ULAA Prexy Gaye Duwah Sleh

The President of the Union of Liberian Association in the Americas (ULAA) Hon. Gaye Duwah Sleh drew sharp criticism minutes after he delivered his keynote address in which he commended the efforts of five Grand Gedeans for what he called, “those who have stepped up to the plate.”

Presenting his keynote address at the second, and final inaugural event of Augustine Manyeah in Philadelphia; the ULAA President who hails from Grand Gedeh County named Steve Boley, GGAA former president Martha Adolphine Kannah, Mrs. Bea Hansford-Swen and Voice of Gedeh CEO Garretson Togba as playing active roles in the Liberian Association.

“As much as I support what we do in bringing social and economical development to our County, we cannot neglect our local Liberian communities and the umbrella organization: the union of Liberian association in the Americas (ULAA) of which your own son is the national president,” adding, “considering Philadelphia, Grand Gedeans have one of the largest populations in this area but when it comes to the Liberian Association of Pa. (LAP) involvement, Grand Gedeans are minority or non-existent,” the President of ULAA argued.

Sleh’s critics view his remark as phony in that his recent victory came from the committed support of Grand Gedeans who flock to Maryland in droves to cast their ballot for (their son) and, questioned whether they were active members prior to voting for him before becoming eventually inactive.

In a related development, immediately after his speech, Sleh was criticized by the National President of Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas, Hon. Tillman Nuahnee Collins. In his usual cool but spirited demeanor; he named Hon. Bai Gbala and Hon. Arthur Watson as former presidents of ULAA who both are sons of the County and dubbed Sleh’s remarks as deceiving.

L/R Hon. Tillman Nuahnee Collins & Augustine Manyeah

Collins reminded his audience that ULAA was founded on the principle of “representative democracy,” in which all Liberians irrespective of origin were free to participate. He said the ULAA Union was founded to unite and represent the interest of all Liberians in the Americas; something he’s yet to see.

“Decades ago, Grand Gedeans have been actively involved with ULAA and I think it’s an understatement to reduce our participation to only 5 persons,” Collins reminded his listeners.

“Why it is true we support ULAA, we have a moral obligation to develop our County thus developing Liberia. Sleh will continue to receive our unflinching support not because he is from Grand Gedeh but as President of ULAA. Similar support has been given to past presidents of ULAA,” he added.

Collins used the medium to caution all Chapter Presidents of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas to recognize that they are party of the GGAA Union, accountable to its National leadership and not ULAA.

Since it’s founding in 1974 ULAA has since been struggling to find its actual mark especially when it comes to uniting Liberians versus trying to be a viable organization. It continues to struggle with two groups asserting perpetual leadership to identifying its role in the lives of struggling Liberians.

Evidence of this struggle: on Saturday March 10, the ULAA Illinois Chapter under the leadership of Dr. Mariah Seton will host its own induction event in Chicago, the same city and same day Hon. Gaye Sleh’s is expected to take over the gavel of the other ULAA.

In fact, some Liberians continue to argue that ULAA has drifted from its founding principles and has been reduced to a lucrative job-seeking trampoline organization.

Kwame Oldpa Weeks

MN Web Contributor

mieporecords@yahoo.com

info@grandgedehassocincmn.com

1248-240-3551

(L) Supt. Bailey In a Handshake With GGAA President Tillman Collins

It is often said that “the fruit does not fall far from the tree.” This is the case with Grand Gedeh County Superintendent Hon. Chris Bailey who has seen his share of criticism and insults for being a man of his beliefs. When Bailey recently visited the US to undergo a surgery, he fell right into the hands of his Kinsmen when our correspondent caught up with him. From Philadelphia, PA, find attached a verbatim transcript of the beleaguered Superintendent who passionately touched on every question asked; from swirling allegations of corruption, Grand Gedeh Caucus, Dr. George S. Boley and how he (Chris Bailey) wishes to go down in history.

KWAME OLDPA WEEKS: Welcome Sir and welcome to the US. Can you tell Diaspora Grand Gedeans your mission to the United States?

HON. CHRIS BAILEY: September 2011 I had an accident en route from Grand Gedeh to Gbarnga when I sustained an injury to my back and neck. I came to the US for a full medical review the MRI shows that no major surgery is required though my doctors prescribed therapy and I will continue this once I get to Liberia. I believe this should not hinder my job because the office requires more administrative activities as compared to physical.

KWAME OLDPA WEEKS: There are mounting speculations that you might not be tapped as the next superintendent of Grand Gedeh County; do you wish to respond to this?

HON. CHRIS BAILEY: My departure as superintendent is not rumors. I got a scholarship from the Government of Liberia to further my studies but the destination is not yet known. It is my fervent hope that the US be one of the countries selected.

KWAME OLDPA WEEKS: During your tenure as Superintendent of Grand Gedeh County, were you to leave office today, what will you point to as achievements for the County?

HON. CHRIS BAILEY: In 2006, we restored law and order in the county’s judicial system which created confidence between the UP led government and our people who previously thought of reprisals from the government. City ordinances restored, and government buildings in the county reconstructed.

Konobo Superintendent Statutory Building in Ziah Town, Gboleken Building, which was gutted by fire; Putu Penoken District have a new commissioner building, 4 paramount chief’s administrative compounds, conference halls in Gleplay Town, Pour Town, Zahyi Town, Biyahi Town. The famous Zwedru Triangle was a dumpsite when we took office, but it has been transformed to a modern facility with state of the art offices, and entertainment centers.

We engaged the UNDP and built the Zwedru Reconciliation Center with 3 palaver huts and refreshment centers. Earth moving equipment was purchased to open alleyways and roads from Zwedru to Zahyi Town. We introduced Ecobank in the county so as to avoid our people traveling to Ganta just to pick up petty cash at Western Unions. We lobbied to bring cold storages to the county where all neighboring counties especially the Manos and Gios are doing business in the county without being harassed. Under our watch we brought in three logging companies and the Putu mining company.

Central Bank branch introduced to alleviate the travel burden and cash paychecks without deducting a dime from our people’s salaries as was done in the past. We constructed local bridges and provided over $40.000 in scholarship funding for GUSSU in Monrovia. The midwifery school and community college, one of its kinds in the entire southeastern region was introduced under our watch, and we are proud of these achievements since they prove our critics wrong.

KWAME OLDPA WEEKS: In a story reported by FPA early July of 2010 you were accused of widespread corruption, flagrant abuse and mismanagement of county resources, to having secret bank accounts which puts you as being sole signatory to said accounts; you want to respond to these allegations?

