2006 ANNUAL REPORT

2006 ANNUAL REPORT (September, 2005-August 2006) of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CAPE MOUNTAINIANS IN THE AMERICAS, INC. (NACA)

Submitted by the NATIONAL ADMINISTRATION to the Third National Convention sitting in Atlanta, Georgia

Abraham G. Massaley---National President
Dr. H. Momo Fahnbulleh---National Vice President
Abu Zoeduah---Secretary General
Flora Mabasi Paasewe Totimeh---National Treasury
Abraham G. Massaley---National President
Dr. H. Momo Fahnbulleh---National Vice President
Abu Zoeduah---Secretary General
Flora Mabasi Paasewe Totimeh---National Treasury
Mamusu Sirleaf Cole---Program Coordinator
Armah Fahnbulleh---Auditor General
Nathaniel Wesley---National Chaplain

September 30, 2006

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am pleased to welcome all of you to the third National Convention of the National Association of Cape Mountainians in the Americas, NACA, Inc. I am profoundly pleased with your presence and grateful that so many of you could come from far and near to join us as we sit in convention to discuss the wellbeing of our county and its people. Your presence here today is a manifestation of your concern for Grand Cape Mount County and your interest in seeking solutions to some of the vexing problems that are affecting the quality of life in the county especially as our people re-settle after 14 years of war. The challenges before us are enormous but dauntless, and with a united purpose, we as an organization will succeed in playing a key role in the recovery of our county. I am grateful to President Dwight Harvey and members of the Georgia Chapter for the warn hospitality they have accorded us in this great state of Georgia. Above all, I am thankful to God for His blessings, which have made this gathering a success.

Ladies and gentlemen, when we assumed the mantle of responsibility in NACA in 2004, we took over an organization that was dormant for nearly a decade. There was nowhere to start from. The organization had no chapters, no bank account, no membership roster and almost no foundation to build upon. Although NACA was established in 1985, we practically took over an organization that was still in its formative stages. The problem was even compounded by the fact that the attributes associated with failure such as mistrust, disillusionment, blame casting and the attitude of wait and see had significantly taken its toll on NACA.

In our initial contacts, there were people who just did not want to be bothered fearing that this attempt to revitalize the organization was doomed! Besides the credibility problems that were confronting our efforts, we had no funds to begin with. As an immigrant community, each of us has our own personal problems and other obligations, which are very strong reasons not to support an Association such as NACA. However, in spite of the enormous challenges, we were convinced that any failure on our part would mean an end to NACA. Therefore, failure for us was not an option. We knew that we had to succeed despite the insurmountable odds.

Our first move was to open a bank account for NACA as part of the confidence building process. Instead of opening one bank account, we actually opened two. We have one account for development and the other for operation. It became our responsibility to demonstrate to those who doubted our sincerity that ours was a genuine call to service. Today, NACA has survived its first major hurdle. The organization has gained confidence and respect not only among Cape Mountainians but also among many Liberians at home and in the United States. NACA now enjoys very high esteem among Liberian organizations operating in the Americas. Let me make this clear. I am not saying that NACA is without problem. There are still challenges ahead. We still need to get many Cape Mountainians onboard, to be active and supportive of this effort. However, as we look back today, we can state proudly that NACA has come a very long way just within two years. We owe this success to a combination of several factors. Firstly, there are many Cape Mount citizens and friends of Cape Mount residing in the United States who still have strong desire to help the county. To these people, I am enormously grateful for continuing to give generously of your time and resources to the cause of the county. All of your financial contributions are noted in our financial report. Secondly, we have a leadership team that will not just give up. Most chapter heads have been remarkable in their performances and members of the national administration have been unshakable in their total commitment to this organization. These, in my view are the two key factors that have kept this organization going. There have been the faithful few who have always come when we call, and who will always give when we ask. These are our real heroes, and these are the people that have continued to motivate us to forge ahead even when the tide is rough. To these people, I say thank you on behalf of our county and people.

NACA Financial Standing

Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to report that NACA is strong and is getting solid. At the end of the 2005 fiscal year, NACA had raised $13,364.22. Our net asset for 2005 was over $2,000 after expanding more than $10,000.00 mainly on NACA projects in Liberia. Today, we have nearly doubled our income. Overall, we received more than $28,000 in the 2005-2006 fiscal year; including the $2,600.00 that was brought forward from 2005. After expenditures on projects in Liberia and programs here, we are beginning the new fiscal year with a net asset of nearly $9,000.00. Details of our financial transactions reflecting all sources of income and expenditure are attached to this report. We have receipts for all transactions, which are available upon demand.

