14TH NATIONAL CONVENTIONThe 14th National Convention of the United Bassa Organizations in the Americas (UNIBOA) was held in Atlanta, Georgia from May 28 - 30, 2004.The Convention was climaxed by a speech delivered by Syrulwa Somah, Ph.D and followed by UNIBOA's Annual Banquet and Grand Ball.
By Victor Smith, General Secretary CONFERENCE THEME: Delegates arrived at the Radisson Hotel on Friday May 27, 2004 at 6:00 P.M. A welcome reception was held 9:00 P.M by the host chapter. About 100 delegates from South and North New Jersey chapters, Minnesota, Michigan, Texas, Washington DC, New York, Rhode Island, Atlanta and Philadelphia were present.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Syrulwa Somah who hailed from Margbi County and is currently a tenured Professor of Occupational Safety and Health at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina. Dr. Somah spoke on the theme: The national president, Mr. Thompson Bahndyu DahnSaw, called for total commitment to rebuilding a sound and peaceful UNIBOA and Liberia for the betterment of all. He further states that the time has come for government to open its door for dialoge with county or civic organizations and he pledges UNIBOA openness to communicate with the current and future leadership in Liberia for the redevelopment of the country.
Other speakers, including the Chairman of the Board of Directors of UNIBOA, Mr. G. Walter Greenfield called every delegates at the convention to help those whose are in devastating need. Especially so, in Grand Bassa, where a couple are raising group of children who has no parents to turn to for help.
Many recommendations came from the various chapter presidents. The recommendations were referred to the conference resolution committee, headed by Mrs. Mydea Reeves Karpeh of Washington DC chapter. The committee submitted its finding to the administration and it was adopted and will be distributed to all chapters for the record.
The convention held its national queen contest. Contesting chapters were, Georgia, Minnesota, North Jersey, South Jersey, Texas and Rhode Island. Texan chapter won the contest and UNIBOA New National Queen is Ms. Hawa Lincoln. Many thanks to all the beautiful women who participated in this process and bravo to the winning queen for her crown and welcome on board.
Many thanks to our supporters and members for their contributions to this convention. Most importantly, to Hon. Vernon Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Dekalb County, and Hon. Patsy Jo Hilliard, Mayor, City of East Point, Georgia. We wish all of you well.
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