UNIBOA NINETEENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION - 2009
May 22 - 25, 2009
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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2009 CONVENTION THEME: "WORKING HARDER TO BRIDGE THE GAP"
CONVENTION SUMMARY
The 19th National Convention of UNIBOA was held in Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love. The Chapter President, Mr. Benedict Roberts, Officers and Members of UNIBOA-PA did a fabulous job in hosting the convention that brought together hundreds of enthusiastic Bassonians and Friends of Liberia, during the few days of deliberations. The Convention focused on the theme: “Working together, We Can Bridge The Gap”.
On Friday, May 22, 2009, delegates arrived from South Carolina, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Jersey, Rhode Island, South Jersey, Texas, and of course, Pennsylvania being the host Chapter. The Official Hotel of the Convention was the Elegant Fairfield Inn (Marriot) Hotel, 8800 Bartram Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. The Welcome Center was the home of the Host President, Mr. Benedict Roberts at 1205 Whidbey Avenue, Philadelphia, PA.
Saturday, May 23, 2009 marked the official opening of the Convention. The Presiding Officer of the Convention was Mr. Alfred Dousuah, National President of UNIBOA, assisted by Mr. Scott Mandeh, National Vice President. Observing all protocols, the Convention was called to order by Mr. Dousuah. Welcome remarks were made by Mr. Benedict Roberts, Host President. Since the last convention in Minnesota, 2008, Mr. Roberts and his chapter had worked diligently to ensure the successful hosting of the 2009 Convention in Pennsylvania. Mr. Roberts, on behalf of his chapter, expressed a warm and heartfelt welcome to the convention delegates. He urged the delegates to put aside our individual differences and all other vices that have the potential of creating a divide amongst us. Finally, he encouraged us to take on the crusade of realizing the Convention Team “Working Together To Bridge The Gap”.
The Chairperson of the Board of Directors of UNIBOA, Mrs. Mydea Reeves-Karpeh made remarks during the opening ceremonies of the Convention. Mrs. Reeves stated that the purpose of this Convention is to use the opportunity to reaffirm the call to work harder to bridge the gap in providing g the necessary resources for the development of the Bassa Counties of Montserrado, Margibi, River Cess and Grand Bassa. She said that she is encouraged by the willingness of members of UNIBOA, who sacrificed their time and resources for the principles and ideals that helped to shape our organization and that will help us rebuild our nation of Liberia. Mrs. Reeves advised UNIBOA members to work harder to bridge the gap by revisiting our goals and objectives with the aim to promote community cohesion through a variety of social, cultural and economic perspectives to inform, educate and support our members. She further said that, by developing a greater sensitivity to what we stand for as well as promoting mutual understanding and respect among our members, we will begin to bridge the grap which exists between where we are now and the goal we intend to reach. On behalf of the UNIBOA, Mrs. Reeves extended her warmest congratulations to the Pennsylvania Chapter for its fruitful work in hosting the 2990 Convention.
Hon. Thomas Woewiyu, former Senior Senator of Grand Bassa County, greeted the Convention and gave a few words of wisdom. He encouraged us to maintain the cohesion that is being established in order to bridge the gap. He advised us to widen the circle to include all the Bassa Speaking Communities in Liberia, regardless of county demarcations. Hon. Woewiyu said that he understands that UNIBOA is no political, but we have a moral obligation to shape our own DUNBOY, in determining the size, quality and shape. In order words, Hon. Woewiyu said that we should also bridge the gap between UNIBOA and the Legislators of our Country, Liberia. UNIBOA needs to respond to political issues that affect our people at home and abroad.
CHAPTER REPORTS:
Chapter Leaders delivered reports on developments in their various chapters for the year in review. They reported on their chapters‘ achievements, successful meeting attendances, projects, finances and challenges. Each chapter report contains recommendations to the National Convention, for consideration, which is required of each chapter of the union. All the recommendations were passed on to a Resolutions Committee for discussion and consideration. The Committee meets and reviewed all the recommendations, including the ones made by the National President. The Committee will come back to the plenary session of the Convention with a set of proposed resolutions, which are voted upon to become the resolutions of the 2009 Convention.
RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE:
A Resolutions Committee was appointed by the National President, Mr. Alfred M. Dousuah, which comprised of the following members:
- Mr. G. Walter Greenfield – Chairman
- Mr. James M. Tokpawhiea – Secretary
- Mr. Jucontee Thomas Woewiyu – Member
- Mr. Scott Mandeh – Member
- Mr. Jonathan Williams – Member
STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS:
In his State of The Union, President Dousuah declared that, with pride and confidence, our UNION remains strong and vibrant. He expressed heartfelt thanks and appreciations to the officers and members of UNIBOA Pennsylvania Chapter for taking on this compassionate task of hosting the 19th National Convention. Mr. Dousuah said that we may not share a common past, but we certainly share a common future and UNIBOA represents the pillar of commonality into that future. He further stated that UNIBOA has become more than just an organization, but the most powerful institution in the history of the Bassa speaking people in the Diaspora. The preserving and strengthening of the UNIBOA institution is our shared responsibility, he said. President Dousuah thanked UNIBOA’s patrons and members for their continuous supports and commitments. He encouraged everyone to remain supportive to the cause of helping our people at home and abroad.
Nine out of the eleven chapters are fully operational. The good news is one new chapter has been added – UNIBOA Amoh Bedo, of Maryland, under the dynamic leadership of Mr. Emmanuel G. Smith.
NURSING PROGRAM:
The President reported that only 5 out of the 9 original students remain enrolled, with 1 on probation. Two out of the 5 are scheduled for graduation in August, 2009.
ORPHANAGE SUPPORT:
One out of the three orphanages received support from UNIBOA this year. Added to the orphanages are 3 schools in Rivercess County that were recipients of funds from UNIBOA.
COMMUNITY CENTER:
The Community Center Project in Lower Buchanan remains suspended, until funding is available.
FINANCIAL REPORT:
The financial report for the fiscal year was given by the National Treasurer, Mr. Ernest W. Simmons. The financial report was received by the convention, to be submitted to the National Board of Directors for review and further actions per constitutional provisions.
CONVENTION BANQUET AND BALL:
The day was climaxed with a grand social evening which brought together convention delegates, the Liberian Community of Philadelphia, friends and well wishers at the Sikira Banquet and Ball Room. The evening was graced by two great international musicians of Liberia, Mr. Peter Cole from Senegal and Ms. Brakalia Johnson of Philadelphia.
SUNDAY SERVICE:
Sunday, May 24, 2009 - 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M., delegates of the Convention worshipped at Christ Assembly Lutheran Church, AIM 229 63rd Street, Philadelphia, PA. The Pastor, Rev. Arthur Zoegar, Officers and Members of the Church were delighted to receive the convention during the worship service. An inspiring message was preached by Rev. Zoegar. His theme “What Is in a Name” was based on the Text: Isaiah 9:6. The convention was also blessed by beautiful selections rendered by the Joint Christian Choir Association (JCCA) of America.
At 2:15 P.M., one of the Convention Speakers, Hon. Clarice A. Jah, Senior Senator of Margibi County, was introduced. Hon. Jah was accompanied by her husband, Rev. Sylvester O. Jah and her sister, Mrs. Benetta Decontee Blojay. Senator Jah brought congratulatory greetings from the Margibi Legislative Caucus, the Officials and the people of the County of Margibi. She said that over the years, Liberians at home have carefully observed the many contributions made by Liberians in the United States to our Country through remittances to family members, friends, churches and charitable organizations. The Liberian people are grateful for those initiatives, she concluded.
The Senator spoke about basic social services, health care, and education for our people in Liberia. She asked that UNIBOA helps design program that will discourage teen age pregnancy and school drop offs. Senator Jah called on all Bassonians residing at home and abroad to use UNIBOA as a catalyst and to come together as a group that will speak with one voice. She recognized UNIBOA as a driving force behind the unity, peace, progress and stability of our Country.
Senator Jah promised to return to Liberia with the good news of the examples that are being demonstrated amongst members of UNIBOA in the Americas. The need to come together is not only for the organizations in the Americas, but for all Bassonians of Liberia, irrespective of county of origin or residence, she continued.
If unity, peace, progress and stability are our goal, if we are going to succeed as a people, your organization and those of us back home must be prepared to contribute our quota to the human resource development of our people as well as build bridges that will reconcile them, she concluded. Resolutions Committee Report …….. Selection of Next Convention Venue - New Jersey (South) was unanimously selected as the host chapter of the 2010 National Convention. Mrs. Sayeh Richardson is the Chapter President.
GENERAL ELECTIONS OF UNIBOA:
The current administration of Mr. Alfred Dousuah was re-elected for a second two-year term by acclamation since there were no challengers to Mr. Dousuah. Mr. James Kelly was replaced by Mr. James Tokpawhiea as Financial Secretary. The Elections Committee was headed by Mr. Nat O. Early.
