|
May 27 - 29, 2005 
CONVENTION SUMMARY
By Mydea Reeves-Karpeh CONVENTION THEME: The United Bassa (Liberia) Organization in the Americas held its 15th National Convention in the Washington DC metroplex from May 27-29, 2005. UNIBOA was organized in direct response to the Liberian Civil War. As our motto clearly implies, YU NAH BOIA (‘The Child Has Grown Up”), we believed that our responsibilities are great in these times. We set out to provide an environment where all Liberians, irrespective of ethnic background, political ideology, educational achievement or religious affiliation could come together to dialogue, engage in sober reflections, attitudinal changes and make operational arrangements for the reconstruction of Liberia. We agreed that ethnicity does not have to be negative but rather we must all join hands to work together for a better Liberia. We spent the formative years of our organization building an institution and can boast of a shining past. Activities included donations of educational materials and supplies to schools, shipment of clothing, food and medical supplies, payment of teacher salaries, construction of Water Tank (resavour) for Liberians in Buduburam Refugee Camp in Ghana, website, sending exploratory delegations and Bereavement Fund and other member benefits have been things UNIBOA has done.
The theme of this year’s convention was "Shinning Past, Brighter Future" and represents the desire of our members to spend some reflective time to reevaluate our formative years of institution building and to plan for the challenges that lie ahead of us.
At UNIBOA’s 15TH National Convention we were proud to return to our roots where we crafted the vision for our organization. We celebrated our shining past by honoring our founders who had the vision to bring the Bassa counties together under one umbrella. Our shining past has not been easy but we stayed together. UNIBOA National Convention became a place to build endearing friendships, share successes and failures, to learn from others and to share our cultural identity. UNIBOA members believe that volunteerism makes you feel good and fosters a national program dedicated to raising public consciousness about the plight of our people. Our mission in that shining past and bright future is to help our membership achieve personal and financial self-sufficiency. In some small way, we will be able to open the doors of opportunity for others to recognize and optimize their full potential.
However, as we move forward, the time is now to create our own reality, to empower ourselves to collectively focus on creating and maintaining self-sustaining institutions through capacity building. Going forward more emphasis will be placed on coordinating and enhancing our projects and programs, fund-raising and formulating public policy initiatives that enhance our ability to thrive as a people. UNIBOA is moving to the next level and we asked our membership to join us in taking an active role in shaping the destiny of our people.
The opening ceremonies of the Convention took place on Saturday, May 28, 2005 at the Fairfield Inn by Marriott, 4050 Powder Mill Road, Beltsville, Maryland 20705. Member organizations from Washington DC, North Jersey (Newark), Rhode Island , South Jersey (Trenton), Minnesota, Michigan, Georgia and Texas attended the General Assembly which is the highest decision making body. Absent were Pennsylvania and North Carolina. The meeting was called to order with the traditional Calling of the Herald by Mr. Steven Zeogar. Invocation and prayers were given by Rev. Napoleon R. Karr.
In his welcome remarks, Mr. Charles Nagbe , President of the Washington DC Chapter admonished the delegates that this was the time now to create our own reality, to empower ourselves to collectively focus on creating and maintaining self-sustaining institutions through capacity building. He applauded the continued support through time, commitment and financial contribution of the membership and asked for the continued involvement and participation of all members.
The outgoing President, Mr. Thompson DahnSaw, was introduced by Mr. James Horace the President of the Newark Chapter. Mr. Horace recounted the valuable contributions of Mr. DahnSaw during this challenging period. This was followed by the State of the Union Address.
In his State of the Union Address, President Thompson DahnSaw expressed his gratitude to the membership for their support for the various projects and programs of UNIBOA during his tenure. He prayed that his legacy of unity would continue and that members would continue to respond with extraordinary generosity in terms of both financial support and leadership. He thanked his family and officers who served along with him and expressed how profoundly grateful he was to lead this organization during this critical period in not only the history of UNIBOA but also our country, Liberia.
Special remarks were given by Hon. Nathaniel Innis, Member of the NTLA from Grand Bassa County who was on a personal visit to the United States but felt an obligation to come and give the citizens an up-date on events in the Bassa Counties. Hon. Innis appealed for various outreach programs, books, computers, library and educational supplies.
Mr. Isaac Zawolo Jr. Eastern Regional Vice President of ULAA and personal representative of President Arthur K. Watson spoke of UNIBOA’S support for the programs of ULAA. He congratulated the efforts and participation of both President DahnSaw and Mrs. Mydea Reeves-Karpeh, two distinguished members who collaborated with ULAA for the successful hosting of the All Liberia National Conference. President DahnSaw will be honored along with other dedicated Liberian association leaders during ULAA’s Annual General Conference later this year.