HON. CHRIS BAILEY: FPA is 80% owned by John Morlu. He envied me, and we’ve since been at loggerhead because of sexual harassment charges brought against him by my sister whom he attempted to rape. It is unsubstantiated and ridiculous to assert that I embezzled county funds as alleged by this man. I am not the sole signatory to these accounts as mentioned in FPA; they use money, and their influence later to charge my sister with libel just to flip the script but this too is Liberia. It was personal and politically motivated. If he had done his homework well, he would have known that the superintendent is not the principle signatory to these accounts because administratively I was the 3rd signatory to the account and not the first as alleged.

KWAME OLDPA WEEKS: What is your working relationship with members of the GG caucus and all those representing the county?

HON. CHRIS BAILEY: Initially it was cool with Sr. Senator Nyenabo but we have had our ups and downs and I consider this relationship a tensed but stable one. Former representative Rufus Gbayor, on the other hand, was out to make problems, and we never got along. In fact, it was constant tension between us until the people of Grand Gedeh voted him out of office. At no time did the Grand Gedeh caucus ever came to the county for a caucus’ retreat or attended the county development agendas meetings; none. Even during the poverty reduction strategy confabs, not one of them came to the county. As a caucus, I will grade all of them at 0% but as individuals, I will give Hon Zoe Pennoh a 100% markup with a few at 50% here and there.

KWAME OLDPA WEEKS: Following this voting trend in the county; this has been the second time that the majority of Grand Gedeans overwhelmingly voted for the opposition. As Superintendent how can you reverse this course and change the mindset of the citizens of the county you head?

HON. CHRIS BAILEY: It is the intellectual class and not the poor people or those that are illiterate. They (intellectual class) continue to send this wrong message and perception that EJS is out to get them because of the feud between EJS and the late president Doe. EJS visited the county more than any other county and spent five uninterrupted nights in Zwedru. It is the same intellectual group that continues to misinform our people. I hope the Collins-Poah administration of Grand Gedeans in the Diaspora will help to educate them and set a new relationship with Monrovia.

KWAME OLDPA WEEKS: What is your candid advice to Diaspora Grand Gedeans?

HON. CHRIS BAILEY: Develop the attitude of putting county and country first above everything. Erase the concept of ‘government can do it all.’ Some of our brothers possess vast knowledge in different domains and specialties but have since refused to come home and contribute. Yet they have no impact on the US community, and I see no reason why they won’t pack up and head home where they’ll be celebrated and not tolerated. Today after lobbying with government and others in the region to bring the community college to Zwedru, we don’t have a son to head the college like others from other counties have sacrificed in this direction; they need to take advantage and use this US opportunity to develop a business in the county or construct something.

KWAME OLDPA WEEKS: In a few words; what is the general attitude of Grand Gedeans?

HON. CHRIS BAILEY: When there’s a conflict Grand Gedeans unite but when there’s peace, they behave like normal Liberians adopting the ‘crab-mentality-syndrome’ by destroying each other. This has been the trend, and we hope to change this.

KWAME OLDPA WEEKS: Reports from various media institutions in Liberia suggest that Nancy Doe is not treated well by this government. There’s one report that also suggests that money belonging to her late husband was seized. What is your take on this subject?

HON. CHRIS BAILEY: I can say that Nancy Doe enjoys a $1000 dollars bonus from the private pocket of the president and is treated well by her government. Besides, there’s no law in our books (constitution) that stipulates that a wife or spouse of a former president should receive pension once that leader dies or leaves office. What Doe did for the widow of the late Tolbert was out of sympathy like what EJS is doing for Nancy Doe. It is out of total love and passion that they do what they are doing or did. On the money, all I can say is I have not read those reports therefore, commenting further will not be fair to either party.

KWAME OLDPA WEEKS: Recently a US immigration judge in Batavia, New York declared Boley, 62, who has been in custody for two years, removable from the country. Should Boley be prosecuted once he gets to Liberia?

HON. CHRIS BAILEY: No. George Boley did not commit any crime; therefore he should not be prosecuted. If he’s sent to Liberia, he will be received, processed, rehabilitated and release into society like any other deportee. In fact, there are warlords perambulating around in Liberia that are not arrested or prosecuted and though I have not read the story in its entirety, but incarcerating Boley for similar crimes will derail our fragile peace.

KWAME OLDPA WEEKS: Since your ascendancy to this post, there has been a whole lot of tumult spinning around you. How do you wish to go down in history when this is all over?

HON. CHRIS BAILEY: I want to be remembered by the many developments that I carried out for my people and for reconciliation in the county. Creating the Nimba-Gedeh Union, keeping thousands of Nimbaians in Grand Gedeh without one being harassed. Finally, I want to be remembered for the little things and role that I played in needed folk’s life as compared to the big things. This is what matters to me every time I go to bed.

Kwame Oldpa Weeks

MN Web Contributor

mieporecords@yahoo.com

info@grandgedehassocincmn.com

1-248-240-3551

Jeremiah B. Sokan

Mr. Jeremiah Sokan is believed to be under pressure and probe for his allegedly refusal to deposit $767.00 into the coffers of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas. The investigation is being conducted by Eric B. Kohn, Chairman of the National Board of Directors of the Association.

The investigation came after a letter dated on February 3, 2012 to the former Secretary General which disclosed a preliminary review of the Kannah/Yonly Financial Report for the period of April-June indicating that the amount of $767.00 was entrusted to Mr. Sokan but has since failed to deposit said amount.

However, when contacted Mr. Sokan vehemently denied the allegation and said it is regrettable that Chairman Eric Kohn will make such allegations without verifying the facts. “No one has entrusted me with money for which I did not deposit.” He furiously asserted.

According to the GGAA former Secretary General, there has been a lengthy running feud between him and Kohn who believes Kohn was out to get him through propaganda and smear tactics. He said the two had never got along during his tenure as the Secretary General.

The three-paragraphed letter acquired by the MN Web read in part: “Mr. Sokan, while the Board continues the review of the financial report, we request that you kindly contact the Collins/Poah Administration to release the amount for deposit as soon as possible if you have not done so. Please note that the Board will release this information to Collins/Poah Administration to contact you without delay. Thank you in advance for your official cooperation. Let us work for the interest of our people and the county we love so dearly.” The letter concluded.

