It has been a long standing tension between the Annie Dennis leadership of “New England” and the new leadership of Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas, Inc. (Rhode Island Chapter). In the New England region, Rhode Island Chapter has been the cynosure of fund-raising and an influential partner within GGAA; but the acrimony and dissension is about Grand Gedeans in the state of Rhode declaration of independence within the union (GGAA).

Elsewhere, there is a sense of foreboding that has ratcheted and divaricated an indigestible and unfolding question about Mrs. Annie Dennis true loyalty to the Tillman Collins led administration. This issue will be discussed at the appropriate forum in the near future. At the moment, all we can say is that the president and former lawmaker must be caution and beware of his surroundings.

The president (Augustine G. Tarwo) of the Rhode Island Chapter alleged that the New England Chapter of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas Incorporated is doing business outside the bounds of acceptable principles within the New England Region. Mr. Tarwo said, he has took a servility leadership approach, but his effort has been undercut by the Dennis’.

“The continue violation of our right as a member chapter within the union has turned into a hotbed for dissension and a bellicose fulmination,” said an opinion leader (Charles Dedo) from Rhode Island Chapter. At the moment, Mrs. Dennis and her folks are hosting meetings within the borders-line of Rhode Island Chapter.

The national administration has kept tight-lipped and gave our accentuation little attention since the inception of this disputation in July 2011. Chairman Bargblor warned six months ago, that if this continue, we will issue a judicial decree that will circumscribes and restrains the party herein referred to as the New England Chapter of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas, Inc.

The “Minnesota Web” and the “Independent Eye News” have been a great assets in recent time for cases of this nature. I call upon them to grill both chapters on what really going on inside the New England Region. I will also keep you updated as this drama unfolds.

Yours,

Jackson Zleh Towah

Jackson Blamo

Recent results from Liberia’s national presidential election in October 2011, in part, suggest the country is still divided along tribal lines.  If nothing else is to be learned, Liberia’s 14 years of civil war must be a wakeup call for the need of all Liberians to come together as one people and one nation! While the rebuilding of Liberia will require a considerable amount of efforts, dedication, and sacrifices from its leaders, Liberia’s future depends on all Liberians.

As a nation, Liberians must put aside the negative forces that have destroyed the country, and begin to capitalize on the commonalities that bindthem together as one people and one nation. The infighting amongst tribal groups and political rivalries will not strengthen the nation, but it will destroy it.  It is time to replace egoism or selfishness, power struggles, nepotism and tribalism with altruism, unity, transparency and diversity.

Liberia does not exist in a vacuum; it is the selfless devotion of its people to nation building that will put the country on the right path to development.  As quoted from the late President John F. Kennedy, “Ask not what your country can do for you-ask what you can do for your country.”  It can be deduced from this famous quote that the citizens must seek ways on making a difference or bringing positive change, rather than expecting the country to solely invoke change.

With Liberia’s diverse population, in terms of culture, dialect, and ethnicity, primarily from 15 geographical regions or counties, these differences can, and must be harnessed as valued assets that all Liberians must respect and embrace.  This is called diversity.  Nothing is wrong with being different; in fact when individuals’ or groups’ differences are valued and respected, they solidify the foundation of its people, as well as the nation. Additionally, when the people are united, great things can be achieved.

Every Liberian is uniquely created by our Creator with certain traits which set one apart from the other; this is not a bad thing.  It is imperative for all Liberians at this time to put aside their linguistic, cultural, ethnicity, religious and political differences, and supports those who aspire to move the country in a positive direction.  Therefore, employment opportunities and electing public officials must be based on qualifications and experiences, rather than social, tribal or political connections.  Ultimately, the success of Liberia will be measured not by a particular group of people, but by the collective efforts of the Liberian people as a whole.

To achieve a diverse Liberia where the differences of its people are valued and respected, it must begin in the schools, as well as in government and private establishments.  There must be public awareness throughout Liberia concerning the importance of diversity, including its strength and value and its importance to the unification of the country.  This public awareness must be done through open and honest discussions in the schools and offices, as well as on various media outlets (newspapers, television and radio stations) in the country.

In order to take the issue of diversity more seriously, the government must advocate the implementation of policies.  These policies must not only address the importance and need for diversity in every sector of Liberia’s public and private establishments, but must also include the prevention of discrimination based on ones’ gender, religious, tribal, cultural, or political affiliations.  If Liberians cannot get along, they will not progress as a nation.  That, Liberians cannot afford; therefore, Liberia must not fail!

Editor’s note: This is a Letter to the Editor; for inquiries and concerns please contact Mr. Jackson Blamo @ jblamo1@yahoo.com

I felt absolutely sick to my stomach when I saw the graphic pictures of what appear to be dead bodies of two young men lying in pools of blood and of a young lady standing with blood oozing down her forehead (FrontPage Africa: “In the Line of Fire”, November 11, 2011). These incidents happened because of the use of deadly force by the police on their fellow citizens at the opposition political party headquarters on Monday, November 7, 2011. The sixty-four-dollar question that comes to mind is: Why? Why live arms and ammunitions and not stun guns, batons? I thought the nation has graduated or is graduating from this level of barbarism. I thought police brutality and closure of media institutions were permanently or would be permanently consigned to dustbin of Liberia’s ugly past.

With sheer arrogance and utter display of an in-your-face attitude, while expressing no sympathy to the families of the fallen, the police inspector who is being paid by the taxpayers to serve and protect, has the guts to justify the use of deadly force even though the protestors were unarmed. To claim that the use of deadly force was necessary is to also say it was justified for the people to be killed. Simple! If it was wrong then for Police Director Varney Dempster to order the shooting of demonstrators in the 1979 April 14 Rice Riots in which more than forty people were killed, it is equally wrong for the present police to kill three of their compatriots at the opposition political party headquarters. If it was wrong then for Doe’s military forces to invade the University of Liberia campus and brutalize the students in August of 1984, it is woefully despicable for the Johnson-Sirleaf government to send police to assault students of GW Gibson and the William VS Tubman High school.

If it was wrong then for the Doe government to shut down Footprints and Daily Observer newspapers in the 1980s, and for Taylor to order the closure of media institutions, it is utterly distasteful for the present government of the Nobel Peace Prize winner to shut down Kings FM Radio, Clar TV, Love FM and TV, etc. This is demonstrative of the fact that in Liberia, officials get so much blinded by naked power and its trappings that they fail to learn the lessons of history which ultimately leads to their downfall. These latest actions have the capacity to put a huge dent in the nation’s image in the international community. Imagine Barack Obama shutting down TV and radio stations that air conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh’s hate message against Blacks and President Obama! But again, this is Liberia where some things cannot and will not change.

Lest I forget, in the face of the police brutality, gross violation of human rights, and clampdown on free press by the Liberian government, where are you, Dr Sawyer? Where are you Dr. H Boima Fahnbulleh? Why are you our past political giants conspicuous by your silence? Is it because you now work in the present government that is why you have decidedly turned a blind eye to the government’s missteps and zipped your lips?

First, Sawyer: it was on your behalf that the protesting students of the University of Liberia were brutalized in 1984. So you have firsthand knowledge of what brutality on students and civilians is. As present Chairman of the Good Governance Commission, what is your position regarding the recent killing of opposition demonstrators? And the assault of students of GW Gibson and Tubman High? I am not oblivious of the fact that it is bad administrative practice for someone working in the government to publicly criticize his/her boss.  However, do you sometimes confer with President Johnson-Sirleaf in private to express your displeasure on certain political decisions made and actions taken by her?  For example when the Gonglo Committee recommended that the police inspector – who justified the assault – be dismissed in the aftermath of the police brutality on students of GW Gibson and Tubman High but the President refused, indicating that the recommendation was harsh and too risky to enforce, did you quietly advise the president to let the controversial and incompetent police inspector go?

Another thing, as author of the 1986 Constitution and professor of political science, why haven’t you made a public comment regarding the suspension of Article 52 C by the Supreme Court of Liberia? Does the Supreme Court have the constitutional power to suspend an Article of the Constitution? Again, only in Liberia!

Second, Dr Fahnbulleh: the once eloquent and fearless revolutionary and political activist, where are you? Party politics aside, why haven’t you said anything about the loss of lives of your compatriots, especially when the loss of life was due to police brutality? You were thrown in jail during the April 14 Rice Riot which means you were once a victim of government repression. Do you like or condone what the police did on that fateful and bloody November 7 day at the opposition political party headquarters? If not, as Security Advisor to the President, do you quietly, I mean quietly close the door behind you with only you and the President in the office and give her your tough national security advice? She mentioned in a FrontPage Africa interview (October 1, 2011) that you were once her vocal critic but now you occupy an office just few doors down the hall from hers?  So does that mean, you have a job and that’s it? If it is only about jobs and not about changing the system to make it better for posterity, then it would have just been best if your generation of progressives had let Tolbert and the Americo-Liberian oligarchy run the country the way they saw fit. At this time it thus seems to me that those who lost their lives in the past because of your political conscientization and activism did so in vain. Again, only in Liberia where it said that “politics is about bread and belly”.

Oh one more person, Comrade Kofi Woods: when the 1979 Rice Riots occurred, you were in grade school just like I was. Your present cabinet colleague, Agriculture Minister Florence Chenoweth was also Agriculture Minister at that time and was the one whose recommendation to Tolbert for the proposed increase in the price of rice led to the riots. Fast forward to 1984, we were students at the University of Liberia when Doe gave that infamous “You will move or be removed” order to Defense Minister Gray D Allison which culminated into the invasion of the UL campus. Comrade, we survived the invasion and you went on be a highly acclaimed Human Rights lawyer. Doe blacklisted you because of what you believed in and stood for. You have been in the trenches and have been in the vanguard of the struggle for rights and civil liberties for individuals. You stood up to Taylor and his NPFL terror machine. I admire your courage and tenacity for that. Given all of this, what have you to say about the bloody November 7 incidents at the opposition political party headquarters when police forces of the government you work for, used excessive force to quell a protest that resulted into the death of your fellow citizens? What about the GW Gibson and Tubman High police incidents? What do you also make of the reckless comment by Police Inspector Amblard? He first accused UNMIL soldiers of pulling the trigger but later recanted and admitted that it was the Liberian police but that the use of deadly force was necessary. Do you not see him as an embarrassment to the establishment you work for?

From all indications, it is speculated in many circles that you, Comrades Marwolo, Ngafuan, Samukai, Sulunteh (though he came from Cuttington) and Brown (though not yet in the government) make up part of the young generation that the President spoke about in her interview (FrontPage Africa, Oct 1, 2011) that  may take over from her in the future. I am wondering whether you and your colleagues sometimes have a word or two with the President on national political issues that when implemented would she leave behind a squeaky clean legacy that would make it easy for you to ease into?

Realistically the events that have been unfolding recently do not suggest that the road may be smooth for you six years from now unless some drastic positive political change is made. Think about that!

In closing, please allow me to borrow these few lines from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar to tweak them to fit present day realities:

You all did speak up multiple times against societal ills

Even with bullets to your breasts

Not without a cause

What cause withholds you now to continue?

O judgment thou art fled to brutish beasts

And fearless men have cowered and lost the battle

Due to the politics of bread and belly

Bear with me

My heart is in the coffins there with the fallen

And I must pause till it comes back to me

Oh did I forget? It is only in Liberia where some things will not and cannot change.

To Contact The Author:

tmarvah@yahoo.com,

Seattle, WA USA

November 19, 2011

Written by: By Joe “Shakespeare” Gbaba, Sr., Ed. D.

Introduction 

The word “civic” means: public, municipal, local, community, town, city, civil, social, national, universal, general, and common. As an adjective, the word “civic” becomes civil and it extends our civic educational thought further by implying the following meanings: polite, civilized, courteous, well-mannered, gracious, urbane. Another noun form for civic is civility and it means: politeness, courtesy, good manners, courteousness, respect, graciousness, consideration. Thus, the opposite of civility is rudeness!

Further, we can use the word “civic” to expand our knowledge about ourselves and how we should govern ourselves by being civilized. Here, apart from the good manners and courtesy, now we also realize that by virtue of being ‘civilized’, we are able to enlighten, to educate, cultivate, improve, advance, develop, and refine. From this perspective it is safe to say the opposite of “civilized” is brutalized. Thus, when you are “brutalized” you are assaulted, treated roughly, maltreated, and ill-treated. Hence, instead of being civilized, Liberians who spearheaded war, mayhem, and human carnage in Liberia brutalized the citizens in their attempt to revenge and seize power in Liberia. 

The Decades of Brutalities and Lawlessness in Liberia (1989-2011) 

Thus, instead of being civilized and courteous toward one another, Liberians were brutal toward one another as a consequence of the revenge tactics employed by the organizers of the 1989 rebel incursion and insurrection. An incursion is an invasion and an insurrection is a revolt, civil disobedience. 

For this reason, Liberians have had enough brutalities over the past more than two decades. In this light, it is high time to regain our “civilized” traits that include, among others: improving our cultural, historical, and economic heritages; living together in peace and harmony; to demonstrate respect for the rule of law, respect for the liberties and freedoms of our fellow Liberians and fellow mankind ( i.e., freedom of press, freedom of association, freedom of censure, freedom of choice, etc), and to maintain sustainable and enduring peace for all Liberians!

Our Inalienable Rights and Freedoms 

As citizens of Liberia we enjoy certain inalienable rights, privileges, and freedoms. Of course I need not further expand on the various freedoms that every democratic society should foster for they are self-explanatory. However, it never hurts in teaching history and culture to provide some examples: (1) freedom of press: here, we have the freedom to report responsibly our observations, our likes, and dislikes about our society and the government that leads us without being penalized by authorities; (2)freedom of association: we have the right to be friends with Sekou, Nyan, or Davidetta without anyone or the government penalizing its citizens for exercising such right; (3)freedom of censure: here, we have the opportunity and right to criticize responsibly; not with the sole intent of tearing apart an idea or a national policy for the heck of it; but instead, to criticize with the aim of improving our civilization and society.

Therefore, when the foregone goals and ideals (principles, standards, morals, ethics, values, mores) are achieved and practiced by a nation and people, that is when a nation and its people are called a civilized nation and people. “Viola!” says the French man! 

How Civil Have We Been to One Another as Liberians during the Era of Brutalities and Lawlessness in Liberia (1989-2011)?

Ladies and gentlemen, considering the brief definition of the expression “civic education”, we may be able to further deduce how much civic education we as Liberians possess in terms of: (1) whether or not we treated one another with respect, and courtesy; or, (2) whether we brutalized one another over the past two decades.

Clearly, this is what knowledge of civic education entails: making sure that every Liberian, every member of any society understands his or her fundamental human rights, how to maintain one’s rights and the collective rights of all Liberians against the imposition of perpetrators of heinous crimes against humanity in general and against Liberians in particular.

Our Standard of Living in Present Day Liberia Contravenes International and Humanitarian Laws and the Constitution of Liberia!

Such brutal and uncivilized nature and behavior of a nation and people, as Liberians have behaved toward one another in the Era of Lawlessness and Mayhem (1989-2011) contravenes international and humanitarian laws, as well as the Constitution of Liberia. That is the reason why I am calling on all patriotic Liberians to realize immediately our national faults and improve ourselves; to develop our country; cultivate a culture of mutual respect and courtesy toward one another; practice and observe the rule of law and maintain it throughout eternity. 

We Must Pledge Never to Hurt One Another Like We Did in the Civil War Because Now Is the Time of Peace and All Liberians Are Urged to Cooperate to the fullest extent possible in Order to Safeguard Our National Hegemony and Sovereignty. 