Adoption of the NACA New Constitution

As we sought to improve NACA financial standing, it became apparent that we had to address the problem with the NACA constitution. Therefore, we set up a constitution review commission to re-visit the old constitution. The commission was headed by one of our respected elders, Hon. Alphonso Kawah of the Delaware Chapter and co-chaired by Chief Bai Dordor Karneh of the New England Chapter. Mr. Suliman V. Kamara was Secretary. The committee worked relentlessly to produce a new draft, which was widely circulated to Cape Mountainians residing in the United States for their input and discussions. I am pleased to report that NACA now has a new constitution, which in my view reflects current realities. The new NACA constitution was adopted at the 2005 convention in the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is available on our website at www.capemountusa.org. Nonetheless, in order for the constitution to work to its fullest, we must have all relevant institutions put in place such as the Board of Directors. It was against this backdrop that we initiated efforts to have the Board constituted immediately after the 2005 Convention. Last November, we wrote all heads of chapters to send in names of their two elected representatives on the Board so that the Board could be inducted in January 2006 in Rhode Island. We requested the New England Chapter to host the induction ceremony. Unfortunately, we could not proceed with the induction of the Board because we did not get response from any chapter even after repeated telephone contacts. Today, I am renewing my appeal for the election of chapter representatives to the Board as soon as possible so that we can complete the creation of this institution, thereby fulfilling a major requirement of our NACA constitution.

2006 Reconstruction Conference in Maryland

Ladies and gentlemen, at the 2005 convention, we proposed to this body to establish a Reconstruction Fund and for NACA to organize an annual reconstruction conference for the county. The 2005 convention unanimously endorsed our proposal and levied a reconstruction fee of $100.00 on every Cape Mountainian residing in the United States. Accordingly, we appointed Mr. Willie A. Givens, Jr. as Chairman of the newly constituted Reconstruction Committee. Immediately following the appointment of Mr. Givens, I realized that NACA had found another great talent who does not only have the capability but an individual who is willing to give his best to the cause of his county. Those of you who attended the May 6, 2006 reconstruction conference will attest to the fact that it was well organized and attended. The outcome was even great. We raised nearly $13,000.00 mainly in cash and checks at that conference. The good news is that all checks from the Reconstruction Conference were cleared. The dinner ball was superb. Memories from College Park, Maryland remain fresh in our minds. Thanks to the hard work of Mr. Givens who was determined to push as far as he could even in the face of great challenges. We thank all of you who attended that conference and contributed to its success. Our special gratitude goes to Dr. John Victor “Varney” Singler who delivered the address at the banquet, and for his recommendation for the teaching of the Vai Language in Cape Mount schools. Considering the resounding success of the last reconstruction conference, I am even more excited and eagerly looking forward to the May 2007 Reconstruction Conference.

Establishment of the Cape Mount Development Foundation

Ladies and gentlemen, one of the major decisions at the 2006 Reconstruction Conference was the establishment of the Cape Mount Development Foundation in Liberia that would undertake all development projects in the county on behalf of NACA and represent the interest of the Association in Liberia. Immediately after the Maryland Conference, we set into motion efforts to implement this decision. I am pleased to announce that we have established the Cape Mount Development Foundation in Liberia, which is now fully functioning as per your mandate. The Foundation was formally launched on September 20, 2006 in the presence of so many of our citizens. The Deputy Chief of Mission at the United States Embassy in Monrovia, Mr. Louis Mazel served as keynote speaker at the launching ceremony. More than fifteen NGOs attended. Last June, we acquired an office space in Monrovia for the foundation and appointed the Executive Director. NACA provides operation cost including monthly salary for the Foundation staff. Since the foundation was established, it has been working with the NACA National Administration to mop out projects in priority areas and to administer programs already being undertaken by NACA. It is our information that the Foundation has also been actively involved in programs of the county administration. We have also received information that the foundation’s office is emerging as a meeting point for Cape Mount citizens in the Monrovia area, and is now being referred to as the Cape Mount office.