The funds in question are refundable-deposit from the George Boley’s protest funds ($350.00), GDCP cash on hand not deposited ($357.00) and other petty cash withdrawn ($60.00) which was also never deposited totaling an aggregate of $767.00.

When pressed on the issue, the former Secretary General made it unequivocally clear that he does not owe the GGAA neither was any change entrusted to him as alleged by Kohn but was quick to assert receiving a check for $350.00 as refundable-deposit for Dr. Boley ‘s protest march which he claims to be in his possession. “This is the only money I know of and has since contacted the Collins/Poah Administration to take delivery of said check, he concluded.

A credible source close to the Collins/Poah Administration told the MN Web that there is no speck of truth in what Mr. Sokan was suggesting. The source further went on to say that Mr. Sokan was actually contacted in Liberia on numerous occasions, and he told the Collins/Poah Administration that he will deliver the funds once he gets back to the US; something he has yet to do since his arrival.

To validate and verify the report, MN Web contacted Mr. Nathaniel Gaye (Kannah/Yonly former Treasurer-GGAA) for his comments and told our reporter “Yes I generated the April-June financial report which reflects that Jeremiah Sokan is indeed indebted to the Association; but I believe the medium which Eric Kohn is using to collect these funds, is very inappropriate and not in the interest of unity.” He concluded.

In fact, it can be recalled that on November 23, 2011 the Independent Eye News Blog reported a story captioned, ‘GGAA BOARD CHAIRMAN FLEXES MUSCLES.’ In that exclusive interview with the News Blog, Chairman Kohn confirmed giving an ultimatum to President Gbote Tahyor through the Illinois Chapter’s Inaugural Committee demanding that Tahyor provide a full account of every penny due the GGAA.

He said nobody is above the law within the GGAA and as long as he remains Chairman of the National Board he vowed to weed out corrupt elements and ensure that every penny due the Association is paid in full. In a telephone conversation with Kohn, the no-nonsense Chairman was more concern about the source of our information as compared to addressing the issue and waveringly asserted that he was working behind closed doors to put the matter to rest, refusing to comment further.

Observers believe Kohn might have wavered due to pressure from some of his colleagues who believe the Chairman overstepped his bounds by initially making the case for the Collins/Poah Administration.

The GGAA has since been struggling with a laundry list of obligated officials and members who are yet to account for monies and properties taken from the Association.

Kwame Oldpa Weeks

MN Web Contributor

1-248-240-3551

mieporecords@yahoo.com

info@grandgedehassocincmn.com

Philadelphia, PA, January 25, 2012:  The National Administration of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas (GGAA) has read with grave concern an article published in the Independent Eye – an online news magazine which is attributed to Mr. Fred T. Gwyan, former President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas.

In that article, Mr. Gwyan accused the National Administration of GGAA for failing to present a quarterly report since its inception in violation of Article VII, Section 4 (D) of the association’s Constitution.  Mr. Gwyan also admitted that his allegations are based on discussions he held with few officers of a number of chapters.

According to a release issued here today, the National Secretariat of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas emphasized that it is constrained to offer clarification in this matter because it has the potential to mislead public opinion and undermine goodwill and solidarity towards the cause of serving the needs and aspirations of our people.

The release indicated that contrary to Mr. Gwyan’s assertions which have no factual foundations, the National President of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas on October 3, 2011 submitted a Quarterly Financial Report covering the period June –September 2011 to the Board of Directors of the association through its Chairman, Mr. Eric Kohn.   The release noted that if Mr. Gwyan had genuine interest in obtaining information regarding the financial information, he would have easily gained access instead of rushing to the press with the view of winning political points through the circulation of misinformation.

The release also observed that in the same publication, Mr. Gwyan alleged that the National Administration in disregard to Article VII Section I (L) has not submitted its budget to the Board of Directors of the association.  The release pointed out that on December 24, 2011, the National Leadership through and by its National President submitted a budget to the Board of Directors in compliance with the Constitution of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas.

The release further observed that for Mr. Gwyan as a former Presidential Candidate in the May 2011 National Elections of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas to base his allegations on “rumors” as reported in the Independent Eye is grossly regrettable and represented an error of judgment as it relates to the operation of community-based organizations like our beloved association.

The release said that the National Leadership remains committed to working tirelessly through the framework of transparency and accountability in order to ensure that our association matches the mandates derived from the electorates during Convention ‘2011.

The release wishes to re-assure that public that the claims contained in the article issued by and under the name of Mr. Fred T. Gwyan, former President of the Pennsylvania Chapter of our association are unfounded, baseless, imaginary and only circulated to re-enact his 2011 campaign strategies  that are far in history.

The National Leadership of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas said that “we will not be swayed by any level of misrepresentation and unsubstantiated allegations from the important tasks of servicing the needs and aspirations of our people whose trust and confidence we continue to enjoy.”  The release encouraged Mr. Gwyan and those similarly situated to join in the efforts of rebuilding a vibrant association that is centered on transparency, accountability, sound management, unchallenged commitment to service, unity, openness, socio-economic progress and pragmatic approach to problem solving in helping our community, county and country move forward.

The National Leadership of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas also urged Mr. Gwyan to utilize the open channel of communication available to members of the association through the National Secretariat and the National Membership Committee in accessing valuable financial, operational and administrative resources and information pertaining to the association in order to curtail any temptation of vilely misleading public opinions.

The National Leadership of the Grand Gedeh Association will forever remain cognizant of its constitutional and moral responsibilities to its constituents and will continue to rally our people to positive action in fulfillment of its obligation and duty to our people and country.

Signed:

Y. Michael Gilman

Chairman, Membership Committee

Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas

Approved:

J. Grody Dorbor

National Secretary General & Chairman of the Secretariat

Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas

Editor’s note: This is a GGAA Press Release, for inquiries and concerns please contact the GGAA

R.I.P Charles Nynon Nynow Fineboy

The Late Old-man Charles Nynon Nynow Fineboy

Ref: Invitation to a Memorial Service, Honoring Old-man Fineboy.

Date: January 28, 2012

Place: New Life United Methodist Church at 51 South State Road Upper Darby, PA 19802

Time: 7 PM, Eastern

Fellow Grand Gedeans and Friends of the Nynow Family:

The Nynow Family, and the entire Twarbo/Gleo community residing in the United States hereby announced with regret, the passing and home going of our father, uncle, brother, grandfather, and our hero, Mr. Charles Nynon Nynow Fineboy, in the city of Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, Republic of Liberia.

