Man of the Year: Nicholas Buigar The INQUIRER is honoring Mr. Nicholas Buigar as Man of the Year because of the pride and dignity he has brought to Liberia. This honoring is intended to serve as an encouragement to other young people to explore their talents. Our Man of the Year was declared 2008/2009 winner of “A Star is Born”, by the United Nations Mission in Liberia and the Liberian Government. Nicholas Buigar, who recently participated in a West African singing competition, also emerged as the first runner-up in the just concluded MTN Project Fame West Africa competition in Lagos, Nigeria. During his performances he also thrilled musical fans recently when he participated at the official launch of the 2009/2010 “A Star is Born Under-20 National Talent Hunt”.

He is 19 years old and a student of the Free Pentecostal High School in Sinkor. Woman of the Year: Madam Mary Broh Madam Mary Broh, Acting Mayor of the Monrovia City Corporation is our choice for Woman of the year. Since she took over and headed the Task Force, and the Monrovia City Corporation, there has been some level of improvement in the sanitation of the city. Makeshift structures have been removed from parts of the city, including Tubman Boulevard and there has even been some level of improvement at the slaughter house on Jamaica Road. Besides, her activities have brought more awareness in terms of cleanliness, that her name has become a 'household' word in line with sanitation. In the same vein, unlike others who always sit in offices, Madam Broh has made it her duty to always be on the field with her team and she has been living by examples. She is a foot soldier when it comes to sanitation and cleanliness.Student of the Year: Hester Yaba Andoh The INQUIRER has selected Ms. Hester Yaba Andoh, a graduate of the J.J. Roberts United Methodist High School who emerged as the only student in Liberia with Division One in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). This means that Ms. Andoh is the only candidate who is permitted to enter any University of her choice in any of the WAEC member countries without sitting any entrance examination. She has also brought pride to Liberia. Ms. Andoh, niece of the Deputy Minister of Education, Hester Williams-Catakaw, has reportedly been awarded scholarship by the ECOBank in Liberia, to attend any university of her choice in Africa.   

Minister of The year: This title goes to the young and energetic Minister of Public Works, Kofi Woods. He was appointed in the midst of controversies that he could not perform his task. He holds his first degree in Economics and Management from the University of Liberia, and later earned a masters degree with emphasis on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law in 2000.  The INQUIRER is honoring Minister Woods for incredibly performing well in the shortest period of time. You will recall that since he assumed his position in a short period of time, projects being taken by the Liberian government under the supervision of the Ministry are being done at a high speed. Noticeably, we note with appreciation his role played which culminated in the construction for the first time in the history of this country of the Belle Yella Road in Gbarpolu County. Minister Woods stayed for four days to ensure the success of the project with the engineers in the forest, supervising and directing the road project. He and his team worked for four days in the dense forest only to ensure that the project was completed. Besides, since he took over the affairs of the Ministry, he has been in a strong human relationship and team work as well as inter personal communication skills. Additionally, he has developed the spirit of hard work, discipline and cooperation, for which, activities at the Ministry are now moving smoothly.

Bank of The Year:This title is shared between the Liberian Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI) and Ecobank for providing better banking services to the public and also putting up structures to ensure better services to their many customers. Their activities have also helped to build confidence in the banking industry in terms of manpower training, bank ethics and etiquette.   Today, the presence of these banks has had impacts on their customers. Besides, the expansion has provided job opportunities for hundreds of jobless Liberians. Adventurer of the Year: President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf The Liberian Leader, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has been named the Adventurer of the year by this paper for audaciously trekking through the dense and deep forest of Belle District to ensure, in keeping with her promise that a motor road reaches the Belle Yella for the first time in the history of Liberia. She also walked for almost two hours, crossing makeshift bridges, some of which were made of sticks and logs. Indeed the President is our adventurer and ranger of the year 2009. Lawmakers of the Year     Our Legislator of the year award is being shared by two of Liberia's most outstanding lawmakers who have made great strides in the reconstruction of post-war Liberia.

The INQUIRER's Legislator of the year award for this year goes to Senator Franklin Obed Siakor, junior Senator of Bong County and Dr. Bhofal Chambers, Representative of Maryland County.Sen. Franklin Obed Siakor  Sen. Franklin O. Siakor is the junior Senator of Bong County. He is just not one of the Senators, but he is a different kind of Senator. He is development oriented and people centered and his argument during budget debate and other debates are usually pro-poor.