The Bridge Project in Cape Mount

Another major decision at the Maryland Reconstruction Conference was to undertake a bridge project in the county. Consistent with this decision, NACA through the foundation commissioned an assessment mission in July 2006 to determine the cost of building or repairing bridges on all major highways in the county. These highways include Madina-Robertsport Highway, the Tienii-Sarwelor Road, the Than-Mano River Road, the Tienii-Mano River Road and the Tienii-Than Highway. The mission has identified several bridges that need repair or construction. According to the preliminary report from the Foundation, at least two bridges are needed on the Tienii-Sarwelor Highway. One bridge is needed near Diah. At least a bridge is needed on the Robertsport Road to solve the problem near Madina. Two bridges are needed on the Mano River Road between Kongo and Bamballa, to connect Mano River with the rest of the country. Two bridges are also needed between Lofa Bridge and Mano River, and one bridge is needed between Tienii and Than in Gola Konneh.

According to the assessment, constructing a bridge over the Konjah Creek on the Mano River Road will be the most cost intensive of all the bridges. Engineers who conducted the assessment said it would cost more than $20,000.00 to build the Konjah Bridge. I am told this high cost is the main reason why no entity has ventured to do something about the Konjah Creek. But today, I want to announce that NACA has started to do something to connect Mano River to the rest of the county. We have begun to seek collaboration with institutions in Monrovia in order to build that bridge. Our people do not have to go to neighboring Sierra Leone to buy essential commodities especially during the peak of the raining season. Our people should not continue to face serious health problems because of the Konjah Creek. I am told there are no clinics in the entire area and relief activities are non-existent. Just in the last two weeks, we have received information that the cost of rice in the Mano River area has sky rocketed. Fellow Cape Mountainians and friends of Cape Mount, it is about time for us to do something to east this hardship. I am aware that this is going to be a huge challenge and a test to our resolve. However, NACA will be the last entity to shy away from this problem that is seriously affecting the wellbeing of our people. God’s willing, come next convention, there will be free flow of traffic to Mano River with a durable bridge over the Konjah Creek.

Another urgent priority is the bridge on the Robertsport Road, near Medina. I am told commuting on this highway especially during the peak of the raining season poses a serous traffic risk mainly because of this problem. I have been told that there are instances when the road is completely cut off. According to the assessment report from the Cape Mount Foundation, it would require about $10,000.00 to build that bridge. We have done enough research that with the use of local materials and maybe a food for work program, we can substantially reduce the cost of building the Medina Bridge and all other bridges in the county. I therefore urge all of us to exert every effort and make all necessary contacts so that we can get the support we need to make sure that goods flow freely in the county, and all parts of the county are accessible even during the peak of the raining season.

The NACA Scholarship Program

Ladies and gentlemen, I also pleased to report we have begun to implement the Scholarship Program at the University of Liberia and the Tubman Institute for Medical Arts (TNIMA) for nursing students from Cape Mount. We have developed a set of criteria for awarding of full scholarships. Consistent with the criteria, students who get our scholarships must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5. To strengthen the Cape Mount University Students Association at the University of Liberia (CAMUSA), we have directed that CAMUSA will make the selection of scholarship recipients annually, consistent with our criteria while the Cape Mount Foundation will handle all funding aspects of the scholarship. We are currently working to address the situation at TNIMA since there is no Cape Mount student organization at that institution. The first batch of scholarships will be awarded in January 2007. We are appealing to Cape Mount citizens and friends of Cape Mount in this hall and beyond to sponsor a student. It would cost about $200.00 to sponsor a student per semester at the university. The cost per semester at TNIMA for a nursing student is $100.00. With your help, NACA is determined to assist some of our brothers and sisters in their quest for higher education. NACA also wants to attract more Cape Mount citizens to the nursing field as a means of trying to ease the nursing shortage in the county. Each scholarship recipient will be required to sign a contract to work in the county for at least two years upon successful completion of the nursing program.

The St. Timothy Hospital Project in Robertsport

Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to report that the St. Timothy hospital project is alive and ongoing. In 2005, NACA partially renovated the hospital and re-opened the outpatient unit to provide medical services to our people. By our intervention, NACA was able to get the attention of the then interim government of Liberia, which got international assistance to renovate the entire hospital. The outpatient unit was shut down due to this renovation work. When the new county leadership was appointed this year, we resumed contacts in Liberia in order to get the outpatient project going again. With the active involvement of the Cape Mount Development Foundation, the outpatient unit was re-opened on August 28, 2006. The outpatient department currently serves about 50 patients a day, according to reports we have received. It has a laboratory and we have agreed to also open the mid wifery section (maternity area) to cater to our people. NACA is providing free drugs and supplies to the clinic. We are also paying the salaries of the hospital staff and providing fuel for the hospital electric generator. The other good news is that there are about 26 clinics currently operating through out the county; mainly by non-governmental organizations (NGO’s). However, there are many other areas still without health facilities. The hardest hit is Porkpa District, which has fewer clinics primarily because of the deplorable road condition in the district.

