July 12, 2007

The Federation of Liberian Mandingo in the United States of America (FELMAUSA) --Communiqué 2007

At the end of the first All Liberian Mandingo Convention held in the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, from Friday, June 29, to Sunday, July 1, 2007, the Federation of Liberian Mandingo Associations in the USA (FELMAUSA), was formed. The Federation presents the below Communiqué which highlights resolutions reached at the end of the historic Convention.

Preamble

The Federation of Liberian Mandingo Associations in the USA, (FELMAUSA), a charitable and cultural organization, created at the completion of the 2007 All Liberian Mandingo National Convention, agreed to foster unity and build a model upon which conflicts in our community can be resolved. FELMAUSA will serve a medium through which some of the social needs of our people can be addressed.

Hundreds of Liberian Mandingoes attended the Conference from various states in the United States and abroad including Liberia, Europe and Asia. The theme of the Conference: Community Unity, and Empowerment in post war Liberia.

A welcome address was presented by the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Hon. Mohamed A. Bility of the Liberia Mandingo Association of Pennsylvania (LIMAP). After registration and accreditation of various delegates, Hon. Abraham S. Kromah, member of the organizing committee formally presented the Convention.

Traditional Hour Session

A special session marking the opening of the Convention on Friday known as the Traditional Hour was held to discuss issues relating to our communities. Our elders representing various communities in the US and abroad met and discussed issues affecting our communities. Current issues that are creating conflicts in the various communities were identified and a conflict resolution working committee was set up by the elders to pave the way for resolving those conflicts. At the end to the session, a foundation was built upon which conflicts in our communities would be addressed.

Adoption of the Constitution and the Election of officials

The Constitution was verified and adopted by delegates, after which the elections of a new leadership to lead the Federation was held. Officials elected at the Convention were:

GENERAL ISSUES

1. The Conference expressed it's gratitude to the efforts made by previous organizers and the present founding members, for their tireless efforts in organizing the historic Conference, which brought together hundreds of Liberian Mandingoes from far and near. A heartfelt appreciation was expressed to the speakers, including the tremendous support from the delegation of the Philadelphia Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Affairs headed by Hon. Stanley L. Straughter. The Conference remains very grateful to Hon. Stanley Straughter for his guidance. The Conference thanked all participants; from all parts of the United States, Africa and other parts of the world for their time and commitment to the unification and empowerment of our community.

Papers Presentation:

There were four academic papers presented at the Convention. Speakers included Hon. Musa Bility, Chairman Board of Director of the National Port Authority of Liberia, who served the keynote speaker, Dr. Abu Mansalay, Atty. Mamiata Jabateh-Sirleaf and Professor Momo Sekou Dudu.

Hon. Musa Bility spoke on the topic, "Reconciliation: A means to a better tomorrow for the community." He addressed the needs for the unification of the organization's purpose and called for forgiveness of the past and focus on the future. Mr. Bility spoke about the reconciliatory role being played by Professor Alhaji G.V. Kromah in Liberia and other Mandingo leaders in Liberia.

Atty. Mamiata Jabateh Sirleaf presented a paper on the role of the Mandingo Women in post war Liberia. She stressed the need for the inclusion of women in the social and economic development of Liberia. She noted that education and the subsequent involvement of women will enhance the unity of our people. Her focus was on the need to appreciate our heritage and re-enact the virtues and values of the Mandingo Nation.

Dr. Abu Mansalay presented a paper on the “Federation of Liberian Mandingo Association in the USA: A Beacon in the Diaspora.” Dr. Mansalay reflected some of the intentional omissions of the contributions of the Mandingo People in some historical accounts of Liberia. The Doctor then admonished the Conference to work harder to make the necessary impact on history, set the stage for corrections and rectification. The Medical Doctor assessed that, “We can not be the host of the settlers and not be included in the history that celebrates those very settlers”.  

Hon. Momo Dudu briefly spoke on "Unity: The Way to Progress." He stressed the need for a progressive look at the future of the Mandingo community. He also highlighted the importance of supporting one another and called on the Conference to uplift each other in all aspects of community life.

SPECIFIC ISSUES

The Conference took a look at Socio-political developments of the Mandingo nation, and a serious consideration for reconciliation and peace within the Mandingo nation. It called for the adoption of dialogue in arriving at the next leadership in the community, having due regards for peaceful co-existence, justice, excellence within the frame work of unification in Liberia

The Conference established a website for the purpose of disseminating FELMAUSA information and communication. The site shall serve as a resource place for research on the history of the Mandingo People. The address of the website is: www.felmausa.org.

The Conference agreed that the central objective should be moving the Mandingo community to a higher social, economic and political status; that unification within the Mandingo community will serve as a stepping stone for a broader unification in the larger Liberian society. The Conference considered short term and long term projects for the benefit of our people.

Short-term Project that will have immediate impact:

1. The provision of scholarships to deserving students

2. The payment of WAEC fees for deserving students

3. The provision of school materials, i.e. copybooks, pencil, book, begs etc. to deserving school

The Conference agreed that the Federation will assist all deserving members with social welfare. The Federation shall facilitate and promote child care, early education and youth development in our communities.  

Long-term projects:

1. Provision of borehole for water in identified communities
2. Rehabilitation, construction of educational and recreational facilities both in Liberia and the USA.  

Others include:
            i   Education and health.
            ii  Youth development.  

                        iii Human Recourses development
            iv. Economic empowerment (towards this end, the Conference resolved to set up committees for the purpose of developing and expanding on these projects.)

3. The Conference resolved that the newly elected president, in consultation with the newly elected Chairman and members of the newly constituted Board of Directors would appoint the Coordinators of these projects. The Conference also resolved that as part of the Board's mandate, the Board of Directors would in consultation with the elders committee reach out to all of the brothers and sisters with divergence views in the hope of bringing about peace and reconciliation in our community. The Board was mandated to mediate to engage our brothers and sisters in New York and other places.

4. The Convention was climaxed by a Beauty contest and a Soccer tournament. Ms. Massa Kromah of host city Philadelphia won the beauty contest. The soccer tournament was won also by the host city, while the Midwest soccer team took second place. New Jersey took home the 3^rd place after defeating the state of Georgia.

THIS COMMUNIQUÉ WAS ADOPTED ON SUNDAY THE 1^st of JULY 2007 PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, AND SIGNED BY THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS OF THE RESOLUTION COMMITTEE:
 
Hon. Abraham S Kromah- Chairman________________________________

Hon. Mohamed R. Konneh- Member________________________________

Hon. Nvasieke N Konneh- Member__________________________________

Hon. Abu Mansalay-Member______________________________________

Hon. Momoh Dudu-Member_______________________________________

Hon. Mohamed A Bility-Member____________________________________

Hon. Sidiki Trawally –Member __________________________________

Atty. Mameita Jabateh Sirleaf- Member______________________________

 

ATTESTED TO BY THE FOLLOWING HEADS OF DELEGATION OF THE FELMAUSA MEMBER STATES OF:

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