Our lawmaker of the year is fearless when it comes to standing along on some issues. His colleagues jokingly referred to him as the “Great Motion Maker.” Citizens, including journalists sometimes praise the Senator's exemplary leadership style which continues to win the admiration of his colleagues and the people of Bong County.  Sen. Siakor is the only lawmaker to have his office in his county fully staffed and opened from Monday to Saturday every week. He travels to Monrovia on Mondays to attend committee meetings and sessions and returns to Gbarnga on Thursday evening.   Since his ascendancy, Sen. Siakor has been working with several communities in Bong County implementing several self-help development projects. In his native Bong County, Sen. Siakor has provided inspiration among his people in tackling the problems of roads, poor schools and other social services while maintaining his credibility. He has remained true to his values and principles.

Senator Siakor commands respect in the corridor of the National Legislature and truly istinguished himself as a man of character, integrity, and honesty and also separated him from the corruption menace that is plaguing the nation.  Senator Siakor was the only Senator who declined a donated truck from ArcelorMittal which was part of a consignment of trucks offered to individual members of the Senate and the House of Representatives; a manifestation of his principled leadership. He refused to be corrupted by power and has remained true to his ideas and values, and to his mission to give the best of himself to his people and county.Rep. Bhofal Chambers   Representative, Dr. Bhofal Chambers is no doubt our Representative of the year based on his enormous contribution made to the educational sector of Liberia. Rep. Chambers was the only lawmaker to introduce a bill that when enacted into law will compel government to extend its educational activities to every part of the country.

Beside his promotion of education, the Maryland County lawmaker has fought over the ears for social justice despite being an astute member of the ruling Unity Party. He has been very active during debates on national issues in the Liberian parliament and has contributed significantly to the development of his county of origin.   Despite being a legislator, Rep. Chambers has continually donated several materials including educational materials to several schools and clinics in Maryland County.  With all of what mentioned in this article, you will surely agree with me that indeed Senator Franklin Obed Siakor and Rep. Bhofal Chambers are the INQUIRER's Legislators of the Year, 2009. Most Determined Minister of the Year: Minister J. Brownie Samukai The INQUIRER is pleased to name Minister J. Brownie Samukai as the Most Determined Minister of the Year for the sacrificial role he played in ensuring that the soldiers are well disciplined. Recently, some officers of the Armed Forces of Liberia misbehaved and the Minister instilled some disciplinary measures in them. He has been negotiating with Liberia partners to provide some training opportunities for the soldiers to put them on pal with their international counterparts. As a result of his pleas, several officers have gone through series of trainings in Nigeria, China and other countries. Since the continuous training of the officers, the morale of the army has been raised to some level. Recently the Minister came down hard on the Ministry of Finance to make available the funds that were allotted for the upkeep of the soldiers and to ensure that logistics were provided for them. As a result of his concern and determination for the soldiers, the Ministry of Finance released the funds for the Army and the Ministry of National Defense. This is why, Minister Samukai has won the title Determined Minister of the year by the INQUIRER Newspaper. 

Politician of the Year: Geraldine Sheriff-Doe This year, the Inquirer's Politician of the Year is Mrs. Geraldine Sheriff-Doe for winning the junior Senatorial By-election that was held in November, 2009. Madam Doe was declared winner of the first round after defeating several other candidates. We commend Mrs. Doe-Sheriff who stood the test of time to make to the end of the race.  Educator of the Year: Emmett Dennis The President of the University of Liberia is our Educator of the year. Since he assumed his post at the University, there have been several changes and massive reforms to show quality education at the University. He has taken series of measures for the welfare and wellbeing of the university's staff and the students. As a result of his efforts, the University has remained a stable environment.