Our goal now is to resume in-patient services at St. Timothy. Last July, we launched a container drive to ship medical supplies to the hospital. With the help of some of our citizens including Mr. I. Remisa Williams Jr., we have received hospital beds and other medical items that are now in storage in Washington DC at NACA expense. Reverend James Yarsiah, a former student at St. John’s Episcopal High School who currently resides in South Carolina has also responded positively to our appeal. We have received a donation of medical items for St. Timothy Hospital through the outreach program initiated by the St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Charlestown, South Carolina which is currently headed by Father Yarsiah. The items include 4 large boxes of miscellaneous medical supplies/disposables (gloves, blood pressure cuffs, bandages, syringes, etc., 9 overbed tables, 1 stretcher with 2 extra pads, 3 mattresses/pads for stretchers, 1 spine board, 1 aspirator pump, 3 chairs on rollers, 3 laundry hampers (linen carts), 1 X-ray viewer, 2 intravenous poles (IV), 1 tilt table and 1 film cart on wheels. The good news is that the church has already shipped these items to Liberia for St. Timothy and they will soon arrive in the country. Rev Yarsiah has also informed me that he has 7 additional boxes of assorted medical supplies which will soon be shipped to our Washington DC storage. Let me use this medium to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Father Yarsiah and the St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church for this generosity, which I believe will be greatly appreciated by our people.

The NACA Container Project

We have appointed a committee headed by Miss NACA, Queen Musu Fahnbulleh to ship the items in storage at Washington DC to Liberia. Queen Fahnbulleh has been very supportive of this effort. She has already contributed $2,600.00 towards the shipment. She provided all of the cash prizes for the container raffle draw, which will be held tonight in the tune of $600.00. This is the true Cape Mount spirit of giving, and NACA is enormously grateful. The President of the Federation of County Associations in the Americas, Dr. Mariah Y. Seton of Chicago, Illinois upon our request has also donated $500.00 to our container project. Mr. Bill Lawhorn of the NACA Delaware Valley Chapter has also made cash contribution to the container drive. We sincerely thank all of you who have made material and financial donations to this project. We express our gratitude to Mr. Willie Givens, Jr. who secured the storage in Washington DC and led volunteers to transport and pack the donated items. We have distributed $3,000.00 raffle tickets for the draw tonight. Some of our citizens have been kind enough to report their sales but many others have yet to do so. All the receivables are included in our financial report. We want to use this occasion to appeal to those who received the raffle tickets to make their reports so that we can proceed with shipping these items for St. Timothy. We appeal to others to make financial and material contributions to this cause. We still need medical items and funds for the shipment and to run the hospital.

Advocacy for High Schools and Colleges in Cape Mount

As we celebrate the gains today, we must remind ourselves that our task is just beginning. I do agree that NACA cannot meet every need in Cape Mount. However, I believe that whatever we set to do in the county, we must do it to the best of our ability. Besides the projects we have started in Cape Mount, we must now begin advocacy for the needs of our people. I believe NACA has become credible enough to stand as a strong voice in clamoring for the county. I personally believe that it is about time for Cape Mount to get at least one high school in every district. While NACA does not have the capacity to build high schools, I believe we can assist the county administration in lobbying with the central government and others to improve the quality of education in the county. I also strongly recommend that we begin to consider the idea of at least a junior college in Robertsport and a vocational school at Mano River. I believe that elevating St. John’s High School to a Junior College status, with arrangements to transfer to the University of Liberia and other institutions will attract more students to Robertsport. I am also recommending for NACA to launch an inquiry into the Seinjii Polytechnic University Project, with the hope of restarting that project. We must leave here today with a resolution and a strong commitment for education in our county. Cape Mount was considered the cradle of education in Liberia, and I believe that it is about time for us to regain that status. Let us beat our chests and volunteer our service to the cause of educating the ones coming after us. Because in my mind, education is the only true legacy we can leave behind for our posterity.