Accordingly, the Opposites of Civic, Civil, Civility, Civilization, Civilized are: rude, rudeness, “Growna”, and “koo-too-koo”! Well, my people, your don’t blame me oh! My ma will bee me becor I non know “Ingrish”! “It wase!” “It scatta”! “Orh-wlah-tee-o”! Man, boys and girls, this is Liberian History, Literature, and Civics coming from the “Uncooo” self-self, that nasty talented Liberian pekin who “jess full of it”!

The Urgent Need to Implement the Liberian Peace Plan

It is very important to understand that all Liberians adhere to the rule of law, respect the Constitution of Liberia, and implement the Liberian peace plan: (1) ratification of the TRC recommendations; (2) setting up war crimes court in Liberia to try those most responsible for the heinous crimes that were committed against the Liberian people and humanity; (3) and to repatriate Liberian refugees who are stranded around the globe that would like to return to their Native Land. 

Responsible Governance

Responsible governance is when those in authority implement the authority and administration of the day to day affairs of a nation and people with the intent to unite, improve Liberians and their country through the ideals of democracy and sustainable peace. It is a setting where those who rule are committed to the ideals of democracy. Here, it is understood that government is the sole responsibility of every Liberian citizen and that a government must be able to put its mouth where its hands can reach: provide services, operable utilities, safe paved roads and highways, good hospitals, clinics, schools, laboratory, etc. Thus, it is the responsibility of a responsible government to serve the needs of its citizens. 

The Liberian Government Must Repatriate Stranded Liberian Refugees Back to Liberia Forthwith!

Every Citizen has an inalienable right to live freely in Liberia and to receive emergency assistance from their government in times like these of global economic and civil war hardships and security threats, and injustices, and after over twenty-two years of civil strife! 

Thus, in the crucial case of Liberian refugees stranded in various refugee camps around the globe, it is imperative that the Liberian government prioritize the repatriation of Liberian refugees forthwith. Also, we look forward to more international support to help Liberians rebuild their war torn country. Please be of help to Liberia by seeking the interest of the Liberian people with respect to ensuring that justice is done and rule of law firmly established. 

Episode # 2: Acceptable and Unacceptable Norms and Values of the Liberian Society

This episode focuses on both acceptable and unacceptable norms within the Liberian, African, and global communities in which we form a vital component. In the first episode, I presented the difference between civility and rudeness. We cited some of the wonderful civil actions and behaviors that showed mutual respect for one another and the upkeep of the rule of law in Liberia; versus rudeness, the lack of civilization, good manners, and lack of respect for constituted authority. Thus, firmly assert that:

Liberians Have Witnessed Gruesome and Rude Experiences over the Past Two Decades and the Western World Is Mute and Blind toward our Suffering Because They Want to Suck or Resources Dry in Cohort with Liberian Economic Criminals! 

In view of the foregoing, the opposite of civil is rude! And rudeness and lack of civility have we seen, read, and heard over the past twenty-two years in Liberia. Interestingly, most of the lawlessness, mayhem, human carnage, and lack of respect for personal and private properties, and the abuse of the human rights of Liberians that we witnessed during the Liberian Civil War were the outcomes of an international syndicate to enslave Liberians and ransack their natural, mineral, and human resources.

What Is the Chief Function of Uncle Joe’s Civic Education Class? 

Thus, the chief function of my class on civic education is once again to instill the discipline, wisdom, and knowledge our forefathers passed unto us: (1) love thy neighbor and enemy as thy self; (2) be thy brother’s and sister’s keepers; (3) preserve our great political, cultural, and economic heritage; (4) secure the rule of law and the respect for the sanctity of human life; (5) have respect for public and private properties, and the right to self-preservation; (6) self-respect and respect of others, and so forth. 

What All Liberians Share as National and International Pride                                                                                  

The Liberian National Flag

Above, our national profile exemplifies us as leaders among the Black Race, blessed to be born in the Land of Glorious Liberty by God’s Command! Above all, Liberia is the Oldest and First African Republic and it comes second to the Republic of Haiti that was independent on January 1, 1804. Liberia’s Declaration of Independence was July 26, 1847, with a difference of 43 years between Haiti and Liberia.

Toussaint l’Overture: The Liberator of Haiti: the slave that defeated Napoleon 

The Empire of Ethiopia                                                            

Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia. Haile Selassie was also believed to be descended from the line of David by Solomon. He was He was dethroned by    by the Soviet-backed Derg headed by Menistu Haile Mariam. This period in Ethiopian history ended over 300 years of monarchy in Ethiopia.

The third Black Sovereign State other than Haiti and Liberia was the Empire of Ethiopia.Ethiopian Empire (Amharic), also known as Abyssinia, covered a geographical area that the present-day northern half of Ethiopia and Eritrea covers, and included in its peripheries Zeila, Djibouti, Yemen and Western Saudi Arabia. It existed from approximately 1137 (beginning of Zagwe Dynasty) until 1974 when the monarchy was overthrown in a coup d’etat.
It is speculated that the Klao speaking groups of Liberia (Krahn, Kru, Grebo, Bassa, Gbi, Gborh, Deiweion, Sarpo), originated from the Nile River Valley in Nothern Ethiopia and Southern Egypt. They are said to be remnants of original African Jews that migrated from Israel around the Horn of Africa, including Ethiopia, Egypt, Somalia, and Sudan, to the Promise Land of the Black Race, Liberia: Land of the Free!

Apart from Ethiopia being the home of origin of the Klao speaking groups of Liberia, both Ethiopia and Liberia were the only two independent Black nations that successfully resisted the Scramble for Africa by the European imperial powers in the late 19th century.

Okay, It Is Time for All Patriotic Liberians to Pat Themselves on the Back!

Okay, I want every Liberian to pat himself/herself on the back! A wonderful and awesome history and heritage indeed; but history and heritage must be sustained by every patriotic Liberian woman, man, child, elder, youth, friends, family, and global society. Hence, I hope you have learned some lessons from this civic education class. Thank you for being a patient and courteous reader and audience.

Editor’s note: This is an article written by the Dr. Joe Gbaba who can be reached at http://joegbaba.wordpress.com

Chairman and members of the Board of Directors, National President of Konobo Statutory District Association, chapter presidents,  Chairman and members of the 2011  7^th KSDA  Annual Convention committee,  elders, distinguished  guest, my fellow members , ladies and gentlemen.

Mrs. Comfort Doely-Leonard

Today marks another important day in the history of our great association. When I was contacted three weeks ago by the convention chairman to be the Keynote speaker, I had mixed reactions.   First, I was excited to be the first female speaker from the district. My second reaction was how do I get away from prior personal commitment. I sincerely wanted to fulfill my responsibility to the Association. I saw this as an opportunity to make a difference. My family was very supportive of me speaking at this convention. With passion to participate in the development of my district, I felt obligated to provide unconditional services and impart knowledge to my citizenry and the association of my birth place.     I stand here before you tonight with pride and immersed enthusiasm as I prepare to speak to you on two very important topics:  Education and Health.

What is education?

According to the Webster dictionary, education is the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life.

As I translate this definition to citizens of this unique district, I must begin to address what I consider is the “Core” of our society.  The vitality of any group of people depends on the level of knowledge acquired as well as having the abilities to execute good reasoning and sound judgment in all areas. Education provides endless avenues of opportunities.  It empowers, humbles, and teaches one to respect others and their views, even if they differ from our own.

Lack of education is like a cancer (simile) in the human body.  It impairs the ability of citizens to function intellectually.

In Pursuit of Education

Generations before us have made tremendous strides in pursuit of education. They traveled hundreds of miles in search of knowledge.  Many served as servants in exchange for a place to stay. During the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s, these so-called “educated” people not only enslaved our people, but demanded their identity to be changed (last names changed to theirs). Many times these family members were deprived of food and basic essentials.  This is a sacrifice neither one of us is willing to make today. With determination and courage, few of our own persevered. I am honored to recognize a few of those heroes from our district that succeeded in acquiring knowledge under these harsh circumstances; Prof. Yancy Peter Flah, Mr. John N. Wulu, Sr., the late Mr. Moses T. Brooks, and many others. With the goal to help their brothers and sisters, some of these heroes returned home to be of service. They are the late Moses T. Brooks, the late Moses W. Torh, the late Willie N.T. Doely Sr., the late Walter K. Deah. Others include the late Jackson Doe, Dr. George Boley, Mr. Philip Deah and those I could not name today.

Unlike the generations of our fathers and grandfathers, this current generation is blessed with vast opportunities. Students no longer have to travel hundreds of miles for school. There are schools in every district within the statutory district. Pupils are no longer required to change their family names or identity in exchange for their education. Technology has even made it much easier to learn. Unfortunately, the 2010 statistics have shown that we, the citizens of the Konobo Statutory District Association, have produced comparatively less educated individuals within the county and the country as a whole with our mothers, sisters, and daughters ranking among the least educated.

I have traveled here to challenge all citizens of our great statutory district to take advantage of self advancement during this competitive era. I must admonish parents and grandparents to support and encourage their sons and daughters to consider education as their primary goal in life. With education come unlimited opportunities. As a young student, I learned the most valuable lesson of life from my mentor, the best teacher of his time, my father; Mr. Willie N.T. Doely Sr. He emphasized the importance of education.  Most of my classmates recite his philosophy even today.  My father’s famous quote is “Education is better than Silver and Gold.” At the time, I did not comprehend the depths of this message.  It became the foundation of my unwavering desire to keep learning.  Now I recognized truly education is better than any precious gem. Fathers, empower your daughters and granddaughters and sons that they will be winners and leaders of tomorrow.

To my fellow citizens, we must not be content to be followers; instead we must aspire to be leaders, peacemakers, and mentors. By this I mean we must thirst for knowledge. With knowledge comes the ability to reason, teach, help others, and to resolve conflicts amicably without using violence. It is important for us to take responsibility in developing our district. We must no longer depend on others, for example the government, NGO’s, and foreign nationals to develop our district. As President John F. Kennedy once said, and I quote, “ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.” We must put aside sectional and political differences and work in unison for the development and welfare of our district and our country as a whole. We, as citizens of the district, will fail to accomplish this goal if we do not unite now.

To the young immigrants of the KSDA: I say to you, the future of the district lies in your hands. You must prepare yourself educationally and technologically to take upon all of these responsibilities of which I speak. May your goals not be limited to high school education, but aspire to earn your under graduate, post-graduate, doctorate, and other specialties. With this, you will be equipped intellectually to with stand the challenges of our time.

Young men: I discourage you from participating in illegal activities, violence, and non-motivated behaviors. These are not characteristics of future leaders. America is a place of great opportunities. Utilize them now while they are available to achieve your dreams. Each one of you must be goal driven, knowledge seeking, and strive to advance yourselves.

To the young ladies of the KSDA: times have changed. Pretty faces and exotic dressing only will not provide you the respect you deserve without education. I must encourage you that with education as your primary goal in life you shall overcome many obstacles therefore you must not relent in seeking that which is more precious than gold (education). Women have played vital roles in our developing world today. Some of those powerful females are Condoleezza Rice, first African American Secretary of State in the United States of America. Hillary Rodman Clinton, first Caucasian female Secretary of State. Margaret Thatcher, first female prime minister of Great Britain, Maria Aquino president of the Philippines, and Dr. Sabine Bergmann-Pohl, former head of state of Germany and Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, current president of the Republic of Liberia. Neither one of these ladies would have excel in life without an education.

HEALTH

What is Health?

Health is defined as the general condition of the body or mind with reference to soundness and vigor: good health; poor health.

Today I stand before you to speak on the importance of the physical and mental health of our people. Here is the comparison of the life expectancy of Liberians compared to Americans based on the 2010 health statistics.

*Life expectancy at birth-Liberia

Total population: 57 years
male: 55.44 years
female: 58.6 years (2011 est.)

*(Compared to the life expectancy in the USA which ranged from 77.7 to 83 years old.)

There is a 20-26 year difference.  We have the power to reduce this gap.  Collectively, we can fight to educate our people in practicing preventive care and provide resources to facilitate the basic health supplies for all in our district. Some of you sitting in the audience might wonder: how can I contribute when I am not a health professional? I say to you, you do not need to be a health professional; you do not even need to come from the district and do not need to have a degree to contribute to this great cause. You can offer monthly financial contributions to the organization, donate supplies, volunteer your time, and reach out to humanitarian groups. This is one of few ways you can assist us improve the health of citizens of this district. We have the best sources of nutrition, but lack the basic knowledge of preventive health.  Our people battled and died from diseases that are curable and/or treatable.  Examples include:  malaria, cholera, typhoid fever, infection, high blood pressure, etc.  The basic life saving step is to provide safe drinking water, knowledge about decreasing the chances of contracting diseases, and preventing the spread of diseases.  Fortunately, almost every town is privileged to have well water provided by United Nations.  With education, contamination and the spread of communicable disease will decrease. Our district is blessed to have produced a significant number of medical and mental health professionals within the last three decades.  Together we can set measurable health goals for our Association to implement for the wellbeing of the people of the Konobo Statutory District (which include Twarbo District, Glio District, Putu District and Konbo District).

Mental health is the psychological well-being and satisfactory adjustment to society and to the ordinary demands of life. We must recognize post war Liberia/ KSDA is imperative that the psychological effect of the war has increased the mental instabilities of our people. In view of this, mental health treatment/education must be embraced although culturally people with mental illness are treated poorly or considered outcasts. We must discourage such behaviors. As we advocate and strive to improve the physical health, we must not neglect to include the mental health of our people. As I speak of mental health, each one of us in this room has experienced in one form or another post traumatic stress symptoms/ disorder. The question that rests within my mind is how we should begin to address the issue of trauma when those experiencing it do not know what it is.  While others have experienced immediate onset of trauma others have delayed onset. If I had the choice to choose a topic for this convention, I would have chosen “the psychological effect of trauma on citizens of Konobo Statutory District.”

A country or a district cannot be prosperous when its citizens have physical and mental impairments. Basic steps to be taken: 1. Acknowledgment of the disease/disorder, 2. Rehabilitating and educating citizens on the importance of seeking treatment, 3. Assessment and treatment.

Recommendations

My recommendations for this organization are:

1.  A clinic must be constructed at each district headquarters; there must also be at least an elementary school or a Junior High school in each district. We must donate our used books so that each of these schools may have a reading room.

2.  Scholarships- a scholarship committee should be established to assess and reward scholarships on the basis of academic excellence. These scholarships should be awarded fairly or proportionally to students are transitioning to high school and college.

3.  Association chapters to choose and undertake one or more of the above projects of their choice.

4.  Those in leadership must be accountable to the citizens. They must learn to implement financial transparency; exhibit leadership abilities for the effective operation of the organization. We all must take responsibility to improve the organization and not leave all responsibilities with the leaders of the Association.  Let’s implement mentorship, big brother/ big sister for those that need inspiration.

Before I take my seat, I’d like to thank the KSDA convention committee Chairman and members of the Missouri branch, director and members of the board, elders, guests, and all those who have traveled from afar to be a part of this convention. I’d like to impress on your minds the most important goals we must strive to achieve; improving our health care and educational opportunities for citizens of our Statutory District. It is important that all of us parents and guardians encourage, support, and educate all of our children as well as promote gender equality. I am blessed with the education I have today because my parents believe and practice gender equality unlike many African parents.  They supported, educated, and encouraged me.   Whenever I feel content with my accomplishments, I hear the voice of my mentor, the greatest teacher and my loving father say, “Education is better than Silver and Gold.”