Youth Leader of the Year: Kemmie Weeks
Mr. Kemmie Weeks has been advocating and instituting measures for the advancement of the Liberian youths in the country. He has also been advocating for the plights of the Liberian youths outside the country with the aim of claiming the attention of the international community. Diplomat of the Year: Linda Thomas Greenfield United states Ambassador, Linda Thomas Greenfield has been named Diplomat of the Year for the numerous outstanding roles she has played in the year 2009. She has contributed immensely to the reconstruction and development of post-war Liberia through the United States Agency for international Development. Her role has not only been limited to the government but other organizations, including the Agape National Academy of Music, where she has encouraged talented Liberians to keep music alive. The US Ambassador also braved the storm by walking through the jungle with the Liberian leader to visit the Belle District.

Most Focused Public Servant The Inquirer's most focused public servant of the year is National Elections Commission Chairman, James M. Fromayan. Mr. Fromayan deserves this award because despite the many criticisms from political parties over the conduct of the seven By-elections in the country, Mr. Fromayan and his Board of Commissioners have been focused, resolute and adamant in carrying out their duties thus, resulting to the smooth conduct of the, much-talked about Montserrado County Senatorial By-election that led to the victory of CDC candidate, Geraldine Doe-Sheriff.  As a result of their outstanding role, today NEC is constructing its own headquarters in Sinkor, Monrovia. With support from USAID, the building is nearing completion. Also during the period under review, the Commission was formally informed of support from the United States government through USAID to be managed by international foundation for Electoral System (IFES) for five years in the tone of US$17.5 million.

Public Corporation of the Year Our public corporation of the year is no other than the National Social Security & Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP). Under the able leadership of its Director, Mr. Francis Cabah, the Corporation has improved its operation leading to many pensioners receiving their benefits on time.   During the year in review, NASSCORP embarked on several projects around the country including Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, Kakata, Margibi County; ELWA. NASSCORP has acquired shares from several banking institutions in the country including Ecobank-Liberia, LBDI. To date, NASSCORP has paid all benefits through the banking system
Cell Company Of the YearOur Cell phone Company of the year award is shared between The LoneStar Communication Corporation (LCC) and Cellcom, two of the GSM providers in the country. The two companies have worked assiduously in ensuring that mobile phones reach every individual around the country.

LoneStar Communication Corporation during the year in review, introduced the 21 days of care by catering to less fortunate, giving back to the community, empowering the Liberian National Police with logistics and many other services. LoneStar recently brought mobile phones in the country for an affordable price of US$20.00 for two phones something that enabled many Liberians to acquire phones of their own. The company is also identifying with the Ministry of Youth Sheriff who stood the test of time to make to the end of the race. 

Educator of the Year: Emmett DennisThe President of the University of Liberia is our Educator of the year. Since he assumed his post at the University, there have been several changes and massive reforms to show quality education at the University. He has taken series of measures for the welfare and wellbeing of the university's staff and the students. As a result of his efforts, the University has remained a stable environment.
Youth Leader of the Year: Kemmie Weeks Mr. Kemmie Weeks has been advocating and instituting measures for the advancement of the Liberian youths in the country. He has also been advocating for the plights of the Liberian youths outside the country with the aim of claiming the attention of the international community. Diplomat of the Year: Linda Thomas Greenfield United states Ambassador, Linda Thomas Greenfield has been named Diplomat of the Year for the numerous outstanding roles she has played in the year 2009. She has contributed immensely to the reconstruction and development of post-war Liberia through the United States Agency for international Development. Her role has not only been limited to the government but other organizations, including the Agape National Academy of Music, where she has encouraged talented Liberians to keep music alive. The US Ambassador also braved the storm by walking through the jungle with the Liberian leader to visit the Belle District.

Most Focused Public Servant The Inquirer's most focused public servant of the year is National Elections Commission Chairman, James M. Fromayan. Mr. Fromayan deserves this award because despite the many criticisms from political parties over the conduct of the seven By-elections in the country, Mr. Fromayan and his Board of Commissioners have been focused, resolute and adamant in carrying out their duties thus, resulting to the smooth conduct of the, much-talked about Montserrado County Senatorial By-election that led to the victory of CDC candidate, Geraldine Doe-Sheriff. As a result of their outstanding role, today NEC is constructing its own headquarters in Sinkor, Monrovia. With support from USAID, the building is nearing completion. Also during the period under review, the Commission was formally informed of support from the United States government through USAID to be managed by international foundation for Electoral System (IFES) for five years in the tone of US$17.5 million.