The late Old-man Fineboy was the first Grand Gedean to own and operates a transport bus (service name, “Total Involvement”) between the cities of Monrovia and Tchien, now Zwedru, in the early 1960s. He had an invested interest in the pursuit of education, and a sense of community, which brought people together. The deceased was well known and admired for providing short-term (Poor Man Loan) loans to market women, civil servants, parents of students, and all those who needed his help.

In recognition of his invaluable services to humanity and the people of Grand Gedeh County in particular, we deem it most expedient to honor him at a memorial service on January 28, 2012, at the New Life United Methodist Church at 51 South State Road Upper Darby, PA 19802, beginning at 7 PM, eastern.

Please do not hesitate to contact us (302) 983 4692 or via email atarley@comcast.net at your earliest connivance for additional information, as your presence and moral support will be highly appreciated.

Respectfully yours,

Amos Clay Tarley on behalf of the Family:

Tillman Collins, President /GGAA 1-412 377 3404

Marie Johnson, 1-410 493 6118

George Karmee, 1-215 454 9340

Isaac Monah, 1-216 990 0075

Editor’s note:This is a Press Release, for inquiries and concerns please contact Mr. Amos Clay Tarley on 1-302-903-4692

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

A. Cisco Williams-President/KSDA

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Konobo Statutory District Association Dr. Al Boley on Sunday made a volte-face by eventually appointing Augustus Cisco Williams as its new leader. Williams’ appointment comes in the wake of allegations of corruption against his former boss who was accused of embezzling over $6000 United States dollars.

Williams previously argued that Article XIII of the KSDA Constitution clearly gives him inalienable right over the presidency of the (KSDA) to succeed former president Solomon Tardey; who was impeached last December.

In a letter dated on Monday January 9, Boley congratulated Williams as the new leader but chastised him saying, ‘true leadership requires conviction.’ The well-crafted letter, copy of which is in the possession of the MN Web, read in part: “We know that your first Standard Bearer (Solomon Tardey) embezzled all the money from the association, weary of the fact that people of similar backgrounds and shades of opinion often align in political ideology,” adding “we do not, however, hesitate to trust the future and integrity of the Konobo Statutory District Association, (KSDA) to your new administration.”

“We hope you will earn the confidence and trust repose in you to ably administer the duties and responsibilities of the national presidency.” The letter of the no-nonsense Boley concluded. Pundits questioned if Williams does not earn the trust of the people, why tap him to succeed his former boss?

Asked for his observations during a brief telephone conversation, Williams said immediately after the January 8^th meeting, Chairman Boley called to congratulate him and confirmed that his succession letter was been wired. He said the content of the letter undoubtedly confirms early suspicions and skepticisms about the way and manner in which the chairman handled previous investigations. He questioned as to how Boley will want to ‘eat his cake and have it’ but said that Boley’s letter might have been written out of stress, fear or resentment.

Williams said he’s aware Solomon Tardey embezzled the association’s funds but to align his political ideology and personality to that of Tardey’s is total baloney. “Yes I share the same views politically with Solomon Tardey but one thing we don’t and will never share, is character.” Williams cautiously noted.

When contacted Chairman Boley who was apparently in a meeting promised to return our call after his meeting but failed to do so. All efforts to contact him afterward proved pointless as we were constantly met by his answering machine.

It was collectively agreed at the January 9^th tele-confab to uphold the Constitution of the (KSDA) and have Augustus Cisco Williams succeed Solomon Tardey as the new president according to Article XIII. Alex Yallah/PA Chapter, Emmanuel Willie/Missouri Chapter and newly inducted President of the Iowa Chapter Mrs. Susannah Willie were in attendance.

Meanwhile as enshrined in his platform, Williams continue to reiterate promises he made when running as vice-president to Tardey, to unite the people of KSDA, pay teachers’ salary and identify other towns feasible for the construction of elementary schools. He promised to hold a tele-conference to first thank the people of KSDA on his preferment and lay out his vision for reunification.

Kwame Oldpa Weeks

MN Web/Contributor

1-248-240-3551

mieporecords@yahoo.com

info@grandgedehassocincmn.com

Friday, December 30, 2011

By Ann Rodgers, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Luke Hingson, left, president of Brother's Brother Foundation, shows a operation bed to Tillman Collins, president of GGAA

To American eyes, the hand-cranked hospital beds in the North Side warehouse of the Brother’s Brother Foundation appear to be obsolete. But to hospitals in Africa without electricity, they are priceless Tillman Collins, a Pleasant Hills resident who was a member of Liberia’s congress until civil war forced him to flee 18 years ago, was delighted to inspect them. Now, as president of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas, named for his native county in Liberia, he is working with Brother’s Brother to supply a hospital there.

Though the wars ended in 2003, Liberia has barely begun to recover. Its hospitals were looted, shelled, medical books burned for fuel.

“Poor people here would be middle class in my country. They have electricity and running water,” he said.

Luke Hingson, president of Brother’s Brother, said that patients in African hospitals often sleep on the floor for lack of beds.

Brother’s Brother was founded in 1958, after Mr. Hingson’s father, anesthesiologist Dr. Robert Hingson, led a medical mission to Liberia and saw the need. Partnering with charities in the United States and abroad, the foundation solicited good, surplus medical supplies and shipped them to where they were needed. It also provides educational and emergency relief supplies.

According to its annual report, in 2010 Brother’s Brother shipped about $270 million worth of medical, educational and humanitarian relief supplies to 53 nations in 236 containers. Brother’s Brother also gave cartons of medical supplies to health workers who were going on 241 mission trips to 36 countries.

Although the hospital that Mr. Collins is raising money for is public, most health facilities that serve the poor in Africa are run by churches, Mr. Hingson said. Brother’s Brother, which is secular, decided two years ago to make medical supplies for Africa a major focus. It is currently assisting Lutheran, Methodist, Catholic, Adventist, Salvation Army, Presbyterian and independent evangelical health facilities in Zimbabwe, Liberia, Tanzania, South Sudan and Malawi.

In 2011 Brother’s Brother shipped 22 sea-going cargo containers of medical supplies to those nations.

It helps local church groups send supplies to partners overseas. Pittsburgh Presbytery is active in Malawi, for instance, while the Spiritan Fathers at Duquesne University have missions in Tanzania.