On behalf of my family and myself, I am pleased to donate two desk top computers to this organization.

May God bless the people of Konobo Statutory District and may God bless us all.

Thank you.

Brewerville       .        Montserrado County        .         Republic of Liberia

Tel.(011-231-0880)954-428, Mobile              .               E-mail: bai_gbala@yahoo.com

July 25, 2011

Mr. Tillman Collins, President-Elect

Mrs. Edith Poah, Vice President-Elect

Officers & Members, Grand Gedeh Association, USA

Distinguished Guests

Ladies  & Gentlemen:

From Zwedru, the seat of our great, Grand Gedeh County; Monrovia, capital City of our “Glorious Land of Liberty”; and the people of the county and Republic, we extend and present sincere greetings and heart-felt compliments, with wishes of good health, long life and prosperity throughout the coming years. We, also, congratulate and thank you – the RUSH, Unity and Dadua Teams (of Mrs. Annie Cooper-Wilson and Mr. Fred Gwyan, respectively) for the Pre-Inaugural Unity Ball here to night.

Indeed, Ladies & Gentlemen, it evokes deep, emotional feelings and a source of profound satisfaction and pleasure to be back on home soil to rekindle and rejoin the awesome but exciting and befitting, rewarding struggle for justice, freedom, equality of treatment and human dignity, after a long and unexpected stay in the United States. However, that stay was productive and useful; in that, it afforded us the opportunity to observe, learn and experience, once again, the changed and changing, socio-cultural, economic and political progress not only of that great country, USA, and its gracious peoples, but also to interact with the citizens of our county and country, Liberia, in general.

Significantly, Mr. President-Elect and Vice President-Elect, as your elder and humble servant, please permit us to express and extend to you profound congratulations for the educated, issue-oriented, mutually-friendly, respectful, cordial campaign and election as president and vice president, respectively, of the Grand Gedeh Association, USA, at the ballot box. It goes with saying that, given your background, experience, commitment and dedication, you will, no doubt, lead the Grand Gedeh Association, citizens of the county in the USA to great, socio-cultural, politico-economic prosperity and harmony – break new grounds, travel new directions, procure new opportunities and advance to new horizons – mindful of and consistent with the changed and changing world and Liberian conditions and realities of our 21^st century Liberia.

The Grand Gedeh Association was organized in mid-1970s, particularly, among others,  as a forum for socio-cultural fellowship and intellectual interaction by Grand Gedeans who found themselves in a distant, foreign and unfamiliar land in search of education. Its membership was composed, at that time, of and led, mainly, by politically-inexperienced students.

However, the prevailing socio-economic, cultural and political conditions and realities of 21^st century Grand Gedeh Association brought, with them, ethnic/tribal conflicts, including the Liberian civil war of mind-boggling plunder, destruction, human suffering and death; created multitudes of massive displacements, refugees, immigrants, asylum and permanent residence seekers from our own Liberia. These conditions and realities also rekindled humankind’s quest, hunger and demand for peace, security, justice and liberty under the rule of law. Among the displaced persons were or are average, Liberian individuals, students, university professors, doctors, lawyers, engineers, economists, political scientists, political party politicians, social critics or activists, etc., etc., who fled our country from the devastation of war, political tyranny and severe, economic deprivation.

Thus, the membership of the Grand Gedeh Association USA of today is composed, not only, of students, but also of professional men and women of all socio-economic, political and sub/ethnic configurations, with political worldviews shaped by the prevailing conditions and realities. As such, it is necessary that the leadership of Grand Gedeh Association is not only enlightened, liberal, experienced and committed to classical, democratic values and principles, but also that the leadership is open, fair, firm and dedicated to national, ethnic/tribal inclusion.

After audience with President Johnson-Sirleaf (who is presently in Lofa County for the celebrations of the 164^th, birth anniversary of our nation), members of Grand Gedeh County, Legislative Caucus, leading, political candidates for President of Liberia and leaders of my Party, the National Democratic Party of Liberia (NDPL), we will proceed to Zwedru for meeting with our citizens and information on the socio-economic and political conditions prevailing. We will keep you informed.

Finally, Mr. President-Elect and Mrs. Vice President-Elect, Mr. Fred Gwyan, Mrs. Annie Cooper-Wilson, officers and members of the Grand Gedeh Association, the critical challenges facing our county, nation and the Diaspora are countless and urgent; we are confident, however, that you are able, willing and committed to analyze, seek and implement rational solutions for betterment of us all.

May God bless and guide you.

Sincerely,

Bai Gbala

During the early sixties in Liberia when “Who know you” was at its peak, most middle class and poor people’s homes in ghetto and congested areas in Monrovia did not have flush toilets? As a result those who did not have toilets in their homes or houses eased themselves on ‘dumpards,’ in alley ways, on the beach; or they wrapped their poo-poos (feces) up in old pieces of cloth or paper and threw them in their neighbors’ backyards. Then the next morning you would hear an angry neighbor shouting: “Who threw their stink poo-poo in my backyard!” And there was big fussing and cursing and the exchange of harsh words among neighbors because nobody would admit committing such a nasty offence. For that reason, the government built what was called “government toilets” in congested and poor neighborhoods in Monrovia to serve residents that did not have flush toilets in their homes. So, chamber buckets were commonly used in most homes by older folks and household members to ease themselves; and, the little Native or poor Congor and Americo-Liberian house boys and girls that lived with elite and middle class families toted the chamber buckets. However, we can learn more about how the ‘chamber bucket syndrome’ worked if you meet Ms. “Do-So-Do-So”. Ms. “Do-So-Do-So”

Ms. “Do-So-Do-So” lived in an old, tilted, and zinc framed house with wooden floors and windows. Her house was located on Mechlin Street , right behind the Benson Street Muslim Mosque. First when you saw the building, you would think it might crumble to the ground in a split second; but that good old building don been there “Since Heck was a pup and now he’s a grayed big old dog!” the Congor people say. Ms. “Do-So-Do-So” had her seven children right in that same house when she was young; and their names were: Pinky, Niky, Dinky, Finky, Doky, Lonky, and Moen-Moen. Her husband was a baker and he worked at the Monrovia City Bakery near Kay-Kay Yard, Center Street, South Beach. However, after he passed she reared her children all by herself with not a bit of help from any family member. Now her children were all grown and they were out there on their own, married and had children.  

At ninety-four years of age Ms. “Do-So-Do-So” spent her free time drinking cane juice by herself and sometimes babysitting her grandchildren. As a result, she was always tipsy twenty-four-seven and sometimes passersby heard her screaming at her grandkids as they walked past her house, telling her grandkids to sit down or to stop doing some mischief. In addition, the madam was a very good storyteller and she loved to entertain young people as well. Back in the day, Ms. “Do-So-Do-So” was the bump of her time: she had her share of good times and she hung out with the “Who’s who” of Liberia at “Solo Baby,” “Mamarina,” Executive Pavilion, and “SAC Tower,” among many distinguished public entertainment sites of the sixties and early seventies in Monrovia.  

Nowadays Ms. “Do-So-Do-So” is resigned from the good times of life; however, one bad habit she did not leave behind was her “Gbajoko” bottle, for they both were the best of friends. Further, Ms. “Do-So-Do-So” believed that the old of society should share the little they know with the young so that the young ones too might pass their little light on to succeeding generations yet unborn. In view of this, I was a beneficiary of her wisdom and fine storytelling. Besides, Ms. “Do-So-Do-So” loved children so much that, as was the tradition in those good old days, the old lady adopted a little Kpelle boy named Sengbe. His parents were from Suacoco that was then located in the Central Province of Liberia. Suacoco Town and District were named after a very powerful female Kpelle paramount chief of yester years. Sengbe was seven years old when his parents brought him to live with Ms. “Do-So-Do-So” in order to learn how to read and write and to become a ‘civilized’ young man.

 The Chores and Roles of the ‘Chamber Bucket’ House Boys and Girls

Native, Congor, and Americo-Liberian boys and girls who lived with elite and middle class Liberian families in Monrovia and other parts of the Atlantic coast did most of the work in the home while biological children of the elites did hardly anything but to eat and sleep and attend school. For instance, the house boys and girls washed clothes on Saturdays and cleaned the home every day. They scrubbed pots and washed dishes when they finished cooking and after dinner was served. They also cleaned the yard and weeded the backyard gardens. Besides these chores, they also cleaned the chamber buckets for their families and ran family errands, such as going to buy food at the Merry-Go-Round Market near the Barclay Training Center (BTC) Military Barracks in Monrovia , or at the Old General Market Down Waterside near West Point .

Every morning around five thirty before daylight broke through the skies of Monrovia and before the first roosters crowed, Sengbe’s stint was to carry to the government toilet that was located between Mechlin and Randall Streets the chamber bucket that Ms. “Do-So-Do-So” and her kids had used during the past night in order to clean it before doing other household chores for the entire day. However, fortunately for Sengbe, he did not have to walk a very long distance to the nearest government toilet unlike his country boy Flomo who carried his family’s slop bucket from Benson Street Snapper Hill, all the way to the American Legation—near Coconut Plantation—South Beach—not too far from the Ambassador Hotel. There was a septic tank that served as the outlet of the city’s sewage system; and there it was where Flomo emptied his family’s chamber bucket before returning home. Sometimes Flomo would engage in mischief and play football with the grownah boys that practically lived around Coconut Plantation and Newport Street in abandoned cars, lots, and shacks. As a result he would receive some good beatings when he went home to that “Mommie Pepper” Creaole Tete that lived on the Cooper Farm side of Benson Street, Snapper Hill. On the contrary, very rarely did the biological children of most adoptive parents carry their parents’ slop buckets in the streets of Monrovia; let alone to clean slop buckets at government toilets when there were adopted boys and girls in their homes to perform such a demeaning task.

According to Ms. “Do-So-Do-So” Native Liberians and less fortunate Congor and Americo-Liberian children were not allowed to attend school back in the day unless they had some connections with the rich of Liberia.“That is why, for the most part, there is a huge illiteracy rate among Liberians today because it was deliberately orchestrated by the elites of Liberia during the earlier days of the First Republic, so that descendants of the wealthy may be at an economic and political advantage above ordinary Liberians ( poor Natives and Americo-Liberians and Congors alike) through the ‘chamber bucket syndrome.’” Ms. “Do-So-Do-So” said as she initiated our conversation.

Also, Ms. “Do-So-Do-So” stated that most house boys and girls attended afternoon schools while the biological children attended morning schools. The primary reason for the difference in the school schedules was to make sure that the house boys and girls did all the hard work in the home before biological children came back from school. By then the food was cooked and the table was set and the biological children ate and left the dirty dishes for the houseboys and girls to wash them when they came back from school in the evening. “And, mind you,” the old lady stressed, “if the house boys and girls did not finish their stints before it was time for them to go to school, they would not be allowed to step out of the house. Even though I don’t play that mess, cause it ain’t no telling who Sengbe might be in real life tomorrow. Who knows, he might even be a big shot and he could help me more than these dumb-dumbs I am calling children, my dear! I ain’t got time for this ‘chamber bucket syndrome’ thing, child!”

Ms. “Do-So-Do-So” paused for a moment and then she sipped a bit of her cane juice. By now she seemed even more prepared to tell me more and so I asked her what ‘chamber bucket syndrome’meant.

‘Chamber Bucket Syndrome’

First, Ms. “Do-So-Do-So” cleared her throat as the warmth of the cane juice gradually flowed down her throat and then navigated its way into her stomach. Suddenly she closed her eyes and opened them afterwards as if she was abruptly awakened from sleep. She rubbed her eyes a couple of times and then explained, “To answer your question about what ‘chamber bucket syndrome is, I would say the concept of ‘chamber bucket syndrome’ can be interpreted in one of several ways: (1) it was a method of establishing social and political inequality in the Liberian society to boost the esteem of the rich people’s children and to discourage poor people’s children from achieving; (2) it served as a class system within the greater cultural and political context of Liberian social and political life to suppress the aptitude of less fortunate but more qualified and intellectually enriched Liberians who did not have social and political connections with rich Liberian families; (3) it served as a support system of the culture of impunity or corruption in Liberia; and (4) it was a type of ‘inclusion’ in government whereby the rich would grease the elbows of a select few Native and disadvantaged Congors and Americo-Liberians in order to shut them up and to promote broad daylight corruption and the culture of impunity throughout Liberia.”

In essence, the old lady contended that ‘chamber bucket syndrome’ was a type of so-called inclusion in which the ‘chamber bucket person’ was supposed to remain loyal to his or her former master or employer for as long as he or she lived or worked under his or her master or employer, principally by not speaking up against corruption. Thus, if the ‘chamber bucket’ stooge or “too-too” did not follow these rules then the person was considered a ‘trouble maker’ and not a ‘good citizen.’ Subsequently, that also meant being shut off from the political and economic chopping of Liberia by the elites or status quo. Hence, in a society where government is the chief employer, most Liberian intellectuals had no other alternative but to comply with the rules of the ‘chamber bucket syndrome’ system. I was amazed at the way the old lady defined ‘chamber bucket syndrome;’ however, it also made some sense to me when I observed how people in positions of public trust in Liberia overtime behaved as if they had no remorse at all when it came to exploiting the poor to enrich themselves.

Ms. “Do-So-Do-So” continued, “The born with a silver spoon in your mouth” of Liberia used the ‘chamber bucket syndrome’ in order to put ordinary Liberians down, so that the ordinary people may not compete or regard themselves on equal footing with elite Liberians in national life. Here, ‘chamber bucket syndrome’ does not only mean physically carrying the feces of one’s master in a chamber bucket, but it also means a scheme through which somebody is exploited by others, especially somebody used by criminals in committing crimes in order to perpetuate themselves in power. Hence, within the Liberian cultural context, a ‘chamber bucket’ person might not only be a Native Liberian being used by the status quo to signify merely that the system is inclusive; but rather, it may also be Americo-Liberian and Congor descendants that are used to exploit the masses of Liberia as well. That is why sometimes you might notice that the composition of a particular government might sometimes have several Native Liberians or Congors or Americo-Liberians in various positions of public trust; but the sad part of the story is that the public never sees tangible results or outputs from these public or civil servants in terms of physical developments in areas that they lead or control.”

“In such a case,” the old lady argued, “it is safe to term such unproductive individuals as victims of the ‘chamber bucket syndrome’ because in other words, they are square pegs in round holes—they are ‘just holding it’! Thus, in most instances, the ruling class of Liberia preferred unproductive Liberians to hold big government jobs  because these “Johnny-Just-Comes” did not outshine them nor pose any political threats to their political careers.”

After she concluded her statement, I laughed and then asked Ms. “Do-So-Do-So” what she meant by ‘just holding it!’

“I used the expression ‘just holding it’ because ‘chamber bucket’ civil servants are only there to serve the interests of their employers and themselves and not the interest of the citizens or the interest of Liberia . In other words, the elites rub palm oil on the mouths of ‘chamber bucket’ cleaners just to fool them and to also fool the public to say that the government is inclusive and that Liberians from various social and political classes are benefiting in terms of equal representation in government. Whereas in reality, these ‘chamber bucket’ politicians are only eating the bread crumbs. That is why you might see somebody may be in charge of health and social welfare, for instance, but our hospitals might have no drugs; our hospitals and clinics might be short of medical staff and equipment and Liberians might die from malaria and diarrhea and cholora—simple curable illnesses that could be treated if those in such positions were not mere victims of ‘chamber bucket syndrome.’ Don’t we have a Ministry of Public Works?” she abruptly asked me.