Public Corporation of the Year Our public corporation of the year is no other than the National Social Security & Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP). Under the able leadership of its Director, Mr. Francis Cabah, the Corporation has improved its operation leading to many pensioners receiving their benefits on time.   During the year in review, NASSCORP embarked on several projects around the country including Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, Kakata, Margibi County; ELWA. NASSCORP has acquired shares from several banking institutions in the country including Ecobank-Liberia, LBDI. To date, NASSCORP has paid all benefits through the banking system
Cell Company Of the Year Our Cell phone Company of the year award is shared between The LoneStar Communication Corporation (LCC) and Cellcom, two of the GSM providers in the country. The two companies have worked assiduously in ensuring that mobile phones reach every individual around the country.

LoneStar Communication Corporation during the year in review, introduced the 21 days of care by catering to less fortunate, giving back to the community, empowering the Liberian National Police with logistics and many other services. LoneStar recently brought mobile phones in the country for an affordable price of US$20.00 for two phones something that enabled many Liberians to acquire phones of their own. The company is also identifying with the Ministry of Youth and Sports in supporting the National County Meet that is presently ongoing. LoneStar also provided open line to all medical doctors in the country under the banner, 'The Doctor Network'  Cellcom on the other hand, became the first company to allow Liberians and commoners buy shares at an affordable price. The company has also been instrumental in recapturing the communication world by introducing multiple raffle draws that led to the winning of several thousands of United States dollars by less fortunate Liberians as well as bringing in modern vehicles that were won by some citizens who could not afford to buy such cars.Security Officer of the year:

Police Director Marc Amblard  Mr. Marc Amblard, Inspector General of the Liberia National Police came on the scene at the time criminal activities were on the increase. At the time when the young Amblard was appointed as Police Inspector General, armed robbery was the order of the day as peaceful Liberians were consistently harassed and at times killed in cold blood at their residences mostly in the City of Monrovia.  Despite speculations that Mr. Amblard could not serve in that capacity, he has proven his critics wrong by curbing criminal activities and encouraging police officers to redouble their efforts in securing the state.Consul General of Liberia: Upjit Jetty  Mr. Upjit Jetty has again been awarded the Consul General by the INQUIRER for his country's continual contribution to the promotion of education in the country. During the year under review, he has given several scholarships to Liberian students to study in India.  

Mr. Jetty has also contributed to the rehabilitation of damaged educational facilities around the country. Administrator of the year: Peter Quaqua  The president of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), Mr. Peter Quaqua takes the INQUIRER's Administrator of the Year award as a result of his enormous contributions since his election as head of the union.   Mr. Quaqua's outstanding leadership role has led to the establishment of a branch of the PUL in Gbarnga City, Bong with the hope of extending to other parts of the country soon. Mr. Quaqua's administration has in some way improved the work of the union something that led to the celebration of this year's World Press Freedom Day in the central Liberian town of Gbarnga, Bong County.  Hard Working Police Officer of the Year: Darlington T. GeorgeMr. Darlington George has been selected as our choice of hard working police officer of the year under review.  The current Deputy Police Commissioner emerged favorable for this year's award after a careful look at his past involvement in the LNP.

Mr. George, according to a survey conducted, worked tirelessly and performed various national assignments especially with regard to raiding ghettos amongst others.  Mr. George led a team of police officers at the troublesome Guthre Rubber Plantation where he immediately went to the rescue of Bomi County Senior Senator Lahai Lasana. His timely intervention helped deliver Sen. Lasana from the hands of aggrieved plantation workers who led unquenched protest actions at the plantation.  He was unarguably the first police officer to intervene when a number of aggrieved deactivated soldiers stormed the compound of the Capitol Building in demand of retirement benefit. He used his professional expertise to calm the aggrieved deactivated soldiers.  Mr. George was also instrumental in recapturing the over 64 inmates who broke jail at the Zwedru correctional center sometime this year.

Our survey further revealed that Mr. George led a special mission code named “Co-verb Mission” which was intended to provide security information at Liberia's bordering area with Guinea. He headed a joint team of security staffers commissioned by the Justice Ministry with an objective to ensure that Liberia's borderlines are free of threats, especially during the current Guinean crisis. Before his appointment, Mr. Darlington T. George served as Aide-camp to President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.