Some of us in this hall may have been privileged to get the support and the motivation to go to school. But there are many children in Cape Mount today who do not have that support. Imagine for a second how many families can now afford to send their children to Robertsport or Monrovia to go to high school. Then the question is what happens to children who graduate from Gbesseh Junior High School? Think for a second about what happen to children completing Vonzue Elementary School. What happens to children completing schools in Mambo, in Kenema, in Fornoh, in Kaiwelahum, in La, in Lofa Bridge, in Mani, in Medina, in Bo, in Than, in Damballa, in Bendajah and in other towns? Should elementary education or junior high school be the end of their educational journey? I say NO. We, these generations of Cape Mount citizens sitting in this hall have a responsibility to ensure that these kids have access to high schools and even colleges so that they can be adequately prepared to receive the touch from us. Otherwise, our county is doom! Frankly, there is no better way I can say this. While most of us here have our children learning to their full potentials, their cousins back home are faced with problems that could deprive them of their valued future. It is therefore incumbent upon us today to help ensure a better tomorrow for children in Cape Mount.

Launching of Awards

Ladies and gentlemen, in recognition of outstanding contributions and selfless services individuals render to our county and to NACA, we have decided to establish five annual awards to be given each year to institutions and individuals that go beyond the call to duty. The highest of these awards is the NACA Distinguished Service Award. This award will be presented to institutions that make significant contributions to improving the quality of life in Grand Cape Mount County, Liberia and to individuals that dedicate themselves to the service of our county or who render valuable contributions to our people. Accordingly, the National Administration has nominated four individuals to receive this award to night. They are Dr. John Victor Singler and Messrs Bill Lawhorn and Thomas Wheeler. All three served our county with distinction as Peace Corps volunteers. Dr. Jack Saul of Columbia University in New York will also receive this award today for his outstanding contributions to Liberians especially Cape Mountainians in their quest for higher education in the United States. All of our honoreesresponded positively to our invitation to be at this convention to receive their awards. We have also established the NACA Philanthropic Award to be presented to an individual who makes significant financial and or moral contribution to NACA through his/her active involvement and support, and to the cause of Grand Cape Mount County and its citizens at home and abroad. Undoubtedly, the recipient for this year’s award is Queen Musu Fahnbulleh, Miss NACA. This lady has continued to give cheerfully to the cause of Grand Cape Mount County. We have also established the NACA Majah-Laing Award to be presented to individuals or groups that provide hospitality and friendship amongst Cape Mount citizens at home and abroad, which gestures help to strengthen NACA in providing services to Grand Cape Mount County. The honorees in this category are Mrs Jebbeh Jangaba, Mr. Edward Fahnbulleh, Mrs Bendu Gooding, Mrs. Hawa Freeman Richards, Mrs. Mamusu Sirleaf Cole, Mrs. Latu Gbanapolor, Mr. Jayah Kamara and Ms Elizabeth Meatta Geneva Armstrong. We have also established the NACA Leadership Award to be presented to leaders of NACA and NACA chapters who demonstrate excellence in service to the cause of Grand Cape Mount County. This year’s recipients are Dr. H. Momo Fahnbulleh, Mr. Abu Zoeduah, Mrs. Mabasi Paasewe Totimeh, Ms Hawah Kpakah, Mr. Dwight Harvey, Chief Bai Dordor Karneh, Mr. Suliman V. Kamara, Mr. Willie A. Givens, Jr., Mrs. Maima Massaley Dahn, Mr. Armnah Massaquoi, Mrs. Jumah Gray Brumskine and Mr. Boima Pusah. The last category of award is the Chapter Contribution Award which will be given to a NACA with the highest Annual Contribution. The Metro Chapter is the recipient of this year’s award.

Recommendations

I am proposing to this body to establish a Youth and Children’s Club that will seek to encourage friendship among our children in the United States, and promote our culture. While we have tried to increase interaction among Cape Mount citizens in the United States, it is unfortunate that most of our children do not know one another. Many know very little about our cultural heritage. I believe greater interaction among our children will not only help to forge strong bonds among them but it will also help to improve their understanding of our culture. Accordingly, I am proposing that there should be a children and youth conference held annually to coincide with the national convention. The fact is that if NACA is to have a long life span in the United States, we must now begin to bring our children to NACA events.