“Yes” I immediately replied.

“But then why is it that we cannot travel safely from Monrovia to Grand Kru or River Cess by road? What happened to the budget to build roads, hospitals, schools, clinics, and so forth? You see where I am going with this ‘chamber bucket’ thing, my son? What I am really trying to tell you is that ‘chamber bucket syndrome’ is used to suppress good intentioned Liberians as well.”

The old lady chuckled after she completed her statement and then I also smiled along with her because I strongly felt what she was saying made sense.

‘Chamber Bucket Syndrome’ as a Silent Suppressive Political Weapon

Additionally Ms. “Do-So-Do-So” indicated that the ‘chamber bucket syndrome’ was a scheme used by some Liberian leaders to stall development; enrich themselves, and to keep progressive Liberians down politically, socially, and economically—to discredit well meaning Liberians so that they may not excel in whatever they undertake in life if they did not abide by the rules of corruption in Liberia. In this light, she said the history of Liberia was stuffed with incidents of sweet talks and deceit games played by most Liberian civil servants who joined the ‘chopping game’ in order to stay afloat their political careers. Or, they might risk being ostracized by the status quo if they were perceived to be straighforward Liberians who did not condone corruption. Accordingly, the old lady said that overtime the select few stepped up their political game by organizing methods of putting fear in the hearts and minds of patriotic Liberians to keep them under control and to prevent them from speaking up against corruption.

Below are some typical incidents in Liberian history in which whole groups of progressive and good intentioned Liberians were intimidated, ostracized, and sometimes killed, through the oppressive and repressive weapons of the status quo, such as false allegations of plots to overthrow the government of Liberia; mysterious disappearances of outspoken Liberians; ritualistic killings; and abitrary arrests and imprisonment and the dispensation of justice based on collective guilt; as well as the utter lack of due process in prosecuting ‘perceived’ enemies of the state, etc. These suppressive and repressive methods were purposely carried out in order to silence progressive Liberians and the illiterate majority and to perpetuate the culture of impunity through the divide and rule system.

“Therefore, he who has ears to hear, let him hear!” the old lady cautioned as she readied herself to explain further.

He Who Has Ears to Hear, Let Him Hear!  

When we came to the “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” part of our conversation, I was both speechless and breathless! I could not wait to hear what the knowledgeable old woman had to say about the underground nija “dee-dee-bahs” that were carried out by the select few in order to dominate the silent and illiterate majority. So far, she had confidentially poured out her heart to me that I felt glued in my seat. Also, there was dead silence in the living room and I felt so grateful that I wished I had a dollar more to purchase the old moms a shot of her favorite drink—gbajoko. Well, from what I observed as well, Ms. “Do-So-Do-So” had had several other chilly pissy drinks before I got to her house. So, it seemed to me she was “chalah” (drunk) already. Nonetheless, it was hard to tell she was charged because she was a “koo-too-koo” in the drinking business and she had been doing this for “rock of ages cleft for me!” In ordinary Liberian parlance, Ms. “Do-So-Do-So” was a “Garan” when it came to bending her elbow.

The purpose of the decisions is who is best suited to be hired by Grand Gedeans as the next National President of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas (GGAA), through the democratic process come May, 2011 presidential elections.

We at the MN Web take this democratic process very seriously as such, we are determined to put the best we have got out there and leave it with the electorates to decide.

It is therefore in fulfillment of this pledge that we are featuring Messrs. Gaye Duwah Sleh, Jr. and Isaac Gborkeh Vowel, Sr. in this edition.

The series, ‘WHO LEADS GGAA NEXT?’ continues until the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GGAA is elected.

MR. GAYE DUWAH SLEH, JR.

Mr. Gaye Duweh Sleh-ULAA-K Veep

Mr. Gaye Duwah Sleh, Jr., commonly called “SLEH’ by friends, admirers and acquaintances, is an avowed Humanitarian and Social Worker.

Since his arrival here in the United States as one of the beneficiaries of Liberia’s former First Lady, Nancy Bohn Doe’s twenty-five (25) scholarships in 1984, Mr. Sleh has made no secret his ardent desire to serve his Grand Gedeh community in particular and the Diaspora Liberian community at-large.

Mr. Sleh started his service to the community by becoming a founding Member of the Foundation for Peace and Stability in Liberia (FPSL) Inc. a non-profit Liberian Organization.

One of the Organization’s primary goals was to provide relief assistance and lobby support for the restoration of peace and stability in Liberia at the time.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Between 1999-2003, Sleh served as President of the Illinois Chapter of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas (GGAA). One of the significant impacts of  his administration was the shipment of several barrels of text books and stationary to Liberia.

The Illinois Chapter of the GGAA during the Sleh Administration earned the ‘CHAPTER OF THE YEAR AWARD’ in 2002. Additionally, it must be noted that Mr. Sleh recently saved a sinking political ship within the Gedeh Community.

He initiated a Unity Teleconference which secured some sort of commitment from fellow Grand Gedeans not to attack one another on the Internet.

He served as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Organization of Liberian Community of Illinois (OLCI). During his administration, OLCI shipped medical and other pharmaceutical supplies to Liberia and donated them to the Redemption Hospital in Bushrod Island.

OLCI was one of the few ULAA Chapters that contributed five hundred United States Dollars ((US$500.00) to ULAA’s fund drive, which helped ship a transport bus to Liberia to ease the dire transportation needs of some Liberians at home.

His Administration was able to secure an ambulance and a garbage truck from the city of Chicago and also contributed nearly four thousand United States Dollars (US$4,000.00) for the shipment of the ambulance to Liberia. It was subsequently donated the John F. Kennedy Medical Hospital in Liberia.

The Sleh Administration also obtained scholarships from the city government of Chicago for Liberians to study nursing at the Olive Harvey College. Additionally, the Administration helped organize the South Central Illinois Organization (SCIO).

In 2005, Mr. Sleh received the EBENEZER UNITED CHURCH OF CHICAGO AWARD, in recognition of his exemplary leadership and service to the Illinois Community.

As a matter of fact, Mr. Sleh has just received another award, ‘THE GRAND GEDEH AWARD.’ The award is annually given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the economic, educational, political and social development of Grand Gedeh County and its people, in accordance with Policy number 7.0 (1).

NATIONAL POLITICS

In 2006, Mr. Gaye D. Sleh was elected Northern Region Vice President of a then united Union of Liberian Association in the Americas (ULAA), in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

While serving in that capacity, Mr. Sleh was again elected Chairman, Board of Directors of the United African Organization (UAO), with membership covering eighteen African Nations.

Some of the African Countries include Cameron, Ghana, Guinea and Ethiopia. Others are, Kenya, La Cote d’ voice, Liberia, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda among others.

Mr. Sleh was elected National Executive Vice President of a now divided Union of Liberian Association in the Americas (ULAA) in 2009, on the ticket of Mr. Anthony Kesselly’s ULAA faction, commonly known as ULAA-K.

The break-away ULAA faction of Dr. Mariah Seton, also known as ULAA-S and Kesselly’s faction also known as ULAA-K have both been clamoring for recognition from wherever they can get it, to legitimize the respective factions.

SPORTS

As a devoted sports lover, Mr. Sleh served as President of the United Stars  Soccer Association (USSA). During his administration 1986-1995, the team won two championships, several runner ups and second place trophies.

EDUCATION

Sleh is a product of the Saint Christopher Catholic School in Kakata, Margibi County, Liberia. He is also a product of the Chicago State University where he earned Bachelor (Bsc) and Master (Ms) Degrees respectively in Criminal Justice and Correction.

He earned a certificate for Counseling Alcohol and Drug Abusers, from the Professional Certification Association for Drug Counseling (PCADC), Inc., a Social Service Agency in Chicago, Illinois.

He currently works as a Clinical Therapist for the Edgewater System for Balanced Living, a holistic human service provider in Gary, Indiana. He has been in their employ for  nearly ten (10) years now.

FAMILY VALUE

Gaye Duwah Sleh, Jr., is a family man who has been married to Ms. Josephine Cooper, now Mrs. Josephine Cooper-Sleh, for the last sixteen years. The couple tied the knot in June, 1984 and the union is blessed with three children. Jaydeh, Kwenyounor and Gaye D. Sleh, III.

CONCLUSION

Political Observers give kudos to Mr. Sleh for his unwavering commitment, dedication and untiring desire to render humanitarian services to his fellow compatriots. Be it through the Grand Gedeh Association or other community organizations including OLCI or ULAA, etc.

However, the unresolved political split within ULAA and the apparent inability to nape it in the butt once and for all, even with nearly all of the ULAA Member Chapters in support of Kesselly’s ULAA-K faction, is a serious political headache.

This situation has also dampened the leadership credibility of Mr. Sleh and his political guru, Anthony Kesselly.

The Kesselly-Sleh Administration’s strategy of ignoring and pretending that there exist no political division within ULAA, hopping that it would go away into the dungeon of history by itself, is being viewed by Political Analysts as a big political mis-calculation.

This strategy could hurt Mr. Sleh’s political chances, if he desires to contest either the factional or a united ULAA National Presidency in the future.

Although Mr. Sleh has expressed no public desire to seek the GGAA National Presidency come May, 2011, if he wishes to do so, he needs to do one major thing.

He has to first resign his post as a Member of the GGAA 2011 Independent Elections Commission (IEC), as his colleague, Mr. Tillman Collins did few months ago to seek the GGAA National Presidency.

It must be noted notwithstanding, that Gaye Sleh has one thing working for him, name recognition, which is very crucial in any political contest. That remains to be seen.

Mr. ISAAC GBORKEH VOWAL

Isaac Vowal/GGAA Board Chairman

The name, Isaac Gborkeh Vowal also known as “IKE,” or “ZIC” by his many friends and admirers, in not a strange name when it comes to Diaspora Grand Gedeh politics and social activities.

Vowal is the current undisputed National Chairman of the National Board of Directors of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas (GGAA).

He was one of the luckiest twenty-five (25) Liberians to have benefited from one of Liberia’s former First Lady, Nancy Bohn Doe’s scholarships to travel to the United States in 1984.

SPORTS

Upon his arrival here in the United States, Vowal settled in Chicago, Illinois and immediately became very active within the Liberian community. As a lover of sports especially soccer, Vowal was one of the founding Members of a soccer team known as, “United Stars Soccer Association.” (USSA).

As a founding Member, Vowal did not just sit on the sidelines. He was also an active player and became the team’s first Manager. He later became the team’s Coach for nearly ten (10) years. He eventually became one of its Sponsors.

During his tenure as coach of the team, four championship trophies were won and the team went to the championship finals seven times among twelve (12) teams.

Countries which produced competitive teams besides Liberia included; Belize, Haiti, Ghana, Nigeria and Jamaica. The Liberian team is today one of the forces to reckon with in the “WORLD SOCCER LEAGUE.”

Prior to coming to the United States Mr. Vowal joined and play for the Cedar United Soccer Club and played alongside known players like Mark Gibson, William Budu Gray, Timothy Lawa, Thomas Newly and Gray Hazel among others.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

In 1990, the Illinois Chapter of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas (GGAA) was founded, but never join the Union of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas until eight (8) years later in 1998.

At that time, the Grand Gedeh Association was basically an east coast organization. Its leadership for apparent unknown reasons at the time was very resentful.

They felt politically threatened by an attempt by any group of Grand Gedeans, to organize themselves into a chapter anywhere in the United States other than the east coast.

However, following the formation of the Illinois Chapter in 1990, Mr. Vowal became its first Secretary. During the Gaye Sleh Administration, he was appointed Chairman of the Social Committee.

The committee is regarded as the most powerful committee in that chapter because of its revenue generating capacity. Vowal chaired the committee for four years.

He later became Vice President of the Chapter and subsequently elected President and served two terms. It was during his administration that the Illinois Chapter won “THE CHAPTER OF THE YEAR AWARD,” for the second time.

Vowal was later elected a Member of the Illinois Chapter’s Board of Directors and became its Chairman later. As Chair of the Illinois Chapter’s Board, he automatically became its representative to the National Board.

In 2007, he contested the Chairmanship of the National Board, but was defeated by Mr. Steve Boley. However, he was elected Co-Chairman and eventually became Acting Chairman following the resignation of Chairman Boley. He was subsequently elected National Chairman in 2009.

Mr. Vowal has attended all except one of the National Conventions, the 2008 Gedeh convention held in Atlanta, Geogia.

NATIONAL POLITICS

Mr. Vowal became an active Member of the Organization of Liberians in Illinois (OLCI), in 1997 and has since remained a Member to date.

He was elected a Member of the Organization’s Board of Directors and subsequently became its Chairman. He has served his first two-year term, 2008-2009 and was re-elected for a second two-year term, 2010-2011.

He also currently serves as the Representative of the Organization of Liberians in Illinois (OLCI), on the Board of Directors of the Union of Liberians in the Americas (ULAA), faction led by Mr. Anthony Kesselly.

EDUCATION

Little Vowal began his early education at the Lady of Fatima Senior High School in Harper, Maryland County, Liberia. He later moved to Monrovia to seek higher education following his graduation in 1982.

He enrolled at the Chicago State University in 1984 where he earned a Bachelor Degree (Bsc) in Industrial Technology. Vowal was left with no other choice than to do Industrial Technology instead of Engineering, which he had intended doing, but engineering was not offered at the University.

Upon his graduation from that University in 1992, he worked briefly for two years, before resuming his quest for a degree in electronics at the then DeVry Institute of Technology in 1994. The DeVry Institute later became DeVry University in Chicago.

Three years later, he graduated from DeVry University with another Bachelor Degree (Bsc) in Electronic Technology. Following his graduation from DeVery University in 1997, he obtained an employment at AT & T as a Telecommunication Specialist, a position he holds up to date.

FAMILY VALUES

In October, 2008, Mr. Vowal got married to Ms Yahtetia Monica Tokon, now Mrs. Yahtetia Monica Tokon-Vowal. Although the union has no children together at this point, Mr. Vowal has two children from a previous relationship; Isaac Vowal, Jr, 16 and Saywon Vowal, 12.

CONCLUSION

Even though Mr. Vowal has not made public any desire to contest the GGAA National Presidency, if he decides to do so, it would be a very interesting development.

Political Commentators regard him as a hardliner or a neo-conservative who has an uncompromising attitude, but Political Observers consider him as someone who believes in the rule of law.

Vowal chaired a three Member National Board Investigative Team that went to Iowa to investigate a corruption case. The Vowal Investigative Team recommended the restitution of nearly (US $5,000.00) that could not be accounted for by the then chapter’s leadership.

It is not known what became of the Vowal National Board Investigative Team’s findings and recommendations since 2008. Vowal however has some explaining to do regarding what happened to his Team’s report, now that he is the chairman of the National Board.

In any case, Vowal cannot be underestimated. Analysts say he knows exactly what he wants and knows how to get it whenever he puts his minds to it.

By: Tarnyon Nyenon

Managing Editor & Editor-In-Chief

MN Web-grandgedehassocincmn.com

tnyenon59@yahoo.com-(763) 226-3634-Cell

Gibson Jerue

I published an article recently on the GDAA national convention dealing basically with the scope of elder’s rule and selection politics and/or choosing of leaders by rotation that some of our elders are adamant about and advocating for. Much was said about how traditional leadership does not conform to modern trend of ascending to leadership by democratic means through the ballot box. Even after a huge opposition to the elders’ archaic proposal for selection of GDAA leaders by rotation, the elders and their stooges went to the convention and literally destroyed it. It is important to stress the essence of espousing the democratic process of choosing our leaders for the running of the Gbarzon District Association in the Americas. That is sin qua non.