Duquesne has become one of the foundation’s many partners. Anne Marie Hansen, an assistant professor of occupational therapy, had been a lay missionary in Tanzania and has spent 30 years doing research there. She had encouraged the Spiritans to work with Brother’s Brother to support their African missions but didn’t get personally involved until two years ago. That was when the deans of Duquesne’s heath sciences and business schools collaborated on sending five containers of medical and educational supplies to Tanzania.

Ms. Hansen offered to lead a needs assessment for Brother’s Brother, to make sure the hospitals got supplies that they truly needed. She surveyed Catholic and Lutheran hospitals in the Arusha region of Tanzania, which she said serve the poorest of the poor. Maternity wards routinely have two or three women in labor sharing a bed, she said.

“One thing I really appreciate about Brother’s Brother is that they didn’t just want to send stuff because they had it. They were concerned at looking at what the specific needs are,” she said.

Hand-cranked surgical tables and beds were desperately needed. They have been donated by nursing homes and health centers that are phasing them out for convenience, though they meet all U.S. standards. Volunteer retirees from American Sterilizer in Erie refurbish them.

“It’s being done by the same people who made them 20 years ago,” Mr. Hingson said.

Because Brother’s Brother started in Liberia, work there is close to Mr. Hingson’s heart. Mr. Collins is organizing aid for Tubman Hospital, a public facility in Grand Gedeh. Through him, Mr. Hingson connected with members of the Krao ethnic group, who are raising funds for Redemption Hospital in New Kru Town, Liberia.

Liberian work got a boost from Myron Hartman, program director of the Biomedical Engineering Technology program at Penn State, who made an assessment trip for Brother’s Brother and the United Methodist Committee on Relief a year ago.

In order to provide sophisticated equipment, such as badly needed X-ray machines, he had to train technicians to assemble and maintain them. He brought two Liberians to Penn State and gave them intensive training. They are now back in Liberia, reassembling donated equipment that they dismantled over the summer in the United States.

Mr. Collins dreams of a day when American-educated Liberian refugees will return to help rebuild that country. He will take volunteers there in 2012 to paint and rebuild parts of Tubman Hospital. He is also raising money for a water tower, because the hospital lacks running water.

“When we heard about Brother’s Brother and got in touch with Luke, it was a blessing,” Mr. Collins said.

The foundation is helping the Liberians to help themselves, he said.

“In Africa we always depended on the government to do things for us. Now we need to get involved and do things for ourselves.”

Editor’s note: This story was culled from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and the author ( Ann Rodgers) can be reached @: arodgers@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1416.

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

Vice President Cisco Williams

Roughly 72 hours after his suspension, the vice president of the Konobo Statutory District Association Cisco Williams denied Tuesday that he collaborated with former president Solomon Tardey to defraud the association of $6000.52 and declares himself President of KSDA.

In an exclusive interview with the MN Web, Williams said he was disappointed by the way in which the Board handled the investigation, adding, “They came to the teleconference with their emotions and therefore they were unable to surmise a full investigation.”

He blamed Chairman Al Boley for sending the wrong signal which in his words ‘has the propensity of plunging the organization into chaos.’ “It is ludicrous and preposterous to assert that I was a part of a scheme conceived by Tardey to rob my own district. Constitutionally I have no links with finances and I am not a signatory to the account; neither was I loaned a dime by anyone as speculated,” Williams said emphatically.

According to him, the Board Chairman has the detailed bank statement in his possession which reflects who, how, when, and what was withdrawn from the coffers of the KSDA and questioned as to how the Board could not be swift and decisive in turning power over to him.

Citing Article XIII of the KSDA constitution, Williams said his constitution rights were violated by the Board Chairman and as far as he’s concern, he is the legitimate president of the KSDA and not former president Arthur Quaye or secretary Jalahue Jr. as reported earlier by the MN Web.

He said Boley promised to hand power to him once he concludes his vacation but accused Boley and Quaye of trying to maintain the status quo by relinquishing power to the secretary general and not upholding the constitution of the KSDA. “I am willing to fly anywhere or attend any teleconference to vindicate myself and carry out the people’s work,” adding, “the people of KSDA deserves to know the truth.”

Political pundits believe if Cisco Williams is not guilty of any wrong doing, he should replace his former boss in accordance with Article XIII of the KSDA constitution or risk be seen as not wanting a Putu-man to head the organization though he’s from the district.

Williams vowed that any attempt by the board chairman to appoint anyone to his position will be illegal, a gross violation of the KSDA constitution and depriving the people of their vote.

William used the medium to apologize to the people of Konobo District and said he did not see this coming. “I believe this scheme was premeditated by Solomon Tardey who is in no way remorseful but wants to drag everyone in his web; this is defamation of character and condescendingly wrong.” He asserted furiously.

Williams said he was disappointed by recent remarks made by Chairman Boley in the Independent Eye Blog naming former president Arthur Quaye as president and will take the Blog to task for what he termed as ‘yellow journalism;’ a practice of distortion, bias, misrepresentation and unbalanced reporting base on the reporter’s interests and personal views. “I was interviewed by Nyenon but when you read his story, no where in there are my views mentioned.” Williams told our reporter. When contacted, the editor-in-chief of the IEN Blog Tarnyon Nyenon said it is at the discretion of the editor-in-chief of any news organ to publish or choose not to publish.

Meanwhile as enshrined in their platform, Cisco Williams repeated promises he made when running as vice president to Tardey; to pay teachers’ salaries and identify other towns feasible for the construction of elementary schools.

At the 2008 National Convention held in Rhode Island the Konobo People’s Association (KPA), a name which kept other inhabitants like the Putus, Glios and Twarbos from participating in its affairs was changed to Konobo Statutory District Association to incorporate the four tribes. Since then the KSDA has been booming especially under the leadership of James Tarley Youboty whose administration witnessed the payment of teachers’ salaries and construction of a public library which is now catering to the entire district and its environs.

Attempt by Thomas Ziah in early 2010 to form the Konobo Leadership Council fell on deaf ears when it was established that Ziah was forming the organization on tribal lines to elect a Konobo in the Liberian House of Representatives.

Kwame Oldpa Weeks

MN Web Contributor

mieporecords@yahoo.com

info@grandgedehassocincmn.com

1-248-240-3551

Former President Solomon Tardey

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Konobo District Association in the Americas Dr. Al Boley on Friday delivered a staggering blow to the political career of Mr. Solomon Tardey; uncovering what he termed as ‘grand larceny and theft’ that robbed the due-payers of thousands of US dollars and instilled a culture of corruption in the organization, a source with close ties to Konobo District Association said.

