WELCOME REMARKS OF HOST CHAPTER's PRESIDENT
Delivered at the
19th National Convention - 2009
Mr. Benedict Roberts
President of Pennsylvania Chapter
On behalf of the entire membership of the PA Chapter, and the Convention Committee, I want to extend to the leadership of the Board of Directors, the National President, chapter Presidents, our dynamic Guest Speaker and guest, Senators, Representatives, Superintendents, and all who have come with the mindset of “working together to bridge the gap”, a warm and heartfelt welcome to the city of brotherly love (Philadelphia).
We sincerely hope that your presence, participation and support in this year’s convention would demonstrate a significant milestone relative to our commitment towards the increasing need for development in the four Bassa speaking counties.
Since the last convention in Minnesota, the 2009 convention committee has worked diligently to ensure the successful hosting of this year’s convention in Pennsylvania. We pride ourselves for overcoming some of the challenges we faced but we have resolved to commit ourselves to the process that brings development to our motherland no matter the level of intensity of those challenges.
It has been since Pennsylvania hosted a UNIBOA convention. Today, we are prepared to reinvigorate that UNIBOA spirit of oneness. It is important for us to put aside our individual differences, and all other vices that have the potential of creating a divide amongst us. We must take on the crusade of realizing this year convention theme,”working together to bridge the gap“.
As we go through the business of this convention, we urge you to remain cognizant of the fact that we are heavily dependent upon by our people as an organization to deliver the social services and programs we promised (Nursing scholarship, community center, support to orphanages, etc.). Until we achieve these goals, we have not lived up to our promises as an organization. During this convention, we will have the opportunity once more to openly discuss those critical issues relating to our Bassa people. Let us be more willing to contribute meaningfully through our moral and financial contributions.
To the hard working various sub-convention committee (Planning entertainment, food, decoration, transportation, hospitality, ticketing, queen contest, publicity, etc.) and all those who, in one way or another, have worked so diligently for the successful hosting of the convention, I say thank you. I also ask that you please keep up the excellent work to ensure a successful ending of the 19th national convention. Again, welcome to the 19th National Convention. It is indeed great to see many of our enthusiastic Bassosians who have traveled from different states to join us in Pennsylvania to celebrate this historic convention.
Congratulations for your commitment to be part of this year’s convention. Pennsylvania and the 19th Convention Committee welcome you.
Sincerely yours,
Benedict Roberts, MS, MHS, MBA
On behave of the 19th National Convention.