A few questions beg answers here. What instrument would the GDAA use to put rotation of leadership into effect? Who is going to be the appointing/selecting authority? What will be the role of the Board of Directors and the Council of Elders? What will be the criteria for selecting the next corps of officers? How do we determine the qualification of the officers? What happens if a clan, town, village cannot produce a qualified and competent person? How do we replace an officer who proves to be incompetent and unqualified? Who gets the next pick if the president, for instance, shows gross incompetence? The questions could go on and on. This is intended to provoke some soul-searching and critical thinking.

Before the hosting of the last convention in Minnesota, the National President, Mr. Alphonso Zean-Soe set up a resolution committee to solicit ideas, opinions and suggestions from cross section of Gbarzonians to find a way forward. Following several interviews with citizens of the District, the Committee came up with several burning issues, among them “conventional election” and “Rotation: selection by Clan or Chiefdom”. We had expected that citizens and/or conferees would have been interested in discussing the issues at the last convention, but no. What did they care about – partying and queen contest, they were pressed for time to dance. Although the Resolution Committee and Mr. Zean-Soe had begged for calm and patience for the issues to be disposed, the same elders said disingenuously that they did not want to discuss the issues. That was quite surprising since, in fact, the suggestion for leadership by rotation came from them.

What is even distasteful about the elders, whom I respect so much, is that they have allowed themselves to be used by angels of doom. All the dreamers dreamt were about division, disharmony, disagreements, split of the GDAA, power struggle. Not one of the dreamers had one that presaged prosperity, and a free, fair and transparent election. You know the good old book says ‘life and death is in the power of the tongue’. The elders predicted evil so much of the process that they became the incarnate of the evil. Our elders backed by their so-called few educated but misguided young men went to the convention in Providence, Rhode Island and threw a monkey wrench into the election process.

Citizens of Gbarzon District paid their hard-earned cash – to buy plane tickets, others drove long distances to participate in a successful convention but what did they get, slap in the face. People who chose to ignore democratic voices took over the convention. Our brethren from the other districts in Grand Gedeh watched Gbarzonians of the cave men mentality declared to them that we are fools. No, we all are not fools, those who crumbled the civilized gathering made fool of themselves. See what they have done – they allowed the administration to dispense funds for the holding of the elections, the Election Commission made massive preparation, candidates registered with their hard earned cash, spent several hours on phone with accumulated bills to campaign, only to go to the convention and see few people throw us back in the abyss of cave men’s world.

It is unthinkable that the elders refused discuss at the Minnesota convention when they knew the issue had not gone away. The convention is the last decision-making body – in terms of calling for or amending the constitution, setting new standards and redirecting the organization. It is not within the purview of any group of people – be it the elder’s council, the Board of Directors, or the Executive Committee – to make such major alteration in the Constitution. I see that the temptation from some elders to make the Zean-Soe administration to change the face of the Association was a trap.

I don’t see where the elders got their idea. All my life in Liberia, chieftaincy election was held and Town, clan, paramount chiefs were elected. People lined up behind their candidates and were counted. The Constitution of Liberia calls for election of President, vice president, legislators, mayors, etc. That means Grand Gedeh must elect two senators and three representatives for the three districts. What our elders and their cronies are telling us is not to bother about learning the politics of election and campaign even while we are in the United States of America, where election is an integral part of the people’s political culture. Although we have gone to school and educated like our brethren of the other two districts – Konobo and Tchien, our elders are suggesting we eschew all that we have learned and follow them blindly. What an unfortunate situation! How can the blind lead those who have eyes to see? 

By the time we shall left the USA and returned to our native land, we would have learned only how to rotate leaders. And then when it is time for election in Liberia we probably would tell Konobo and Tchien that we are masters of leadership by rotation; that we would prefer rotation of the position of the senator. Why should we stoop so low and disgrace ourselves at the national convention? For us, we have resolved not to be a party of the writing of a dark chapter in the Gbarzon District Association. If level-headed Gbarzonians allow themselves to fall prey to the whims and caprices of the elders and their angels of doom my name will not be among them. This is my solemn swear.

By Gibson W. Jerue

Editor-in-Chief

www. gbarzondistrictassociation.org

Jeremiah G. Sokan

Our sixth edition of the Personality Profile is consistent with our June 4th pledge to afford all Grand Gedeans an opportunity to make informed decisions.

We specifically take the decision regarding who leads the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas (GGAA), as the next National President comes May 2011 very seriously.

It is in fulfillment of this pledge that we are featuring Messrs Jeremiah Garwo Sokan, Sr. and Alphonso Zean-Soe. The series, WHO LEADS GGAA NEXT continues until the May 2011 national leadership elections.

MR. JEREMIAH GARWO SOKAN, SR.

Mr. Jeremiah Garwo Sokan,, Sr. is the current National Secretary-General (SG), of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas (GGAA).

Although the name did not really ring bells within the Gedeh Community, prior to becoming the (SG), close associates say he is a very associable, approachable and a friendly person. They however maintained that he is very mindful of who he befriends.

Prior to coming to the United States, Mr. Sokan served as President of the United Nations Scholarship Students in Abidjan, La Cote d’Ivoire and chaired the Board of Trustee of the Greater Refuge Ministries (Regional Church Ministries).

Mr. Sokan was the first Chairman at the 1st Annual Convention of the Gorhai Artee Association (GAA) and a Member of the Planning Committee of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas (GGAA) Inc.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Mr. Sokan has thirteen (13) years of practical work experience in the Accounting Industry. He is an Auditor in Public Accounting and served as In-Charge Auditor for Verizon Communication, Employee Benefit Plans and Audits in similar capacity

He worked for Ernst & Young Limited Partnership (LP) and Mitchell Tutus as Senior Auditor. As an Auditor, Mr. Sokan was charged with the responsibility of auditing the Subway System of the City of New York, Manhattan Transit Authority (MTA) and various government and other business entities.

He rose through the ranks becoming an Audit Supervisor with the Briggs, Bunting & Doughty, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP). Auditor Sokan represented his firm on joint projects/engagements with PriceWaterCoopers, (LLP) and Deloitte & Touché. `

Before joining Ernst & Young and Briggs, Bunting & Doughty, LLP, Mr. Sokan worked for Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation in New York City, as Account Payable Supervisor & Grant Manager.

Accountant Sokan was appointed by the Federal Bankruptcy Court as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), in Lower Manhattan, New York. In accordance with Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Laws, Mr. Sokan was responsible to oversee the accounting and reporting of a twenty million dollars segment liquidation of a New York based corporation.

He has been offering professional tax services and advice to individuals and business entities for over a decade now. Prior to coming to the United States, he worked for Air and Hotel Ivoire in La Cote d’Ivoire as an Accountant.                                                

EDUCATION

Mr. Sokan earned a Bachelor of Science Degree (Bsc) in Accounting from the City University of New York (CUNY). He earned a Brevet Technien Superieur (BTS) Degree in Accounting and Financial Management. He also earned a Diploma in French Language from the University of Cocody in Abidjan, La Cote d’Ivoire.

He recently earned a Master Degree from the Keller Graduate School of Management from DeVry University. He is a candidate for Charter Financial Analyst License and a candidate for Philosophy Degree (PhD) in Accounting and Financial Management at the University of Pennsylvania.

FAMILY VALUE 

Mr. Sokan has been married to Ms. Anita Collins, now Mrs. Anita Collins-Sokan for the last fifteen years and the union is blessed with two children, Jeremiah Garwo Sokan, Jr. and Ms. Jerenita Sokan.

GGAA POLITICAL SCENE

Mr. Sokan came on the GGAA national political scene at the embryonic stage of the formation of the Kannah/Yonly GGAA leadership Team. He personally expressed interest in serving as Secretary-General of the Union, although the Kannah/Yonly Campaign Committee asked him to serve in the capacity of National Treasurer instead.

This was said to be in line with his academic background as an Accountant by profession however, he prevailed on the Committee that he will be more productive as Secretary-General, an argument which was accepted.       

CONCLUSION

Political Observers say Mr. Sokan has proven to be energetic and very effective as he promised he would be if considered. He has become so effective that his effectiveness has transformed into over zealousness and over bearing.

Critics say as a result of his effective and overzealousness, President Kannah has entrusted him and out-sourced almost all of her Presidential responsibilities to him. Political Pundits described this as amounting to what appears to be a de facto Sokan Presidency in the GGAA.

Political Observers say he is so overbearing that he has rendered the National Vice President, Isaac Bull Yonly a real figurehead, considering his (Yonly‘s) low-key leadership style.

In contrast to the National Vice President’s low-key leadership style, Secretary-General, Sokan’s high profile leadership style has earned him both praises and criticisms.

Admirers say he is very knowledgeable about exactly what he is doing and what he wants, but Critics say he is arrogant when it comes to relating to others, including members of the National Board.

He sometimes puts out announcements and/or writes the National Board on behalf of the National Administration telling it (National Board), to immediately convene either to confirm a Presidential nominee or approve some Presidential requests, something far above his authority.

He sometimes gives the National Board time limits on when he wants the National Administration’s request to be honored. This kind of leadership style has earned him a few friends. 

Political Analysts conclude that either he does not know his Secretarial limits, or just a condescending character. Although Mr. Sokan has never publically discussed his future political ambition or presidential quest, if he decides to run for his boss’s job, it will be very interesting.

His admirers believe now that he has the name recognition in the Gedeh Community, he could attempt to seek the GGAA Chief Executive post, which could of course be a Herculean task as any elected position.

He could also face the expected political neo-cons in the Gedeh Community, especially the new GRAND GEDEH COUNTRY, I mean County’s Immigration Commissioner, His Excellency, Harold G. Tarr, Sr.

Commissioner Tarr recently announced new immigration Policy of exclusion, specifically designed against people like Tarnyon Nyenon, Kwame Oldpa Weeks and Jeremiah Sokan, from participating in his new REPUBLIC OF GRAND GEDEH’s politics “ILLEGALLY” since according to him, they are not Krahns.

The newly self Proclaimed REPUBLIC OF GRAND GEDEH Country’s Immigration Boss, along with all of his commanders may be located at all the new Republic’s Immigration border posts and all other posts of entry.

Their purpose will definitely be to determine first of all who is/or is not a real, half or whole Krahn, to qualify to enter the new REPUBLIC OF GRAND GEDEH to contest any leadership position, let alone the GGAA National Presidency.  

Howbeit, it remains to be seen come May, 2011.

MR. ALPHONSO ZEON-SOE

A. Zeon-Soe, as he is affectionately called by friends and admirers, was born unto the union of former Paramount Chief and Elder, Johnny Zeon-Soe and Betty Zonwulu-Soe, on April 2, 1966 in Gbarzon District, Grand Gedeh County.

Alphonso zeon-Soe

Mr. Zeon-Soe is the current National President of the Gbarzon District Association in the Americas (GDAA). He was appointed to the position by the Council of Elders in line with the District‘s constitution and has held the position since 2007.

He is the longest serving President of the Association, but following an amendment of the Association’s constitution at the 2007 National Convention, democratic elections are to be held this year and thereafter.

Interestingly Mr. Zeon-Soe is now seeking a mandate from Gbarzoneans through the ballot box this time around, after haven served as the de facto President for nearly four years now.

EDUCATION

Little Zeon-Soe started his primary education in his home town of B’hai, in Joazon. He later enrolled at the Toe Memorial Junior High Institute in Toe Town, Grand Gedeh County.

He relocated to Monrovia, Montserrado County and registered at the Bassa Teen-Age Junior High School in 1983 and graduated in 1985. Thereafter, he immediately enrolled at the William V. S. Tubman Senior High School.

Owing to his passion for the journalism profession and politics, Zeon-Soe became an active Member of the T-High Press Club and an active Member of the Student Ujama Brigade, a student militant group that was active in student politics.

After his graduation from Tubman High, Zeon-Soe entered the University of Liberia in 1989 in his quest for higher academic knowledge, but that dream was short live, as a result of Charles Taylor’s so-called National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL), war of “liberation” of the Liberia people.

The 14-year-old war was in reality a struggle for political power grab and ethnic cleansing of the Krahns and Mandingos. The war however affected every facet of the Liberian society, including all educational institutions, thus depriving Zeon-Soe and many others, their dream of acquiring University education at the time.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

It is also worth noting that during that carnage, Zeon-Soe volunteered his services alone with others to serve his community by forming part of a committee which negotiated successfully with the West African Peace Monitoring Group (ECOMOG).

The negotiation was to facilitate the delivery of needed relief supplies to the displaced community of Central Monrovia, known as the Displace People’s Committee of Central Monrovia (DPCCM).

GREATER LIBERIAN COMMUNITY

When the war escalated to a crisis proportion, Zeon-Soe like many other Liberians fled to neighboring Sierra Leone to seek refuge. While in the refugee camp, Zeon-Soe’s refugee status did not deter him, as he accepted to serve as Secretary of the Waterloo Sports Association (WSA).

Following the cessation of hostilities, Zeon-Soe returned to his land of nativity to contribute his quota by seeking and obtaining an employment opportunity, at the Ministry of Post and Telecommunication (MPTC), as a Research Personnel in 1997.

He later left the Ministry of Post to join the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, where he served as an Administrative Assistant to the General Manager of the Ducor Inter-Continental Hotel.

Mr. Zeon-Soe currently works for Groden Net Work of Rhode Island, as a Residential Behavior Specialist (RBS).

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

In 2003, Zeon-Soe relocated and resettled here in the United States, becoming an active Member of the New England Chapter of the Grand Geed Association in the Americas (GAGA).

The Zeon-Soe/Nyumah Administration has to its credit the establishment of GDAA’s own online Radio Station which President Zeon-Soe personally manages and a popular Radio Talk Show he created, known as THE GEDEH PANAMA.

The Zeon-Soe/Nyumah Administration has to its credit the establishment of a Website for GDAA, which it uses as an effective tool of communication with all Gbarzoneans and other interested individuals.

The Zeon-Soe/Nyumah Administration decentralized GDAA’s National Administration with the National President, Alphonso Zeon-Soe from Rhode Island, National Vice President, Mark Nyumah from Iowa, Secretary, Te-Tahyor Soe, from Rhode Island, Treasurer, Esther Borkay, from Pennsylvania and Chaplain, Alvin Zoaryan, from Massachusetts.

The Zeon-Soe/Nyumah Administration also expanded the Association by creating various chapters within GDAA, throughout the Unites States. It also established a Liaison Office in Toe Town, Grand Gedeh County.

The Zeon-Soe/Nyumah Administration has to its credit the renovation of the Toe Memorial Junior High Institute in Toe Town and the Mablo Elementary School in Dougee Town, Grand Gedeh County, all at an estimated cost of a little over five thousand United States dollars (US$5,000.00).

The Zeon-Soe/Nyumah Administration produced a two-part series of a documentary titled, “LIFE AFTER THE WAR” showing graphic account of the destruction of Gbarzon District during the war.

The production of the documentary by the Zeon-Soe/Nyumah Administration awakened and prompted Gbarzoneans here in the United States, to carry out a massive reconstruction of their respective clans in the District.  

The Zeon-Soe/Nyumah Administration recently registered and received a Certificate of Incorporation, from the Secretary of State of the State of Rhode Island, formally qualifying GDAA as a non-profit Association.

The registration and incorporation now qualified the Association to open an account at any bank within Rhode Island, which was accordingly done the Zeon-Soe/Nyumah Administration.