The source added that the alleged scheme started few days after Tardey’s ascendency to the KSDA high office giving him authority over the finances of the organization. It is established that President Tardey requested bank statements, registrations and a comprehensive financial overhaul from his predecessor James Youboty based on recommendations made by his Sr. Advisor Hon. George Karmie.

Our source who declined to be identified tells MN Web that on Friday December 23 a teleconference was held with a little over 30 persons to investigate allegations of corruption against President Solomon Tardey, his Vice President Cisco Williams and Sr. Advisor George Karmie but the beleaguered Tardey deliberately hung up in the middle of the investigation.

“The task is now upon me as Director of the Board to keep the finances of our association intact,” the Chairman said during his opening statement. He said it has become the tradition of the Konobo District Association since the 2008 confab held in Rhode Island to request bank statements from any sitting president, a tradition he swore to uphold.

Chairman Al Boley said he has written President Tardey on numerous occasions to produce a current bank statement but to no avail. After exhausting all attempts to retrieve said records, Boley then had to go directly to the bank manager who requested legal identifications from him before making the records available.  Boley named Mr. Charter as the manager of the bank.

After providing the information requested by the bank manager, Boley was eventually given access to the association’s account which revealed a disturbing trend of withdrawals without the consent of the Board. The bank statement, copy of which is in the possession of the MN Web illustrates; purchasing of airline tickets, groceries, gas and Ms. Angeline Quaye (a non-elected official) as signatory to the account.

“I call you here today to tell you how this president has no regard for the hard due-paying members of this organization; this is an impeachable offense but according to our constitution, Tardey needs to vindicate himself pending this investigation,” a fuming Boley said.

For his part, the former president of the KSDA Mr. Arthur Quaye suggested Solomon Tardey explain what subsequently happened to the association’s funds though he’s innocent until proven guilty.

The high-level source also said Tardey took the stand confidently saying he was going through some family issues but fell short of details.

“We did not in any way refuse to provide the information requested by chairman Boley,” adding, “I will need more time; people need to exercise restraint and I suggest that this meeting be postponed to a later date.” Tardey said.

Observers believe Tardey’s suggestion to have the meeting suspended will be seen by a lot of people as ‘an obvious disregard’ for the KSDA Constitution.

After President Tardey’s remarks, the President of the Pennsylvania Chapter Mr. Alex Yallah said a crime was committed against the people of Konobo District and suggested that Tardey be investigated for what he termed as ‘an apparent intent to deprive the District,’ a view share by other chapter presidents.

For the most part, the prospect of instability within the KSDA worries GGAA National President Tillman Nuahnee Collins; a son of the district who thought Tardey was going to make a difference, a source close to the National President tells MN Web.

Members of the alleged scheme included Vice President Cisco Williams and Advisor George Karmie,  both have since denied the allegations.

It is believe that former president James Tarley Youboty sent a manager’s check worth a little over $6000.00 to incoming president Solomon Tardey in Missouri. According to Tardey he spend $100 on October 19 as penalty for closing the previous account at US Bank and $50 for the article of incorporation, leaving him with a total of $5904.22 as initial capital in the new Bank of America account.

His advisor George Karmie who openly apologized to the people of KSDA, said Tardey insulted his intelligence and took him for a ride. According to Karmie, he requested the bank statements from Tardey but was sent a fake statement in the amount of $6492.22 reflecting the account balance, when Tardey knew he had already depleted the KDSA coffers to ($257.11) two hundred fifty-seven dollars and eleven cents.

Why the majority was calling for the prosecution of the impeached president, others were very compassionate and suggested he refunds the association through payroll deduction for fear of frightening donors away.

Meanwhile, it’s confirmed by our source that the investigation is ongoing in its final stage with the focus being placed on the vice president Cisco Williams and whether George Karmie may have played any role in the swindle. Pending the investigation, the vice president was also relieved of his duty and the KSDA is now headed by the Secretary General John Jallahyou Jr. with former president Arthur Quaye serving as head of the task force set up by the board to vigorously recuperate the organization’s funds from Tardey.

According to the KSDA Constitution, the new team will serve as a guiding force to the administration till next election to uphold the constitution.

Article XIII of the KSDA Constitution reads in part: ‘The following shall constitute the line of succession to the presidency of the KSDA a) Whenever the office of the president shall become vacant by the reason of the president inability to serve, resignation, removal from office, or death, the vice president shall succeed, to complete the unexpired term of office. b) Whenever the vice shall be incapable of assuming the duties and function of the office of the president, the sec gen shall assume the office to complete the unexpired term of the president.

This will be the first time in the history of a Liberian-Diaspora organization that a sitting president is impeached and charged by the Board to serve as a deterrent for others to follow.

The MN Web can officially confirm that as of December 24, Mr. Solomon Tardey is no more the president of the KSDA. Stay with us as we follow this story closely to bring you details of the investigation as they unfold.

Kwame Oldpa Weeks

MN Web Contributor

mieporecords@yahoo.com

info@grandgedehassocincmn.com

1-248-240-3551

President Alexander Barmon

President Barmon sends out good-wishes to Grand Gedeans and sympathizers on the holiday of Christmas, the festival which is an annual celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. On December 25, billions around the world will celebrate this day as a religious and cultural holiday. It is also a time for contemplation and prayers by Christians reminding them of the promise of a Messiah to redeem mankind and forgive sins.

According to President Barmon his presidency has given hope to lots of Grand Gedeans living in Minnesota while others feel the opposite. Speaking from his Coon Rapids home in Minnesota, Barmon said, “Christmas season is such a wonderful time where we have to come together and give thanks and praises to all those who played petite roles in our lives.”

This year will be the first of its kind for a President of the MN Chapter to host a Christmas party for all its members. Members of the Chapter, friends and well-wishers are expected to flock to the president’s residence in droves to enjoy a meal and a drink and fellowship together.

In a related development, Ms. Seekie Wills has been tapped as the inaugural committee chairlady while Hon Zoe Pennoh is expected to keynote next year’s inaugural event. Barmon said the coming of Hon Pennoh and other dignitaries from Liberia is a clear indication that his second term as MN Chapter President is headed for a good start.

Questioned as to why the MN Board is dubbed ‘a do-nothing Board,’ Barmon said that he was appointed by the people of Grand Gedeh to carry out a piece of duty which he terms as ‘responsible and confident.’

“Whatever the Board does is up to them, but I am not in the business of answering hypotheticals,” telling our reporter in an unwind tone that “some have chosen to practice politics in these little non-for-profit organizations which hinders growth and our efforts to help our community and those back home.”

