Special Statement
On behalf of the joint leadership of the United Bong County Association in the Americas, (UBCAA), we would like to foremost appreciate God for His unbridled grace and mercy accorded us to have had a very successful just-ended UBCAA National Convention in Providence, Rhode Island, this past weekend.
Equally, the leadership extends our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to President Willis Dunbar, his leadership team, and local chapter members for the magnificent display of Bong Country-style hospitality showered us. We also thank our dynamic national programs and planning Chairlady, Ms. Jumah Dennis for superbly planning the entire event; our community remains indebted to all of you.
We extend our sincere thanks to Governor Daniel J. McKee for being represented at the Convention and Lt. Governor Sabina Matos for gracing our occasion. Thank you for your message of hope and for highlighting the work you have done and your commitment to community development. We look forward to fostering stronger relationships henceforth.
We would be remised were we not to thank our Bong County Legislative Caucus, especially Hon. Prince Moye, Senator, Bong County, and Hon. Esther Walker, Superintendent, Bong County for addressing the Convention. We are grateful for the renewed partnership that addresses some of the critical needs in our community.
We thank the Convention presenters for their excellent presentations. Your presentations were thought-provoking, educative, innovative, and captivating. We are grateful that you would take the time to prepare and spent the day with us. We look forward to building on what we have learned from your presentations. You have summoned us to explore new possibilities for growth. The distinguished personalities who served as the convention’s presenters were as follows: Dr. Samuel J. Abbey (keynote speaker), Dr. Amos M.D. Sirleaf (Ph.D.); Rev. Dr. Moses Suah-Dennis, Sr.; Mrs. Michelle Davidson; Mr. Leo Nupolu Johnson; Mr. David K. Manteau; Mrs. Rachel M. Garnett-Bloe; and Mr. Moses Bailey.
We expressed our appreciation to the newly established UBCAA Youth Group that committed to supporting Bong County students through national school supplies programs. We were incredibly moved by your excellent presentation highlighting some of the issues facing children and youth in Liberia and your plan to play a part in addressing the problems.
We were delighted to have had the following distinguished personalities from our county present at this year’s Convention: Mr. James Y. Gbarbea, Jr. Mr. Garnett Y.K. Gbamokollie, Mr. Moses Vaknkpanah, Mr. Chester Sackie, Mr. Jefferson Dennis, Mr. Mohammed Kromah, Mrs. Michelle Davidson, Ms. Gradia Gbarbea, Mr. Andrew Tehmeh, Mr. Joe Norris, Miss Ethel Livingstone, Mr. Dennis Kotee, Mr. James Mator, Jr., and Miss Demenia Gbarbea, to name a few. Moreover, we extend our profound congratulations to the 2022 UBCAA honorees and awards recipients.
We express our gratitude to the UBCAA National Women Chairlady, Mrs. Nellie S. Beyan-Olabige and UBCAA women for organizing a successful UBCAA National Queen Contest. We congratulate the runner-up Madam Esther Dolo and the winner of the 2022 UBCAA National Queen Contest, Her Royal Highness, Madam Gbalei Forkpah Williams.
Importantly, we thank the entire General Assembly of UBCAA for supporting the occasion in person and in-kind. We remain hopeful for a stronger working relationship to develop our community. We love and appreciate you all.
Finally, in the interest of transparency, our financial team has issued a preliminary report of $16,000.00 cash on hand (received at the event hall), with outstanding receivables from local chapter ticket sales assumed to be north of $5,000. Please be assured that a comprehensive convention report will be published within a week.
In the service of our beloved UBCAA, I remain.
Caimon Joe Kollie
National President, UBCAA