The Zeon-Soe/Nyumah Administration has to its credit the amendment of GDAA’s constitution that paved the way for competitive democratic elections this year in Rhode Island and thereafter.

The Zeon-Soe/Nyumah Administration has to its credit the hosting of three successive National Conventions since it came to power.

During the 2007 and 2009 GGAA national leadership campaigns, Mr. Zeon-Soe was at the epic-center of it all. He vigorously campaigned for Mr. Paye Dennis and Mrs. Kama Pardea of the Dennis/Pardea Campaign Committee. That Team was regrettably defeated.

However in 2009, he alone with others this time around, ran a successful campaign for Mrs. Adolphine Martha Kannah and Mr. Isaac Bull Yonly, which brought the Kannah/Yonly Team to power.

During the May 2010 20^th National Convention of the GGAA, Mr. Alphonso Zean-Soe alone with others got his first major political mandate from Grand Gedeans when he was elected not just as a Member, but Chairman of the Independent Elections Commission (IEC) of the GGAA.

The election of Mr. Zeon-Soe by the National Conference, the Supreme Decision Making Body of the GGAA, with the mandate of conducting the 2011 general and Presidential elections is an unimaginable and tedious task which must be watched very carefully and closely.

FAMILY VALUES

Mr. Zeon-Soe is a father of three namely; Stanley, Blessing and Angel.

CONCLUSION

Political Commentators say with all of these series of successful achievements by the Zeon-Soe/Nyumah Administration on Mr. Zeon-Soe’s watch, it will be an uphill political battle to defeat him at the polls for GDAA’s Presidency, at this point in time.

However Political Pundits say despite these successes, Mr. Zeon-Soe is seeing as a dictator and a power hungry individual, accused by critics of engaging in unilateralism.

He also stands accused of appointing Chapter Co-coordinator in states without Membership to give the appearance of an Administrative decentralization. Political Analysts conclude that he has demonstrated the qualities of a typical African leader, prepared to cling onto power at all cost.

There are unconfirmed reports that the Elders’ Council which has appointed GDAA’s leadership since its formation in 1991 is opposed to democratic elections in GDAA this year.

Political Analysts believe this move appears to be an attempt by the Council to continue to give itself political leverage in determining GDAA’s leadership.

However, this attempt is being bitterly opposed by President Zeon-Soe on grounds that the people’s mandate through the ballot box must prevail, in line with the 2007 amendment of GDAA’s constitution.

It remains to be seen whether in fact elections will be held in GDAA this year.

Although Mr. Zean-Soe has not disclosed publically any presidential ambitions, if he decides to run for the GGAA National Presidency, he must first resign as National Chairman of the GGAA Independent Elections Commission IEC, as a pre-condition because he cannot be a referee and player at the same time.

The MN Web shall continue to bring you latest developments as they unfold.                                         

By: Tarnyon Nyenon

Managing Editor & Editor-In-Chief

MN Web-grandgedehassocincmn.com

tnyenon59@yahoo.com-(763) 226-3634-Cell

In our fifth edition, we are featuring Messrs Tillman Nuahnee Collins and Nathaniel Nimangbeh Gaye.

MR. TILLMAN NUAHNEE COLLINS

The name Tillman Nuahnee Collins is a household one within the Grand Gedeh Community. Tillman, as he is affectionately known, started from a humble beginning in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County.

EDUCATION

Hon. Tillman Collins

He started his primary education at the Saint Philomena Catholic Elementary School, where he graduated and subsequently enrolled at the Bishop Juwle Senior High School, completing his Secondary Education in 1981.

After graduating from Bishop Juwle Senior High School in Zwedru, Mr. Collins relocated to Monrovia, Montserrado County in 1982, to pursue college education. In fulfillment of his ardent quest for the fountain of higher education, he took the Cuttington University College (CUC), academic entrance exams.

While awaiting the exams results from CUC, he decided to deny the devil from using his minds as its workshop, as the saying goes “an idol mind is the devil‘s workshop.” As a result, he took and successfully passed the College of West Africa’s Junior College academic entrance exams, where he did accounting for two years, 1982-1983.

After the Cuttington University academic entrance results were published listing him as one of the qualified candidates, Mr. Collins immediate left the College of West Africa Junior College (CWA), for Cuttington in Suacoco, Bong County, in 1984. 

Four years later, he graduated from the Cuttington University College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Administration, in 1989.

EXTRA CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES

While at CUC, Mr. Collins actively participated in extra curriculum activities. He ran and was elected President of the Grand Gedeh Cottington University Students Union (GGCUSU).

During his administration, Mr. Collins mobilized his colleagues and was able to secure the CUC Playing Band and the student delegation proceeded to Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, for a fund raising program. After the program which took place in April, 1988, almost all proceeds generated were donated to the Martha Tubman Memorial Hospital, in Zwedru.

He also served as Vice President of the Freeman Social and Athletic Club (FSAC) at (CUC). The FSAC is one of three fraternities at CUC. The other two are the Nader and Mason.

NATIONAL POLITICS

Mr. Collins came on the Liberian political scene back home in Liberia in 1995, when he was selected by the Liberia Peace Council (LPC), to represent Grand Gedeh County in the then Transitional Legislative Assembly (TLA).

While at the TLA, Mr. Collins was elected by his colleagues to chair the Grand Gedeh Legislative Caucus, which he did for three years 1995–1997. As Chair of the Gedeh Legislative Caucus, Mr. Collins provided leadership direction and political guidance.

He presided over the most diverse group of individuals with conflicting interests, but representing a single county. It is interesting to note that that period was one of the most critical and darkest periods in Liberia’s political history.

GRAND GEDEH ASSOCIATION IN THE AMERICAS (GGAA)

After he left the TLA at the end of 1997, Mr. Collins relocated here in the United States. Upon his arrival and settlement in the State of Minnesota, he felt the need to organize a chapter of Grand Gedeans in the State.

With the blessing of the late Hon. Cyrus S. Cooper and other elders, Mr. Collins helped others establish the Minnesota Chapter of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas (GGAA).

Collins did not only help establish the Minnesota Chapter, he was elected a Member of its Board of Directors and represented it on the National Board. In that capacity, he again provided political leadership and guidance for nearly four years, 1997-2001.

During the Abugacious Kayee Presidency of the GGAA, Mr. Collins was appointed to chair the Youth Development Committee (YDC) of the Association. 

He unsuccessfully contested the position of National Secretary-General of the GGAA, on the Dennis/Pardea Ticket, in 2007.

ACCOMPLISHMENT

After nearly ten years of the existence of the Minnesota Chapter, Mr. Collins migrated to the city of Pittsburg in the State of Pennsylvania. Upon his arrival and settlement in that city, Collins again felt the need to establish a Branch of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the GGAA.

Considering the geographic location of five hours distance between the cities of Pittsburg and Philadelphia, the seat of the Pennsylvania Chapter, Collins suggested the establishment of the Pittsburg Branch of the Pennsylvania Chapter.

He argued that it was impossible for Gedeans in the Pittsburg locale to fully participate in the Chapter’s activities. His suggestion immediately fell on fertile grounds and was wildly acclaimed by the nearly fifty Grand Gedeans in that region.

It was thereafter unanimously agreed for the formation of the Pittsburg Branch of the Pennsylvania Chapter, Mr. Collins was elected Chairman of the Branch’s Board of Directors, a position he currently holds.

Collins is probably the only Grand Gedean in the estimated one thousand registered Membership organizations, the GGAA, with dual Membership.

He still maintains his due paying Membership within the Minnesota Chapter which he considers his mother chapter, while also a bona fide due paying Member of the Pittsburg Branch of the Pennsylvania Chapter.

He recently served as Secretary of the GGAA Constitution Review Committee (CRC), which reviewed and proposed a number of amendments and inclusion of new provisions in the Association‘s constitution.

The proposed amendments were subsequently sanctioned by the National Conference, during the 20^th National Convention of the GGAA in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

It is note worthy that Collins was elected a Member of the Independent Elections Commission (IEC), by the National Conference, the Supreme Decision Making Body of the GGAA, a position he relinquished twelve days later, to seek the highest office of the GGAA come the May, 2011 Presidential Elections.

As evidence of his organizational traits, Collins again recently organized the Albert T. White Leadership Scholarship Foundation (ATWLSF), with headquarters in Zwedru, the political Capital of Grand Gedeh County.

He is the Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustee of the Foundation. 

Presently Mr. Collins works as a Case Manager with the Acculturation for Justice, Access and Peace Outreach (AJAPO), a human service organization that provides support to predominately immigrants from all over the world.

Prior to that Mr. Collins served as a Supervisor for four years, for the Fraser Corporation, a human service provider in the State of Minnesota.

Mr. Collins’ resignation and subsequent announcement to vie for the GGAA Presidency, in the wake of uncertainty as to who is cable of galvanizing all Grand Gedeans, to restore the once cherished unity, received mixed reactions, mostly positive.

Political Analysts view the decision as timely and helped to reassure all Grand Gedeans that all is not yet lost. This move could give him a political edge in the potential presidential race, say the Analysts

The decision achieved three major objectives according to Analysts; namely it rekindled the hopes of Grand Gedeans, created a level plain field and has woo most Gedeans who want to turn a new page and begin a new start.

The decision also helped to woo partisans from all directions of the GGAA political divide, as well as centrists, who are fed up with the Kannah/Glay political and legal debacle, which lasted a year and is still showing its ugly head.

Political Observers say Collins is viewed as a Moderate who is not confrontational and a consensus Builder, who believes in seeking pieces of advice from all parties, before making a final decision.

He is also viewed as an acclaimed Organizer, with the formation of the Minnesota Chapter, the Pittsburg Branch of the Pennsylvania Chapters and the Albert T. White Leadership foundation under his political belt, Collins is a very highly respected gentleman, not only within the Gedeh Community, but the greater Liberian society.

He has many things working in his favor. He has governmental, corporate and community organizational experiences, with an added advantage of coming from a district (Konobo), which has had only one, out of the eight National Presidents of the GGAA since its establishment in 1975.

It is worth noting however, that the GGAA is not a district based, rather a chapter based non-profit organization, but political expediency is sometime necessary to achieve positive results.

CONCLUSION

However, Critics and Political Pundits say although Collins has nearly all of the qualities of a good leader and the capacity to reunite the Gedeh Community if elected National President, they view him as somebody who is sometime indecisive when it comes to swift decision making.

Political Pundits view his moderate stance on issues sometimes as a sign of weakness, but still maintain, Collins is very democratic minded and likes to give others an opportunity to verge their opinions, as a Consensus Builder.

Political Observers agreed that the corps of officers he is likely to select for his ticket, has to take into consideration several factors including qualification, geographic and demographic. 

The inclusion of both the old and young and their ability to get along with each other in the community, could make his political dream a reality, by overcoming whatever deficiency, political or otherwise.

MR. NATHANIEL NIMANGBEH GAYE

Mr. Nathaniel Nimangbeh Gaye, or “Nat” as he is called by many, is the current National Treasurer of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas (GGAA). He unseccfully contested the same position two years earlier on the Dennis/Pardea Ticket, but was successful two years later.

Mr. Gaye is an active Member of the New England Chapter of the GGAA. As a matter of fact, He has attended every National Convention and Awards Program since becoming a bona fide Member of the Association in 2002.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Mr. Gaye is the 2006 recipient of the “MOST OUTSTANDING YOUTH” award and has since borne that title to date. As an active Member of the New England Chapter, he served in several capacities including Secretary, Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and Chairman of the New England Constitution Drafting Committee.

He also served as Master of ceremonies (Emcee) during the 18^th National Convention of the GGAA, held in Atlanta, Georgia in 2008.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Mr. Gaye is a Revenue Officer for the State of Rhode Island. Prior to that, he served as a Senior Operations Clerk for the Citizen Financial Group Inc., where he worked for six years.

He also worked as an Account Receivable, Account Payable and Payroll Representative and Bookkeeper for Accountemp.

EDUCATION

Mr. Gaye earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Rhode Island College. In addition, he earned a certificate in Computerized Accounting from the Computer Ed Business Institute.          

CONCLUSION

Gaye is regarded a top-nosh hard-nose Accountant, who believes very strongly in accountability and is highly respected amongst his colleagues.

Although Gaye has told nobody he has any ambition to contest the GGAA National Presidency, he is admired by many especially the youths. He could cause political stir in the GGAA political theater, if he decides to run.

However Political Pundits believe his low key live style, could make it difficult for his political desire to be achieved, if he decides to run.

The MN Web shall continue to bring you the Personality Profiles up to May 2011.

By: Tarnyon Nyenon

Managing Editor & Editor-In-Chief

MN Web-grandgedehassocincmn.com

tnyenon59@yahoo.com-(763) 226-3634-Cell

The determination as to who leads the Union as the next National President of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas (GGAA) cannot be over-emphasized. It is in this light, that we are today featuring Messrs Tapplah Samuel Coleman and Rancy Wright.

MR. TAPPLAH SAMUEL COLEMAN

The name Tapplah Samuel Coleman is a household one when it comes to Gedeh politics and community service.

Tapplah, as he is affectionately called, is a lover of Basketball. As a matter of fact, he played on the Grand Gedeh County Basketball Team in the National County League in Monrovia, Liberia.

He was a Member of the Grand Gedeh Cuttington University College Student Union (GGCUCSU), in Gbarga, Bong County, prior to coming to the United States.

Upon his arrival here in the U.S, Mr. Coleman sought and became an active Member of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas, through the then Minnesota/Iowa (MN/IA) Chapter, a combination of the States of Minnesota and Iowa.

This was because the number of Grand Gedeans in the state of Iowa at the time did not meet the constitutional requirement of ten, to legally forming a chapter in that state.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

After Mr. Aborgacious Kai, a Member of the MN/IA Chapter was elected the fourth National President of the GGAA; Mr. Coleman was appointed his Political Advisor.

Several years later, he was elected Vice President of the MN/IA Chapter and subsequently became President of the MN/IA Chapter after the resignation of then President, Wilhelm Cooper.

Following a bitter devoice between Minnesota and Iowa, Mr. Coleman was elected a Member of the Board of Directors of the newly formed Iowa Chapter and also automatically became a Member of the National Board, representing the State of Iowa. He was a founding Member of the Iowa Chapter.

He also served as Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Commission for the Gbarzon District Association in the Americas (GDAA) and presented the completed constitution to the Association during its first National Convention in Providence, Rhode Island.

In 2007, Mr. Coleman was appointed Chairman of the 2007 GGAA National Convention Committee. The Committee under his leadership, made history when it was able to invite His Excellency, Joseph Nyumah Boikai, a sitting Vice President of the Republic of Liberia.

Hon. Boakai served as Keynote Speaker, during the 17^th National Convention of the GGAA in Des Moines, Iowa. That year was also an elections year within the Gedeh Union.

Mr. Coleman was also a founding Member of the Liberian Association of Iowa (LAI) and served as its first elected President. Based on his performance during his first two-year term, he was re-elected and served a second two-year term.

At the end of his second tenure, he was able to increase the LAI Membership from sixty-five to approximately one thousand. His administration succeeded in securing a seat on the Iowa Refugee Council (IRC), sponsored by the Liberian Refugee Services (LRS).

Coleman, who is currently resident in Monrovia, Liberia and says he is on a two-year assessment mission, is the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the (DUFANCO) Investment Group (Dig Inc.).

He is also a Member of the Board of Trustees of the proposed Albert T. White Scholarship Foundation (ATWSF), a Foundation being established by Mr. Tillman Collins, also a GGAA Presidential hopeful.