Meanwhile some members of the Chapter believe the election of Alex Gaye as head of the Minnesota Chapter’s Board will bring a microcosm of hope especially with the vast knowledge and experience Gaye possesses in bringing people together.

“He’s a peaceful guy and I am of the conviction that he’ll bring this attitude to the Board,” Barmon asserted. He name Randy Kaydea, Eric Booh etc. as others who are expected to make a difference on this new Board.

On the issue of the call made by National President Collins for every chapter to contribute a minimum of US $2.000 for projects in the three districts, Barmon said this has since been his priority and hopes to make this payment immediately after his inauguration. He thanked the Kentucky-Tennessee chapter for initially making their contribution and call on the rest of the chapters to heed the call of the National President.

In the summer after his reappointment Alexander Barmon was sworn in-absentia by Board Chairman Nehemiah Garley at the Willow Park Apartments complex in Brooklyn Park, owing to an official assignment from National President Collins to conduct and supervise the Iowa Chapter elections. Pledging his full support, Chairman Garley described the re-election of President Barmon as “a free and fair democratic process.”

Barmon is expected to be sworn in on March 17, 2012. Details of the inauguration will be made available for public consumption as they unfold.

Kwame Oldpa Weeks

MN Web Contributor

mieporecords@yahoo.com

info@grandgedehassocincmn.com

1-248-240-3551

Mrs. Aletha Jones Campbell

When Aletha Jones fled the civil war in Liberia and hit the shores of North America, little did she dream of being a movie producer. A proud daughter of Grand Gedeh County Aletha moved to the US with one goal in mind; to escape the bloodshed and search for a peace of mind.

In Minnesota she met Andrew Campbell a prolific movie script writer who married Aletha and introduced her to the movie business. Privately Aletha became to study the profession and knew that in order for her to be successful in this business; she needed to develop creativity, drive and the ability to put up with stress.

Along with her husband they financed and produced a few projects from selected scripts written by Andrew to overseeing idea development and hiring stars and crews to meet their goal.

Aletha’s latest production is titled, ‘Somewhere in Baltimore’ a suspenseful drama; starring Liberia’s own Bobby Valentino using the name ‘Linus’ in the leading role. The movie co-stars Liberia’s Mary Jones who plays an overprotective role of her disturbed grandson. Kenya’s Emily Oluoch and Nigeria’s own Sunday Joshua co-starred in this film. Joseph Mitchell is the executive producer.

The movie is about a tragic event witnessed by a young boy which changes his life forever. As he grows into adulthood several events lead him to a life of isolation and fear. Misunderstood by almost everyone around him, he lived a secluded life that created a cutting-edge suspense to want to know more about him. See if this kid truly deserves such heinous allegations or if he was what his entire neighborhood labeled him to be.

After viewing excerpts of the film the MN Web dubbed it: “independent and nervously awe-inspiring.”

According to Aletha the final phase of shooting is being completed and the movie is expected to premiere in early spring of 2012.

She told MN Web that all her projects were previously financed by she and her spouse until God sent Joseph Mitchell who financed and oversees as executive producer of the Baltimore project.

“We take these financial risks by putting our own funds in pre-production period pending the arrival of an executive producer but this is a risk that we are willing to take,” adding, “it is about the passion which eventually pays off.”

Since the debut of the sneak-peek version of ‘Somewhere in Baltimore’ on December 9 in Philadelphia, Aletha said there has been overwhelming pouring out of support which she credits to the quality of the film and its entire cast.

Smooth Fusion Films is a fully independent film company founded by Aletha and Andrew Campbell with divisions devoted to production, marketing and script writings. Its objective is to recruit actors and actresses from diverse continents without focusing solely on Liberian talents though it offers a wide range of services to facilitate an affordable production of the many Liberian writers without finances.

For now it has a dedicated script writer, a film directress and a location manager. For sponsorship or acting roles, you can visit www.smoothfusionfilms.com or call 215-668-9578 to hear about their full package of services-from research to coordination, filming, and post production. View a sneak-peek version, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoyVYOmFRRo

Kwame Oldpa Weeks

MN Web Contributor

mieporecords@yahoo.com

info@grandgedehassocincmn.com

1-248-240-3551

Rev Seidi presenting a check to the Principal of ZMHS

The Executive Director of the Albert T. White Foundation has arrived in the USA for talks with the National President of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas.

Rev Dr. Shelton Seidi arrived on Thursday December 1^st on a 21 day visit. According to Hon. Tillman Collins, the Reverend will have a jam-packed itinerary; from meetings with a bridge section of Grand Gedeans to a host of other prominent non-for-profit organizations prior to his departure.

From the home of his host in Fayetteville, North Carolina, the Reverend said he was visiting with his colleague Rev John D. Fuller of Lewis Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in North Carolina but will ‘kill two birds with one stone’ to hold a huddle with Grand Gedeans at an unspecified date in Philadelphia.

‘Although I have a rigid schedule but the children of Grand Gedeh are faced with some serious issues that needs to be addressed.” He stressed.

He said it was imperative that he visits with Collins to brief him on the state of affairs of the Albert T. White Foundation.

Telling our reporter in an ardent tone, the Rev made it clear that the Foundation faces some

Rev Seidi presenting a check to the Principal of BJHS

challenges, from student text books to that of fees. He said fees usually arrive late and students

have started to become jittery and anxious not knowing if they will have their fees paid on time by donors.

For his part, Collins who happens to be the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation said some donors were finding it difficult to keep up with their contribution thus creating a situation that needs an urgent attention.

He vowed that the Foundation will continue the scholarship program but fell short of details.

Since it’s founding the Albert T. White Foundation caters to 7 high schools in Grand Gedeh County with a little over 21 students benefiting presently from this program. It is a non-for-profit organization geared towards educating and empowering the youth of Grand Gedeh with one goal in mind: ‘establishing high educational standards in order to meet the challenges of the 21^st century.’

On a scale from 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest, the Rev said that he will place the Zwedru School System at 8 when it comes to the minds and the way the students articulate but was very passionate about the infrastructural aspect of the Zwedru School System. According to him, students pay tuition but wait for months to have access to common things as text books etc.

“With a thousand dollars, we can educate a good amount of our children. He concluded.

Rev Seidi joined the Grace Baptist Church of Zwedru in 1986 and spent all his time there. Six of those years were spent in the refugee camp in the Ivory Coast but has since returned home to serve the people of Grand Gedeh County.

