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Monrovia: FAO Staff in Liberia for the first time in more than a decade left the premises of their office to converge in Ganta City, Nimba County for the holding of a four-day retreat.

The gathering which was almost seen as impossible to happen by some staff became a fulfilment following a leadership role played by Madam Bintia Stephen Tchicaya.

Many staff became amazed after the news of the retreat was trumpeted by the staff association President Mr. Edward S. Quirmolue at the end of February and early March. They could not believe that this was going to happen, but yes, it happened.

From March 3 to 6 staff gathered to share social experiences and learned more about the separate roles each one played in making FAO a better institution in Liberia.

Staff from different departments, namely, Program, Administration, Procurement, IT, and ECTAD were allowed to make presentations on how they function and also how each department interconnects.  

The gathering was attended by all the staff who have active contracts with FAOLR and was meant to boost social cohesion among staff to improve productivity.

On the third night of the retreat, a gala ceremony was held to recognize some hard-working staff who have demonstrated diligence to duty over the years and have performed exceptionally in their separate tasks.

During the ceremony, Mr. Darvin Sando who is the Financial Assistant was awarded the Best Administration Staff, and the National Project Coordinator & Partnerships Specialist, Mr. Emmanuel Kapee was awarded the Best Program Staff. Also, Mr. Abu Keita was recognized and awarded as the Best Driver for FAOLR.

It was a memorable time as the awardees were seen wearing smiles on their faces and colleagues heaping praises for being exceptional in the separate roles they play in the organization.

At the close of the retreat, FAOR a.i. Bintia Stephen Tchicaya who gives the clearance for the conduct of such auspicious gatherings and attended in person, thanked staff for their work and called on them to be more service-oriented than being concerned about getting rich while on the job.  

She said working for organizations like the FAO is an opportunity to give back to society, especially looking at the dying need for food security and nutritional improvement globally.

Madam Tchicaya who has served the FAO for at least twenty-five years encouraged staff in the country office to be a goal-getter and respect the institution's professional standards and systems that guide against fraud.

“We are international civil servants; we must take our separate responsibilities seriously to achieve our goals as staff of FAO. Let’s work as one. We are here to work for the population of Liberia.

I have seen a cheerful group, and I must say we can achieve our goal by working together more harmoniously for the wholesome functioning of FAOLR,” FAOR ai Tchicaya averred.   

Monrovia - It was all but a tearful moment for colleagues who witnessed the farewell ceremony of Mrs. Beckie Moore who had served FAO Liberia country office for twenty-five years.

“Ma Betty” as she is affectionately called by colleagues was considered hardworking and a team player. She started working as an Office Assistant for the FAO on January 1, 1999, and got retired on February 29, 2024.

She was admired by colleagues for always improvising when needed and serving as a guidance counselor at times to recruits in the country office.

FAOR a.i. Bintia Stephen Tchicaya at the Farewell Ceremony describes her as a “strong woman” who has mustered the courage to remain in the FAO system for a long time without objections. She said Madam Moore's time spent with the organization is worthwhile and her role played over the years will never be forgotten. 

“Before I came to Liberia, I used to see Beckie’s email trail sometimes, and I kind of wonder, who is this, Beckie Moore? It wasn't until I came to Liberia that I for the first time, saw you, Beckie. You are such an inspiration to everyone here at our office. Indeed, everyone here will miss you as a person.

We wish you well in your next journey. I’m confident of you portraying your continuous service to humanity. You serve us well, Beckie; Farewell!” FAOR a.i. indicated with a teary eye and a sobbing voice.

Other colleagues in separate remarks thanked Mrs. Moore for her service and wished her well in the future.

“During Lunch hour, Ma Beckie always served as a support system to us,” ECTAD National Operations Assistant, Eudora Blay-Pritchard averred.

For his part, Grant C. Brown, FAOLR Driver said: “There can be no way that our work will be effective without the support of Ma Beckie she has become a great help to our work as drivers. At times, she plays a motherly role despite us being in a professional setting. Thank you so much, Ma Beckie.”

Meanwhile, Mrs. Moore thanked the staff of FAO Liberia for the individual support to her at the time she was active in service, and particularly thanked FAOR a.i. Bintia Stephen Tchicaya for helping her elevate from G4 to G5 after spending over twenty-four years in the organization.

“I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank each one of you for the enjoyable time we shared, especially during our lunch break.

My sincere gratitude goes out to Madam Bintia Stephen-Tchicaya, FAO Representative a.i. who worked tirelessly to have me promoted from G4 to G5-8, which took effect in April of 2023, after I had been serving at that level for the previous 24 years,” FAOLR retired Office Assistant Beckie Moore.