Mr. Coleman is the Coordinator of the Liberian Surgical Outreach Program (LISOP); an International community based Medical Organization, geared towards providing free surgical and medical care to all Liberians.

Tapplah Coleman is also the Coordinator of the Nimba-Gedeh Peace Initiative (NAPG), a Nimba and Gedeh youth organization aimed at pursuing genuine peace and renewed reconciliation among the people of Nimba and Grand Gedeh Counties.

He is also the Sponsor and Senior Advisor to the Grand Gedeh Musical Association (GGMA) based in Liberia.

EDUCATION

Mr. Coleman earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management Information Systems, from the Upper Iowa University. He also earned two Master Degrees; one in Public Health and another in Health Care Administration, from the Des Moines University of Osteopathic Medicine in Des Moines, Iowa.

He worked for a year as a Graduate Interim, at both the Iowa Department of Health and Polk County Department of Public Health.

CONCLUSION

Mr. Tapplah Coleman is the second person after Mr. Tillman Collins, to publically announce his desire to run for the GGAA National Presidency come May, 2011 in Providence, Rhode Island, during the 21^st National Convention.

Political Observers note that Mr. Colman has a very impressive résumé and the appropriate judicial temperament that has been tried and tested to lead the GGAA.

However, Political Pundits say Grand Gedeans who attended the Iowa Convention during his tenure as National Chairman of the 2007 GGAA 17^th National Convention in Des Moines, Iowa still demand some explanation.

Observers note that delegates could neither find food nor water to eat and/or drink and left in the open fields and blazing sun to fend for themselves. Besides, there was no hall for an organized Presidential Debate and for the elections to be held.

Grand Gedeans may demand some kind of accountability from the former Chairman, because despite the payment of their required Convention fees of (US$50.00) per delegate, services were either not rendered at all, or not rendered adequately.

Critics say Mr. Coleman also needs to explain his role as Chairman of the Dennis/Pardea Campaign Committee, while serving as Chair of the 2007, 17^th National Convention Committee, a situation which had the appearance of conflict of interest.  

Political Gurus believe if Mr. Coleman can properly give account of his stewardship, he could become a hard political nut to crack.

MR. RANCY WRIGHT

Rancy Wright

After the West African Peacekeeping Forces (ECOMOG) stabilized the security situation in Liberia a little bite, Mr. Wright enrolled and graduated from the Wells Hairston Senior High School, in Monrovia.

He came to the United States in 1994 and immediately enrolled at the Tempore University from where he earned a BBA Degree in Economics and Human Resource Management (double major).

He later enrolled at the Walden University, School of Public Administration with only three semesters left ahead of him to earn his first Master Degree. He is studying Public Administration with emphasis in International Non-profit Organizational Leadership and Management.

Prior to his sojourn to the Unites States, Mr. Wright served as Co-Chair of the Grand Gedeh Youth Development Association (GGYDA). He served as Secretary of the Youth Wing of one of Liberia’s Political Parties, the Alliance Party.

Wright says as Secretary of the Youth Wing, he helped organize youth activities and educated his fellow colleagues on the significance of elections and their impact on the young people.

While at the Buduburam Refugee Camp in Ghana, Wright said he helped form an organization known as Liberian Social and Athletic Club (LISAC). The purpose of the organization was to help detraumatize war wary Liberian youth.

As part of the detraumatization process, he was asked to join the Zaire Production (ZAPRO) and organized what was considered one of the most successful MISS BUDUBURAM BEAUTY PAGEANTS.

The pageant reportedly brought together some notable institutions including some top Western Union Money Transfer Executives. As a result, the Liberian refugees benefited by receiving some assorted agriculture implements and stationary.

Since arriving in the United States, Mr. Wright has sought and obtained membership within the Pennsylvania Chapter of the GGAA. Prior to the 2009 general and Presidential Elections which brought the Kannah/Yonly Administration to power, Mr. Wright served a Co-Chair of the Campaign Committee.

He currently serves as Chair of the powerful Ways and Means Committee of the GGAA. The Committee is one of the Constitutional Standing Committees.

CONCLUSION

Mr. Wright is known to be very vocal on issues of concern in the community. He has made no secret where he stands on issues that affect the Gedeh community.

There are unconfirmed reports that he is contemplating on running for the GGAA National Presidency, however Political Pundits are wondering whether Mr. Wright, who has just begun his real first major political assignment, as Chair of the Ways & Means Committee, is capable of running an Association of this magnitude.

Pundits say Mr. Wright is yet to make any impact first on his committee’s stewardship. Who are the members of his Committee, if there are any? Has he ever had any committee meeting? Has he ever made any committee report?  What are the practical and/or tangible recommendations that his committee put forth?

What programs has his committee initiated that were either implemented or rejected, over the last one year since he became chairman? What has he brought to the market table for which Grand Gedeans should elevate him if he decides to run? These and many other unanswered questions will be lingering on the minds of many Gedeh electorates.                                                      

By: Tarnyon Nyenon

Managing Editor & Editor-In-Chief

MN Web-grandgedehassocincmn.com

tnyenon59@yahoo.com-(763) 226-3634-Cell

MR. ISAAC BULL YONLY 

Isaac Bull Yonly

Mr. Isaac Bull Yonly is the current National Vice President of the GGAA. He was elected on the same ticket as current National President, Adolphnie Martha Kannah.

Prior to that, there was little or nothing known about him on the GGAA national political scene. His closed associates say he is a very quiet gentleman who is not known for talking much. He is a private person, but a highly respected technocrat.

Mr. Yonly came on the GGAA national political scene following a recommendation from the Kannah Campaign Committee’s Political Power House, Sarah Toe-McKinney. 

The GGAA National Board Secretary-General, was said to have been very impressed with Mr. Yonly’s disposition, candor on issues, level of intelligence among other attributes, while representing Grand Gedeans of the Florida Chapter, on the National Board of the GGAA. 

The Kannah Campaign Committee never hesitated endorsing Mr. Yonly immediately after his name was put forward. The then Kannah/Yonly Team came into existence and was considered a winning team. This was few weeks before the May 24, 2009 general and presidential elections within the Union. 

He is regarded as somebody who believes in things being done in a very structural manner. Mr. Yonly has a wealth of experience owing to his travel and studied in various countries across three continents including, Africa,, Europe and America.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Mr. Yonly earned a Masters Degree in Human Resource Management from Sealord, England, the United Kingdom (U.K) and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration and Management from Nairobi, Kenya. He is currently pursuing another Masters Degree in Public Service, in the State of Florida, (USA). 

Mr. Yonly is a Workforce Service Professional (WSP) and works as a Project Support Specialist (PSS) for a local workforce Board in Tampa, Florida.  As part of his job description, he has helped many Liberians, most especially the youths in placing them in the Job Corps Program (JCP).

The program enables the unfortunate complete and earns their High School certificates, while others benefit by completing their GED program. As a result, beneficiaries acquire skills leading to employment and self-sufficiency.  

GEDEH COMMUNITY 

While in the United Kingdom (U.K), Mr. Yonly was said to have also helped Dr. George Flahn, a permanent Grand Gedean, organize the Grand Gedeans Association in that country.

Prior to becoming the National Vice President of the GGAA, Mr. Yonly was an active Member of the Florida Chapter. He was elected on its local Board of Directors and subsequently elected a Member of the National Board of Directors representing the Florida Chapter. 

GREATER LIBERIAN COMMUNITY

Mr. Isaac Bull Yonly was also elected Secretary-General of the Liberian Association of Florida (LAF) and is presently the President of the Liberian Association in the Tampa Bay Area (TBLA). 

CONCLUSION

Friends and Associates say he is too liberal and they sometimes complain that he believes in too many compromises on every issue. Pundits say although he is very knowledgeable, he sometimes demonstrates complacency and is contended with whatever comes his way. He is said not to be firm and resolute in defending his positions very strongly in what he believes to be right.

Besides, he has a very shy personality and is not proactive. As a result of his nature, he is usually taken disadvantage of by some elements within the Kannah/Yonly administration and regarded as just a ceremonial Vice President.

It is unknown whether these qualities are a good or bad omen for a leader in the African political setting, where micro-management and autocratic dictatorial tendencies are the order of the day, is left to historians and political pundits to decide.

If Mr. Yonly decides to run for the GGAA Chief Executive Position to succeed his Boss, it is unknown whether he is capable of galvanizing her support base and that of his, if President Kannah decides not to seek a second term.

It is also unknown whether President Kannah will be willing to throw her political weight behind him, by endorsing his candidacy for the top post, if he decides to run, haven served as her loyal Vice President through thick and thin.

MR. TODD GBAIN GARLO

Todd Gbein Garlo

The name Todd Gbain Garlo, rang bells during the fourteen year-old Liberian tribal carnage, cum, “civil war.” Garlo first came on the Liberian political scene following a break-up within the United Liberian Movement for Democracy in Liberia, (ULIMO).

ULIMO, which predominately comprised ethnic Krahns and Mandingos, split up with the Krahn Faction being led by a former School Principal, cum “General” David Roosevelt Johnson, while the Mandingo Faction was led by a Broadcast Journalist, com “General” Alhaji G.V. Kromah.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Egger to prove his political maturity and demonstrate that his Mandingo Faction was not anti-Krahn, Kromah appointed Todd Garlo, an ethnic Krahn, to the Transitional Legislative Assembly (TLA), as Grand Gedeh County’s Representative to that body.

Thereafter, Garlo was appointed a Deputy Director for Public Safety of the Liberian National Police (LNP). Upon his arrival here in the United States, Garlo sought and obtained membership within the Pennsylvania Chapter of the GGAA.

He was later elected a Member of the Breeze Elections Commission, by the National Conference, the Supreme Decision Making Body of the GGAA, during the 14^th National Convention.

The Commission did not have much work to do because; there was no opposition to the Gbortoe/Rue Team, which was unanimously elected by acclimation.

Mr. Garlo was latter appointed, Member of the Pennsylvania Chapter’s Board of Directors by then President, Fred Tarlue Gwyan and he was elected Chairman of that Chapter’s Board of Directors and served two years (2006–2007)

In pursuance of his political career, and in fulfillment of his growing desire to serve his people in the Pennsylvania Chapter, Garlo threw his political hat in the race for the chapter’s leadership and won Madam Theresa Grear in the contest. Garlo served as President, for two years (2007–2009).

Mr. Garlo currently serves as a Program Supervisor with one of the largest Human Resource Organizations. Prior to that he held several managerial level positions with a host of other Human Service Organizations.

EDUCATION

According to his Curriculum Vitae, Mr. Garlo earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology, from Saint Joseph University and an Associate Degree in Applied Science and Administration of Justice, from the Delaware County Community College, all in Pennsylvania.                                  

POLITICAL TROUBLES

Garlo’s first major political trouble started when he announced the unconstitutional re-call of Mr. Steve Boley, then Pennsylvania Chapter’s Representative and Chairman of the National Board of Directors of the GGAA.

Not mindful that his action was in contravention of Article III, Section 2(b) of the GGAA’s Constitution and By-laws. Garlo concluded that Boley was not adequately representing the chapter; however, Garlo took the political beating, a situation which dampened his rise to power in his Chapter.

According to Article III, Section 2 (b) which reads in part, “No Grand Gedeh Association Chapter shall be denied… except its constitution and by-laws are not in harmony with the Constitution of the Association.”

Indeed it is crystal clear, that that provision in the Pennsylvania Chapter’s constitution is a flagrant violation of the Association’s constitution because, it empowers the Chapter President to appoint rather than allow the Membership to elect, its own representatives on the Chapter and National Boards.

Garlo’s second major political trouble came when he, in a classic African draconian leadership style, again announced the dismissal of the entire Elections Commission of the Pennsylvania Chapter, few days before the elections were due to be held.  He apparently disagreed with the Commission.

However, owing to overwhelming mounting pressure from the membership and intervention of some elders, Garlo was forced to rescind his decision. Political Observers conclude this was one of Garlo’s set-backs in his political life.

As though controversy after controversy was not enough, Garlo was said to have boasted publicly that he was the only President of the Pennsylvania Chapter to have raised a record (US$8,365.00) for the chapter.

However, he confirmed that after providing (US$3,000.00) to the Menyeah/Banto Team for its inauguration and (US$3,000.00) for the Gedeh Women and another (US$2,065.00) on bereavement in the community, there is nothing left in the chapter’s bank account.

CONCLUSION

If Todd Garlo decides to run for the GGAA National Presidency, Political Pundits believe it will be a bruising uphill battle for him, because his past activities are still fresh in the minds of the chapter membership.

Although Garlo is seen as a very strong political leader, Critics say he is too imposing and does not believe in consultation and consensus building and lacks financial management skills.

Political Analysts say next year’s GGAA National leadership elections will produce fireworks, if most of those being profiled decide to contest the National Presidency.

Meanwhile our profile series continues and we encourage more Grand Gedeans to send their Curriculum Vitae (C.Vs) to the Managing Editor’s E-mail address at tnyenon59@yahoo.com.                                            

By: Tarnyon Nyenon

Managing Editor & Editor-In-Chief

MN Web-grandgedehassocincmn.com

tnyenon59@yahoo.com-(763) 2263634-Cell

MR. FRED TARLUE GWYAN

Fred Gwyan

He was a Member of the Grand Gedeh University Student Association (GUSA) in Liberia.

Upon his arrival here in the United States, Mr. Gwyan  immediately joined the Pennsylvania Chapter of the GGAA in 1991 and helped authored a position statement on behalf of the Grand Gedeh Community, protesting the massacre of innocent Grand Gedeans by rebel forces in Liberia.

The statement was read publically and presented to Dr. Amos Claudius Sawyer, then interim President of the Republic of Liberia.

As a bona fide Member of the GGAA, Mr. Gwyan has made it his binding duty to attend all National Conventions of the Union. His first National Convention was in Providence, Rhode Island (RI), in 1992, at which time he was asked by the National Conference to serve as its Acting Secretary. 

He graciously accepted the responsibility without any hesitation, a decision Political Observers described as a clear demonstration of his love for his county organization the GGAA, here in the United States. 

When current National President, Adolphine Kannah served as President of the Pennsylvania Chapter, Mr. Gwyan served as Secretary of the Chapter and later became Acting Vice President during the Kannah administration (2001–2003).

Mr. Gwyan also served a Vice President during the administration of Mr. Matthew Kai Wayee (2003–2004). He succeeded Mr. Wayee as President of the Pennsylvania Chapter, after Wayee’s departure for Liberia. He was elected president and sereved a one two-year term (2004-2006).

He also served as a Member of the Education and Training Committee during the Nyanue and Gbortoe administrations respectively. The Committee is one of the five standing committees within the GGAA.

Mr. Gwyan served in several capacities including, Chief of Office Staff to former National President, Henry Glay, who also appointed him Chairman, 2009 GGAA National Convention. He served as Co-Chairman of the Pennsylvania Chapter’s Elections Commission.

GREATER LIBERIAN COMMUNITY

In the greater Liberian Community, Mr. Gwyan served as President of the Cavalla Sports Association, (1996–1998). He is a Member of the Pennsylvania Community Old Timers Association and also serve as a Consultant to the Liberian United Women in Progress (LUWP) (2000–2005).

He was elected a Member of the Board of Directors and he ran as a Vice Presidential Candidate of the Liberian Community Association (LAP) (2002–2004).

He served as Co-Chairman of one of Liberia’s opposition Political Parties, The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) Pennsylvania Chapter in 2005.