He departs the shores of the US by the fourth week of  December 2011 and can be reached through President Collins.

Kwame Oldpa Weeks

MN Web Contributor

mieporecords@yahoo.com

info@grandgedehassocincmn.com

Interim President Moses Ehrich-GDAA

On Saturday November 12, the interim president of the Gbarzon District Association in the Americas stood before an impressive crowd in the Crown Castle Plaza in downtown Worcester, Massachusetts and delivered a riveting speech that’s resonating presently with the base of the GDAA.

A recent telephone-poll conducted by MN Web on December 2^nd, suggests 7 out of 10 Gbarzonians believe the GDAA is headed for a good start under Ehrich.

When contacted for his analysis, President Moses Ehrich said what needs to be said in plain and simple words are: “Gbarzonians are not at war with each other and once we all can embrace that common fact, a new Gbarzon District Association will surface.

Making the remark over the weekend from his Worcester home in Massachusetts, the interim president pointed out that reaching out to Mr. Jolo and some aggrieved elders was his priority and that absolute peace can only come if those mentioned are willing to unclench their fists.

Borrowing a phrase from Rev. Jesse Jackson, he said “the Bible teaches us that a time will come, when a lion and a lamb lie down together, none will be afraid because there will be peace, adding, “neither the lion nor the lamb wants the forest to be set ablaze.”

“If these two creatures could come together in such circumstances, then how much more about us that consider ourselves the most civilized people. He questioned.

He downplayed allegations that his appointment in Des Moines, Iowa was designed unlawfully by the Board to cause unwarranted confusion, chaos and disunity amongst Gbarzonians and called on those making these claims to put their district over their ego. Ehrich reminded Gbazonians that they do not need to be wedded to the past.

Observers believe that Ehrich needs to deal with the fallout from the botched Iowa Conference or face difficulties to govern if his priority is not about reaching out to Jolo, Zinnah, Tarlue, Pour and others.

“I am not in the business of castigating or tarnishing people’s character without facts; because the entire Grand Gedean community has similar viruses that continue to eat up the fabric of our union.” He cautioned.

President Ehrich will visit Rochester, Philadelphia, Virginia and Georgia this spring. The trip will be president Ehrich’s first visit to Philadelphia to meet with Jolo since the gdaA scuffle.

Questioned as to what worries him the most; president Ehrich said there are unfinished projects by the Zeon-Soe administration that he loses sleep over. He named the town hall in Jarwlee, the market building in Polar and the Dogee Town Elementary school.

Other projects include: obtaining the 501c3 status with the IRS, amending the Constitution of the GDAA and appointing an Election Commission for a free, fair and transparent election in two years.

“I am presently in contact with the superintendent of Gbarzon District Honorable Henry Zonweah and I believe after my tour; we will launch series of fundraisers to complete these projects.” He concluded.

Kwame Oldpa Weeks

MN Web Contributor

mieporecords@yahoo.com

info@grandgedehassocincmn.com

1-248-240-3551

President Solomon Nyonbeor Tardey-KSDA

When citizens of the Konobo Statutory District Association met on Saturday November 26 at their 7^th inaugural ceremony in Kansas City, it was not mission impossible or self-inflicted wounds that bled in the lack of unity of purpose among them but objectivity coupled with praises from the newly-inducted to his predecessor.

Previous speakers to similar event have made numerous calls for sustainable development and a community where there is coherence and harmony of quest but to no avail.

Presenting his inaugural address, the incoming president of the KSDA Mr. Solomon N. Tardey rained praises on his predecessor Mr. James Youboty for what he termed as “Youboty’s gracious cooperation in the transition process.”

Lauding Youboty Mr. Tardey said, “you have shown a watching community or district that we are a ‘united people’ pledged to maintaining our culture and social system which guarantees individual liberty to a greater degree than any other, and I thank you and your people for all your help in fortifying our organization.”

Political pundits see this statement as an acceptance of each other; a major factor that contributes to coherence and enthusiasm in any community.

He said he was called to undertake a task that is totally above his talents but vehemently promise to approach this transformation with an anxious motivation.

Painstakingly laying down his argument as to why the KSDA should not succeed under his leadership, the president said Konobo Stautory District is a rising district spreading over a wide and fruitful land. He described the district as traversing all the seas with a vast rich forest, industries engaged in common commerce, agriculture, mining,  rapidly advancing to destinies and hope that’s beyond the reach of human imagination for a third world country.

He called on his fellow colleagues charged with the responsibility of the KDSA’s functions of rules and regulation to look with encouragement, guidance and support which may ‘enable them to steer a sojourn of safety, the boat in which they all embarked.’

On administrative objectivity, he said, “the solutions we seek must be equitable with no one group singled out to pay a higher price. My administration can only be healthy and energetic if the community cooperate in providing equal opportunity for all members of the KSDA with no obstacle of narrow-mindedness or discrimination.

On censorship and accountability, he called for an urgent review and establishment of a KSDA database to catalog its members in the United States and its environs.  He said it was time to check and validate the growth of the KSDA which shows signs of having grown with numerical strength and minds.

“The crisis we face today does not require of us the kind of sacrifice that our passed leaders and so many thousands of others were called upon to make. It does require, however, our best effort and our willingness to believe in ourselves and to believe in our capacity to perform great deeds, to believe that together with God’s help we can and will resolve the problems which we now confront.” He concluded.

Mr. Eric B. Kohn, Solomon Tardey, Chairlady Etta Quaye, Old man Bartaine of the Elder’s Council and Sophie Quaye were some of the prominent members in the audience.

In a related development, Mr. Solomon Tardey who happens to be a member of the Moses P. Harris Inc. will be honored by his club for his preferment and unwavering support for his club and people.

In a two-paragraph letter addressed to Mr. Tardey by Mrs. Annie Sohn, copy of which is in the MN Web’s coffers reads in part: “Mr. Solomon N. Tardey is an innovative hardworking man within the Liberian Community in the United States of America and Liberia, and as mother of Moses P. Harris Inc. in the USA invites you to attend his honoring program. We look forward to seeing you at the date mentioned.” The letter concluded.

The event is expected to be held in Kansas City, Missouri from 17-19^th of February, 2012. Additional details and venue for the event will be announced at a later date.

Kwame Oldpa Weeks

MN Web Contributor

1-248-240-3551

mieporecords@yahoo.com

info@grandgedehassocincmn.com