In his remarks to the General Assembly, Chairman of the Board, G. Walter Greenfield, informed the body why it was important not to have Chapter Presidents on the Board and stressed the over-sight role of the Board. Further, he indicated that this Convention was significant for two important reasons. First of all, this Convention provided us with the essential reflective time about our accomplishments over the years and where we want to move forward in the future He stressed the need to take a critical look at our programs and projects and make some decisions if this is where we want to go. Secondly, this Convention was a time-honored event in which we reassert our commitment by casting our ballot for a leader of our choice. He urged the delegates to exercise their franchise wisely and select a leader who promises to uphold the honor, integrity, heritage and tradition of our great organization. This leader must be committed personally to the mission and vision of UNIBOA. He admonished the membership that failure to elect a good leader they would have to live with agony and frustration of poor leadership.” Be alert and aware that this is a personal decision but you need to put UNIBOA first”, he concluded.
During the business session which followed in the afternoon, minutes of the 14th National Convention in Georgia was read by the Secretary, Mr. Victor B. Smith followed by report from the chapters. In each report, the Chapters indicated the many achievements, challenges and recommendations for moving UNIBOA to another level. Suggestions were also made for ensuring that those chapters which were no longer active will be re-activated and supported. Remarks were also made by Mr. Nathaniel G. Gbessagee, on behalf of the River Cess Development Association.
A report of the Audit Committee headed by Mr. Ernest Simmons was presented to the body with accompanying recommendations to improve the financial accountability and record-keeping of the organization.
The President, Mr. DahnSaw appointed the Resolution Committee headed by Mr. Phillip G. Vambram , A. Sayeh Richardson, Martha Gargar-Charley, Ousley N. Early Sr. and Alfred Dousuah.
Congratulatory messages were given to Mr. Alfred Dousuah, Mr. Victor Smith and all other graduates who received their degrees and certificates.
On Sunday, May 28,2005, the delegates attended a Thanksgiving Service at the Grace United Methodist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland.The guest preacher was Rev. Dr. J. Edwin Lloyd Sr. , a distinguished son of Grand Bassa who challenged the membership to move forward in meeting the needs of the people of the Bassa Counties.
This was followed by a discussion and adoption of a Bereavement Benefit Package for active members who die in UNIBOA. The package was developed by a Committee headed by Dr. Z’Sherman Adams, Mrs. Judy Greenfield, Mr. G. Walter Greenfield and Mr. Ousley N.Early Sr.
Resolutions for this Convention were read. A membership ID system for registered members, voters’ education in the Bassa Counties, Leadership Workshops and the use of a delegate system where each chapter would have 10 voting members at elections were adopted by the General Assembly.
The General Elections followed with a lively debate by the candidates and then voting by all accredited delegates. The Elections were ably conducted by the Election Commission headed by Mr. James Horace, Chairman and assisted by Benjamin Gbapaywhea and Richard Tarr. Other member of the Election Commission was Wilhelmina Morris who was absent. The Election was observed by Hon. Nathaniel Innis and poll watchers from all camps. Presidential candidates were Mrs. Evita Bestman , former National Vice President, Mr. James Page from Michigan Chapter and Mr. Joseph Sinyan, former National Treasurer. Vice Presidential candidates were Mr. Andrew Payweyne and Mr. Steven Zeogar of Minnesota.
During the National Banquet and Coronation Ball held at the Long Branch Community Center, 8700 Piney Branch Road, Silver Spring, Maryland 20901 on Sunday, May 29, 2005 members and their friends were challenged by Dr. J. Chris Toe, the 12th President of Strayer University, a distinguished Liberian and a proud son of Grand Cess who has not only increased enrollment at Strayer but also increased profits. He has assisted many Liberians and African students to get started with their professional careers and serves as an inspiration to many Liberians today.
Dr. Toe spoke on the theme: "MUST FAILURE BE OUR BEQUEATHAL TO LIBERIA?"
Dr. Toe outlined the challenges Liberians face in re-building our country. He went on to present a litany of well-documented problems facing our homeland and admonished us that noone will rebuild our country but us. He invited all Liberians to join hands and support /encourage the participation of all Liberians in standing steadfast in our search for answers to our national problems.
As a 501(3)(c), nonprofit, non political and non-sectarian organization whose membership come primarily from the Bass Counties of Montserrado, Margibi, Grand Bassa and River Cess Counties, we believe that this is a time to create our own reality to empower ourselves to collectively focus and maintain self-sustaining communities. Our emphasis for the future will be placed on coordinating and enhancing our organization’s fund-raising with a view to promoting the humanitarian, socio-economic and cultural needs of the Bassa Counties.
After Dr. Toe's speech, the results of the National Election which was held earlier was announced by Mr. James Horace, Chairman of the Election Committee.
Mr. Joseph Sinyan of the Washington D.C. Chapter won as President and Mr. Steven Zeogar of the Minnesota Chapter won as Vice President. Mr. Ernest Simmons of the North Jersey Chapter was elected as Treasurer. In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Sinyan promises to bring fearless thought, courageous experience and unquestionable exposure to move UNIBOA to the next level.
The occassion was climaxed by the crowing of a new National Queen, Miss Martha Tarr of North Jersey, followed by UNIBOA's Annual Banquet and Grand Ball.
The venue of the next Convention will be Dallas, Texas.
|