ANNUAL BANQUET BALL AND NATIONAL QUEEN CONTEST:
On Sunday, May 24, 2009 at 8:00 P.M., the Annual Banquet Ball and National Queen Contest commenced at St. Cyprian Catholic Church Community Hall, 525 Cobs Creek Parkway, Philadelphia, PA. Among the platform guests was Her Royal Highness Queen Linda Vashti Clark, who was escorted by Mr. Solomon Reeves, Chapter President of Minnesota. This was followed by a parade of Queens from the various chapters:
- Mrs. Linda Vashti Clark (Miss UNIBOA 2008-2009) - Minnesota
- Queen Alice Suah - Rhode Island
- Queen Julia Dousuah - North Jersey
- Queen Photo Joe - Maryland
- Queen Rebecca Davies - North Carolina
- Queen Diana Varmah - Pennsylvania
- Queen Patience Wisseh - South Jersey
The Key Note Speaker of the Annual Banquet Ball and National Queen Contest was Hon. Gbehzohngar M. Findley, Senior Senator of Grand Bassa County. Hon. Findley was accompanied by his wife and his Sister Berma Findley. Senator Findley was delighted to attend UNIBOA’s convention for two consecutive times. He brought greetings from the citizens and leaders of the Bassa Counties. The main focus of his speech was “Unity among the Bassa speaking people”. In order to bridge the gap, we need to assess our relationship to each other, he said. Senator told the Convention that the problems of post war Liberia are enormous. There are needs for teachers, healthcare workers, safe drinking water, rebuilding of the infrastructures, jobs, etc. But, these needs will never be met, adequately, if the Bassa Speaking People choose to remain divided, he continued.
He expressed gratitude for the efforts of UNIBOA to provide scholarships for nursing students in Liberia. Other developments in the Bassa Counties include: The building of a Junior College in Buchanan, the operations of the Liberia Agriculture Company (LAC), Firestone, etc. He said that they rely on the Bassa Speaking People in the Americas to help support the Junior College. Hon. Findley asked that we pray for the people of Liberia, as they go through these difficult times, and they are equally praying for us.
After the Queen Contest, the newly re-elected corps of officers was duly installed by the Keynote Speaker, the Honorable Gbehzohngar Finley of Grand Bassa County. The following officers were re-elected by acclamation and will service another two-year term: By constitutional mandate, these officers will again repeat their oaths of office during an inaugural ball that will be held at a later determined date and place of choice by the president.
- Mr. Alfred Dousuah - President
- Mr. Scott Mandeh - Vice President
- Mr. Ernest Simmons - Treasurer
- Mr. James Tokpawhiea - Financial Secretary
- Mr. Philip G. Vambram - General Secretary
- Mr. James Page - Chairman of the National Board of Directors
- Mr. Albert Travell - Co-Chairman of the National Board of Directors
AWARDS:
Several awards were given during the Banquet and Ball:
- Recognition Award - Hon. Gbehzohngar M. Findley – Senior Senator, Grand Bassa County County
- Recognition Award - Hon. Clarice Jah – Senator, Margibi County
- President’s Award - Mrs. Mydea Reeves Karpeh, Former Board Chairperson
- Leadership Award - Mrs. Martha Gargar Charley – President, Rhode Island Chapter
- Chapter of the Year Award - Maryland Chapter, Headed by Mr. Emmanuel G. Smith
- Service Award - Mr. Albert Travell, Former Secretary, National Board
- Service Award - Joint Christian Choirs Association (JCCA), America
- Service Award - Mr. Peter Cole, International Musical Star
- Appreciation Awards - Members of the Convention Committee
The Banquet was climaxed with the Queen Contest, which was the highlight of the event. After three rounds of intense competition, Queen Dianna Varmah was declared the National Queen of UNIBIOA 2009. Queen Photo Joe of Maryland came in close second. Coronation of Queen Varmah was done by Hon. Clarice A. Jah, Senior Senator of Margibi County, assisted by the outgoing Queen, Linda Vashti Clark.
The Coronation was followed by musical performances by Mr. Peter Cole and Mrs. Brakalia Johnson. The Grand March was led by Mr. G. Walter, Former UNIBOA President.
On Monday Morning, May 25, 2009, the Executive Committee met at the home of the Host President, Mr. Ben Roberts to discuss administrative issues. The executive officials use this occasion to express their concerns and dissatisfactions if any about how the programs were executed. Careful note are taken to guard the administration during the planning and implementation of the next convention’s activities.
Later that Saturday after noon a soccer match was held between UNIBOA and the Grand Gedeh Association, who also held their national convention the same weekend in Pennsylavania. The games ended with the Grand Gedeh County Association victorious with 2 goals and Uniboa with 1 goal.
Delegates returned to their various home states enlightened, empowered and committed to the actions needed for a new approach to put our house in order and show that the members of UNIBOA are able and ready to attain the goals and objectives of the organization.