Mr. Gwyan is a Computer Network Professional and works for Sungard Computer Services, a Fortune 500 company base in Voorhees, New Jersey for the last three years. He is a family man and has been married for the last ten years. The union is blessed with four children.

CONCLUSION

Political Observers say Gywan is a very effective Administrator who gets along with others very well. Observers agreed that Mr. Gwyan has an impressive resume counting on his many contributions to the community.

He has always been a vocal advocate for social justice and is seen as a Centrist, with very strong positions on issues of concern to the community. He has never allowed his feelings to be unknown on any issue of concern in the community, no matter the consequences.  

If he decides to run the GGAA National Presidency, Gwyan could become a formidable candidate, but allegations of corruption although unsubstantiated, could create huddle for his political dream. 

MADAM SARAH TOE-McKINNEY

Mrs. Sarah Toe McKinney

Madam, Sarah Toe-McKinney is a veteran Administrator with MBA degree in Business Management from the Shorter University, Rome, Georgia. She earned several certificates and awards from leadership programs.

She usually focuses on results and does effective business writing. She balances short-term survival with long-term sustainability in managing stressful environment. 

Miss Toe-McKinney has a little over twenty years of corporate work experience, as Team Lead and Subject Matter Expert (SME). She spent thirteen years at Price Waterhouse Coopers and eight years at IBM Corporation.

Miss McKinney came on the GGAA political scene in 2007 and was subsequently elected Secretary-General of the National Board of Directors of the GGAA for two consecutive terms.

She is an Advisor to the leadership of the Gbarzon District Association and also serves in similar capacity at the Kingdom Destiny Church of which she is Member.

She is an Executive Member of the Adams Landing Homeowners Association (ALHA), and a Member of the Liberian Association of Metropolitan Atlanta (LAMA).

Miss McKinney is known for her strong organizational skills and strives to always be a good team player, which is considered by many as her trade mark and a symbol of an excellent leadership. She is regarded by Political Commentators as a Moderate, who has always advanced peaceful resolution of any conflict, be it in the GGAA or elsewhere.

CONCLUSION

Miss McKinney is regarded by Political Observers as a very strong crowd puller who has been one of the strongest political pillars of the Kannah/Yonly administration.

Analysts say she is a Political Powerhouse, who has the capacity to make or break, if she wishes, but as a Moderate, she has adverted several explosive situations within the Kannah/Yonly administration.

If Sarah decides to run for the highest office of the GGAA, she could have made a serious impact. Political Pundits say however, her origin, coming from the same Gbarzon District as current National President, Adolphine Kannah, could definitely place a barricade in her political path.

Although she possesses almost all of the qualities of a good leader, four past Presidents out of the total of eight, since the establishment of the GGAA, have come from Gbarzon District. They include Messrs Abugacious Kai, David Gbortoe, Henry Glay and now Madam Martha Adolphine Kannah.

Three of the eight Presidents have come from Tchien District including, Messrs. Jallah Nyanue, Emmanuel Cooper and William Nyanue, while only one, Mr. Joseph Geeplo, is from Konobo District.

PROPOSAL

It is worth mentioning however, that while the GGAA is neither a district nor ethnic based Association, nor is there any provision in its constitution calling for a district or ethnic based proportional representation or a quota system in determining of its leadership, we wish to make the following proposal.

If we are to achieve unity through some symbolic balance geographically and ethnically, it should be done through political expediency. We hope this proposal will be most welcomed by all well-meaning Grand Gedeans.

We pray that the above analogy and proposal will be taken into very serious consideration, by any future GGAA leadership. It does not have to be enshrined in our constitution.

We must also remember that we are running a non-profit organization and not a mini government. This is only a strategy aimed at achieving some degree of unity, which is the key to our survival.                                                    

By: Tarnyon Nyenon

Managing Editor & Editor-In-Chief

MN Web-grandgedehassocinsmn.com

tnyenon59@yahoo.com-(763) 226-3634-Cell

Martha A. Kannah / National President

Based on our recent decision to publish a series of personality profiles on potential presidential aspirants, who may wish to lead the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas (GGAA) if elected, we are today featuring the current GGAA National President, Adolphine M. Kannah and her political opponent, Mr. Henry Kohn Glay.

Madam Adolphine Martha Kannah, has made history within the Grand Gedeh Association. She is the first female to contest and be elected National President of the Union. Besides, she beat an incumbent, a sitting National President, who happens to be a male, in a male dominating African society.

CHALLENGES & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Besides just being a female, President Kannah withstood the test of time under the given circumstances. In spite of her former opponent’s resistance and refusal to conceive defeat, President Kannah moved on and immediately began the people’s work, for which she was elected.

Her first major challenge upon being elected National President was a lawsuit against the Association, which could have strangulated her administration and render her Presidency meaningless, but she persevered.

Her next challenge was an injunction filed against her by her former opponent, Mr. Henry Kohn Glay, to prevent her from exercising her functions the National President of the GGAA.

The lawsuit was seeking to effectively impeach the people’s mandate by automatically nullifying her Presidency, if the injunctive relief sought by Mr. Glay was granted by the court.

After the denial of the injunctive relief, Mr. Glay embarked on a media propaganda campaign, in an apparent attempt to sabotage her inauguration, by spreading unsubstantiated rumors that the entire program which ceremoniously is a fund raising event, has  been banned by the court, but this turnout to be false.  

It must be acknowledged however, that as a result of the impact of the propaganda campaign, a significant portion of the Grand Gedeh community stay away.

Notwithstanding, an unbelievable amount of twenty thousand six hundred twenty-one United States dollars (US$ 20,621.00) was raised at that one event alone. Had it not being for the campaign, maybe the amount could have been doubled.

Another challenge posed by Mr. Glay was his ferocious media propaganda campaign, designed to under mind and subvert her planned trip to Liberia which was one of her campaign promises.

Glay waited until President Kannah arrived in Liberia, before taking to the airwaves to claim the GGAA Presidency, which he lost to her eleven months earlier.

Her trip to Liberia was another history making moment, because she is the first sitting National President of the Association to visit not just Monrovia, but to travel to Grand Gedeh and visit the entire three districts of the county.

Moreover, she was able to secure duty free privileges for the Association as a result of her meeting with President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. This was a very, very significant major accomplishment to the benefit of all Grand Gedeans, irrespective of different persuasions, political or otherwise.

Another major accomplishment of the Kannah administration was the appointment of the Nyanue Constitution Review Committee (CRC), which proposed a number of important amendments of the GGAA Constitution. The proposed amendments were sectioned by the National Conference, the Supreme Decision Making Organ of the Association.

The establishment of a new website for the Grand Gedeh Association is another important accomplishment of the Kannah administration. This was a result of the refusal of Mr. Glay to turnover to the Kannah/Yonly administration the Association’s Website established by Mr. William Nyanue in 2002, when he served as National President of the GGAA. 

CONCLUSION

If Mrs. Kannah decides to run for a second term as National President of the GGAA, no one knows what could become of the Association as a Union, even if she were to win the 2011 elections with a landslide victory. This is so because there is the Glay factor which cannot be completely ignored.

Many Political Analysts fear Mrs. Kannah’s continues presence on the GGAA political scene in spite of all these accomplishments, could further deepen the political divide within the Union, by creating a permanent scar.

Political Observers, her critics and even her most trusted confidants, are of the strongest conviction that it is about time Mrs. Kannah exits the GGAA political scene after her first term.

They believe if she is to leave an indelible imprint and be recorded in history in a positive way for most of her administration’s accomplishments as enumerated, this is the most gracious thing to do.

Despite all of these accomplishments, Mrs. Kannah is viewed by many in some quarters, as somebody who is aloof and out of touch. Her admirers say she is not really a team player and not proactive when it comes to decision making.

She is said to usually delegate nearly all of her Presidential responsibilities to the almighty Mr. Jeremiah Sokan, the Secretary-General of the GGAA. A man who was acting as board Chairman and Vice President during the just ended Liberia visit.

She is seen as somebody who cares less about what people think or say about her in terms of criticism of her and her administration. Although she is a person who is firm and resolute when it comes to the enforcement of decisions.

Both her admirers and critics say that personal touch with people as a leader is absolutely lacking, a situation which sometimes turns many people off, according to Analysts’ assertions. 

HENRY KOHN GLAY

Henry Glay-GGAA Former President

Unlike his predecessor, Glay is to some degree, a charismatic leader. He is warm, affectionate, proactive, and a shrewd politician but is very much unpredictable.

Although Glay was not very successful during his administration as National President of the GGAA owing to several factors, however he is credited for his unprecedented ability to mobilize people. He must also be commended for his unquestionable fund raising skills.

Upon his election, Glay was confronted with a Board that was ninety percent (90%) opposed to his administration. This was one of his toughest challenges in his political life and he had no other alternative than to deal with it, but he did not know how.

He tried to ignore the Board, but that amounted to a political suicide, as the Board fought back ferociously to prove its relevance. Apparently Glay failed to realize that no administration can function effectively in the absence of the  National Board.

The Board has the constitutional authority to approve the administration’s budget, programs, policies and even confirm all presidential nominees. On the overall, the board has the capacity to help the administration achieve its intended goals, if treated with dignity as a partner in progress, rather than a foe.

He made another terrible mistake by bringing on board of an unwilling warrior, Joseph Solo, who was very combative with everybody including the National Board.

Solo thought Glay’s victory at the polls amounted to a military coup de’ tat within the GGAA . He saw it as a re-emergence of the military People’s Redemption Council (PRC), here in the United States. 

Solo’s behavior was reminiscent of some members of the PRC during the early days of the revolution in the 1980s, back home in Liberia. During those days, almost every member of the Council saw himself as the Head of State too, like Mst/Sgt. Samuel Doe.

Solo was ready to rule the GGAA, by decrees and cleanse the entire system, no matter the consequences and regardless what the GGAA constitution says. He organized an extra judicial organ, the notorious “RESEARCH UNIT” within the GGAA, without the National Board’s knowledge but with the acquiesces of then President Glay.

The sole purpose of the so-called unit was to tear down everything of the past and discredit almost every past national leader. He called for the radical eviction of every perceived “enemy” on the National Board, who was opposed to the Glay admonition

Glay’s other deficiency was he is not a communicator; he relied very heavily on his surrogates, including the “ONLY MOST EDUCATED GRAND GEDEAN HERE IN THE UNITED STATES, DR. EDMOND BORBOR DENNIS BARGLOR.”

Others he relied on are J. D Slanger, who is noted for writing under fictitious names, Joseph Solo, also known as (aka) Geesayfanukon and even Glay’s Brother-In-Law, Jackson Towah, were used to write on behalf of his (Glay) administration when he should be doing so himself.

Even his National Vice President, Dusty Tarlue Kaine, was left in the loop. He was never communicated with or consulted on any issue, when it came to major decision making, a situation which forced Mr. Kaine to resign. 

By allowing Solo et al, to do as they wish in the name of the GGAA, Glay effectively abdicated his responsibility and out sourced his constitutional mandate to them, not realizing that at the end of the day, it is him not them, who was the elected National President of the Union.

As a result of all of the fight between the National Board and the Glay administration, he lost focus of not just what he was elected to do, but also lost the trust and confidence reposed in him by Grand Gedeans, when they elected in Des Moines, Iowa in May, 2007. 

Notwithstanding, after Mr. Glay’s failure on the home front, he decided to use his personal relationship with Mr. Nathaniel Barnes, Liberia’s Ambassador to the United States, to secure an audience with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. This visit was a big political boast for Mr. Glay personally and his lame duck Presidency at the time.

CONCLUSION

Political Observers believe if Mr. Glay decided to run for the GGAA Presidency in 2011, it will serve as a reminder of the ugly battle he ignited between himself and President Kannah, which brought an unforgettable moment with the GGAA.

Observers say it will not be a wise thing to do. Besides, Glay has a lot of political baggage including his refusal to turnover any of the Association’s property still in his possession to the Kannah/Yonly administration even if he despises it. The people’s mandate must always be respected.

The seizure of the Gedeh Website and illegally turning it into what is today known as the Concern Grand Gedeans Website, while still maintaining the domain name of the Grand Gedeh Association, was not a prudent thing to do.

Mr. Glay’s argument that he could not turn the Website over to anybody because it is his Credit Card information that is on it, is absolutely baseless. If Mr. William Nyanue, who established the site since 2002 during his Presidency had raised that kind of twisted argument, the GGAA might not have had the site today in the first place.

The siphoning of the four thousand six hundred ninety one dollars thirty-two cents (US$4, 691.32), from the Association’s Reserved Account, etc will all complicate the situation  not only for him, but the entire Association.                                

Political Analysts conclude therefore that the two political arch rivals, Mrs Kannah and Mr. Glay vanish from the GGAA political scene to create an avenue for a fresh start, if they truly love Grand Gedeh and Grandeans.

By: Tarnyon Nyenon

Managing Editor & Editor-In-Chief

MN Web-grandgedehassocincmn.com

tnyenon59@yahoo.com-(763) 2263634-Cell

Tarnyon Nyenon

AFTER a complete year of claims and counter claims to the National Presidency of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas (GGAA), there is no more doubt  left on the minds of any well-meaning Grand Gedean, that Mrs. Adophine Martha Kannah, is the only de jour (legitimate) National President of the Association.

HAVEN said that, we at the MN Web have decided to embark on a series of personality profile publications in the form of vetting (searching) for potential Presidential Challengers to the undisputed National President of the Union, come May 2011, Presidential Elections for a new National leadership of the GGAA.

OUR search should in no way be viewed that President Kannah is incompetent to lead the Association for another term, but as media practitioners, it is our role to help in the democratization process, by doing critical analyses on other equally qualified Grand Gedeans, who as potential presidential aspirants, could do the same job or even a better job than President Kannah, if elected.

WE will be interviewing potential aspirants directly who we believe could make a better President and give them the opportunity to tell Grand Gedeans, what each person believes can make him or her better National President, within the Union. What do they want Grand Gedeans to know about them. Basically what do they bring to the table.

OUR focus will most especially be based on past and present leadership experiences in school, community organizations, church activities, private sector and even in government and the ability to get along with others, irrespective of differences, political or otherwise.

THE amount of time invested in the Grand Gedeh Association’s activities both locally and nationally, will be one of our cardinal guarding principles. That is the number of meetings attended, committees chair and or served on, in the local chapters and or the National Association and the number of National Conventions attended within the GGAA, not just the election year conventions.

WE will also be interviewing friends, associates and other ordinary people, who know and have followed the potential aspirants’ activities very closely, in terms of leadership temperament and ability to serve as a unifier within the community. This will be a very great asset. We pledge to be as objective and open minded as possible.

IN this regards, we are requesting all potential presidential aspirants to call (763) 226-3634-Cell to set up an interview, but an e-mail to the Managing Editor & Editor-In-Chief of the MN Web, Mr. Tarnyon Nyenon, at (info@grandgedehassocincmn.com, tnyenon59@yahoo.com), any piece of information they believe is significant for Grand Gedeans to know about them, as presidential material is preferable. Please send the best photos of yourselves.

GRAND GEDEANS are also requested to send to the above e-mail address any piece of information they know about others, who may harbor a desire to run for the GGAA Presidency. One does not have to include his or her name to this one.

NOTE: Any piece of information sent whether it is positive or negative, will definitely be verified before publication. The series of WHO LEADS GGAA NEXT? Will begin immediately after verification is done.

By: Tarnyon Nyenon

Managing Editor & Editor-In-chief

MN Web-grandgedehassocincmn.com

tnyenon59@yahoo.com-(763) 226-3634-Cell