The following Marylanders have been selected by The Bedell Speaks & Works online column as distinct persons of the Year 2010.
MARYLANDER OF THE YEAR (2010) is Archie Richelieu Williams. He’s an aviation engineer who does not expect to be rescued (if you know what I mean). Such is the nature of Archie’s fame in Maryland and Liberia as a whole. Just about everyone in Liberia wants to meet him. He’s at the doorstep of every major problem in Maryland providing solution. He’s an “angel” sent by God providing solutions to his people even hope is revisited by misunderstanding. What does faith look like in a multicultural world? There is no better example than that of Biblical Daniel. That’s the nature of Archie’s faith and love for Maryland. Archie, after all has gone amok in Maryland, he never wavers in his commitment to the County and upholding the torch of the legacies of those on whose shoulders we stand today. We see his influence forming a bond of trust resulting in some of the most remarkable chapters of progress in Maryland especially amongst the youth. The prophecies about where Maryland plies today as a county with Archie’s love for the county is so large and convincing, critics have no choice but to grant him the “Marylander of the Year 2010.
THE MOST PROGRESSIVE MARYLANDER OF THE YEAR (2010) “We all want progress. But progress means getting nearer to the place where you want to be. And if you have taken a wrong turn, then to go forward does not get you any nearer. If you are on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; and in that case the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive man." ~ C. S. Lewis
Such is the nature of Amb. H. Dan Morias. He’s our “Most Progressive Marylander of the Year (2010).” In spite of all distractions, he’s continued to forge the interest and future of Maryland. He negotiated 1.4 million dollars to open The William V. S. Tubman University in Harper City, Maryland County. As a resolve o f Amb. Morais’ negotiation, in 2006 - 2007, the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the NCHE set out to awaken the TU - sleeping giant. An Interim Management team was created. TU is the second most recognized public highest institution of higher learning in Liberia.
POLITICIAN OF THE YEAR 2010 Dr. Bhofal Chambers “Politician of the Year” in Maryland (Liberia). He stood up for the people of Maryland at a time when everybody else, particularly members of the Maryland Legislative Caucus, hid under the cover of leaves, disguise and wings of the ruling Unity Party. Dr. Chambers stance shook the very foundation of the power structure at its base. His stance had the Unity Party knees knocking together like a feverish child. He was threatened with imprisonment and excommunication from the ruling Unity Party, but was never deterred. Very seldom politicians risk favor with party bosses especially the President of the country. Dr. Chamber did. He’s proven to be a fearless politician who believes in the wellbeing of his people, Party and Government.
MAN OF THE YEAR 2010 Allen N. Yancy, III is “Man of the Year.” “AY,” as he’s affectionately known has outgrown local and national politics. His philosophy transcends politics. In essence, he is truly what he claims to be - “Humanistic Revolutionary.” As a leader “AY” has been faced with three serious challenges: first, to learn to govern; second, to unify his people; third, to help concioustize his people in order to gain their economic and political rights. He was successful at all three goals. He generally takes a non-aligned approach to African issues. “AY’ is best known politically for his strong commitment to the promotion of Pan-Africanism. “AY’s” biggest success in this area coming with his significant influence in the struggle for “Rice’ and “Rights” in the Movement for Justice in Africa (MOJA) was in he early days of the Liberian people‘s struggle for “Rights” and “Rice.”
Institution of the Year (2010) The William V. S. Tubman University (TU) is our Institution of the Year (2010). “The William V. S. Tubman University is a "new-old" institution of higher learning. It is "old" in that it is an institution of higher learning formerly known as "William V.S. Tubman College of Technology", TC, for short.” ~TU Website. TubmanU Core Values: 1. We are a caring, accessible community characterized by excellence, integrity,civility and ethics. 2. We are learner‐centered and are intellectually engaged. 3. Our focus is threefold: local, national, and international with an emphasis on the celebration of diversity and the promotion of equal opportunities. 4. We maintain the highest academic standards and comport ourselves with professionalism. 5. We value civic virtue, dependability and trustworthiness. 6. We value innovation, adaptability and creativity.
Educator of the Year (2010) The winner is Alice Wilson affectionately known as “Teacher” Alice. She’s been in the business longer than I can record. She was one of the Pioneers of The Harper Demonstration School (HEDS). Some of her many students have left Harper many, many years ago and have acquired some of the highest academic degrees academia can hold. Most, if not all, now reside in the Liberian Diaspora. Alice Wilson incomparable.
Diasporic Marylander of the Year (2010) David Anderson is our Marylander of the year 2010. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. He was one-time President of the National Maryland County Association in the Americas. David is a “Jeremiah” of our time. Like the prophet Jeremiah, David help to inspire the formation of an umbrella Maryland County organization in America. Jeremiah told the Lord that he could not speak to the people because he was only a child. But God answered, "Do not say you are only a child; for you must go to every person to whom I send you, and you must tell them every word I bid you." Then the Lord touched Jeremiah's mouth and said, "I have put my words in your mouth, and I have set you over the nation to do a great work for me." David Anderson’s mouth has been touched by the Lord. May his works begin!
I am Thomas G. Bedell speaking and working on the ground in Liberia
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