I am also proposing a foster program between children in Cape Mount and those in the Untied States. With the help of the Cape Mount Development Foundation, this program will be able to promote friendship among our children residing at the two ends of the Atlantic. The foundation will identify children in Cape Mount towns and villages to be adopted by kids here as foster brothers and sisters. The NACA Social Affairs Committee will develop full details of this program and will be responsible for its implementation.

Conclusion and Commendations

NACA has significantly raised the standard for Liberian organizations operating in the United States. We have been the first to establish a foundation in Liberia to cater to the development needs of our people. We were the first Liberian community association operating in this country to open an office in Liberia. We remain the only Liberian organization that has organized a reconstruction conference for our county. We are so far the only Liberian organization in this country that publishes it annual and financial reports. These reports are available on our website. While some organizations are entangled in internal rifts and confusions, NACA is peaceful and stable. Today, NACA has nine strong chapters and three are in formative stages. I am pleased to report that in recognition of the work by NACA, I received this year’s Leadership Award from the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA). The award was presented last Saturday, September 23, 2006 at the 32nd ULAA General Assembly, which convened in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The President of ULAA, Mr. Arthur Watson said I was overwhelmingly selected by the Union to receive this award.

My fellow Cape Mountainians, we have come to Georgia with a grocery list of problems. Many of the solutions are far beyond the present capacity of NACA as the organization itself is just recovering from its slumber. NACA was in slumber until November 2003 when Mr. Armah Massaquoi of Virginia felt the need for us to do something. It was one man’s courage that rekindled the spirit of NACA. I urge you today that the resilience by a few men and women must develop NACA capacity to do something for our county. In the last two years, NACA has tried to do something. But frankly, the gravity of the situation in the county demands that we get more of our citizens residing in the United States involved with NACA. Whatever our individual problems are in this country, you will agree with me that it is not as grave as the situation with most of our compatriots back home. This is why I believe that it is imposing on all Cape Mount citizens living in this country to contribute to NACA. I commend those citizens who are already making individual contributions toward the building of our county. However, I believe that our efforts will have stronger impact on the entire county if we collectively work together through NACA while at the same time supporting our individual initiatives in the county. I am convinced that we can do great things if we all give the little we have to help the county, through NACA.

Before I close, I want to thank my wife, Victoria and my children for the support they have provided me in the last two years in providing leadership to our county association. Just like me, my family strongly believes that this is a good cause, and that there is no sacrifice so great than to give your efforts, talents, time and resources to the cause of your own people. My son has helped to sort and staple NACA reports and my two daughters have helped to print postal and flyers for NACA events. In their own weak ways, they too have contributed to NACA, and I am grateful to them for their support. I also want to thank the NACA Executive Committee for the teamwork. Personally, I am grateful to the Vice President, Dr. H. Momo Fahnbulleh, the Secretary General, Mr. Abu Zoeduah, the Assistant Secretary General, Mr. Kandakai Sherman, the National Treasurer, Mrs. Mabasi Floria Paasewe Totimeh, the Chairman of the Membership Committee, Mr. Armah Masaquoi and the Chairman of the Reconstruction Committee, Mr. Willie Givens and heads of chapters that have worked so diligently with us. The individuals named above went beyond the call to duty. The sacrifices of their time, money and effort are worthy to note. These are people who have heart for Cape Mount, and these are some of our finest sons and daughters from Cape Mount.

I want to pay special recognition to our queen, MISS NACA, Queen Musu Fahnbulleh of the Metro Chapter. She has been a huge support and a strong woman in NACA. Her single financial contribution to the cause of Cape Mount is beyond commendation. As I ponder on her willingness to give to NACA, the only homage I think NACA can pay to this woman is to gracefully ask her to serve another year as our Queen. Today, I ask this convention to accept our recommendation that reign of Miss Musu Fahnbulleh be extended to September 20007 as a tribute to her outstanding contributions to NACA and to Cape Mount.

I also want to thank the Georgia Chapter for the time and efforts in planning this convention. I thank all of you, from the button of my heart for taking off your busy schedules to gather in Georgia at our invitation to discuss the future of NACA and the role it will continue to play in our county’s reconstruction and development. With no doubt in my mind, we have successfully ended phase one in our efforts to revitalize NACA, and we can now begin capacity building for our organization. Ladies and gentlemen, when we all work together, we all succeed. We must therefore leave here today with a renewed determination to work selflessly for the cause of Grand Cape Mount County and Liberia. Let each one bring one to NACA. Let me leave you with these words of Henry Ford, “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success”. I thank you.