“Stop fighting one another; establish an achievable goal and work collectively to achieve it.” This is the answer to our progress instead of complaining as to why we are not like the Somali Community.”

“Sitting supinely and focusing on the failures, the evils and wrongs of the past, and yet doing nothing to support the post war development effort of
Kolohun District is not an option.” He reminded his audience at the program which took place on Saturday, September 17.

Mr. Richard Sondah, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Organization of Liberians in Minnesota (OLM), cited the Union of Liberian Association in the Americas (ULLAA) and his own Organization of Liberians in Minnesota (OLM), as two institutions fraught with ills in our community.

Chairman Sondah made these observations when he address citizens of the Kolahun District Development Association (KDDA), of Lofa County, resident in the state of Minnesota. while serving as Keynote Speaker and Installing Officer. of the Association‘s first leadership program.

In his two page speech, copy of which is in the possession of the Independent Eye News (IEN), Mr. Sondah pointed out, “the fact that you have chosen the path to support the people of Kolahun District, illustrates your understanding amongst your Members here and back home in Liberia.”

Mr. Sondah told his audience at the program that “after fourteen (14) years of the destructive war which decimated every corner and fabric of our nation including Kolohun District, you definitely have a burden on your shoulders.”

“As the Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf Administration struggles to bring social,
economic and political relief as was “promised” Sondah stressed, “it would be a mistake to expect a quick, easy or total solutions to the problems of your district and the entire country.”

“It would also be a mistake to expect that the full satisfaction of your people in that area will be met. But it is equal or would even be a greater mistake to do nothing, sit back and simply say, that’s those people’s business.” He warned.

“Today in Liberia, Mr. Sondah went on, we can safely say we have escaped the darkness, the clouds have lifted a little so that new rays of hope can break through.”

“The pressure on the central government appears to be taking it in every county, district, clan, chiefdom, town and village to institute decades of denial of development.”

“For the first time in many years, specific steps are being taken to ensure that we exploit our full potential as a nation, seeking opportunities that will elevate our people and our nation.” He declared.

Political Pundits are puzzled over the failure of Chairman Sondah to cite those specific steps that are being taken to exploit our full potential as a nation seeking opportunities that will elevate our people and nation.”

“The struggle for democracy has never been a matter pursued by one race, class, religious community of gender. The election of your corps of officers epitomizes that. He observed.

Mr. Sondah again reminded his audience, “let us not forget those who brought us to this point; honoring those sons and daughters of Kolohun District who fought to have this arrangement today.” He noted.

He then reflected a historical path saying, “they knew that being united by a common vision and engendering a clear mission will lead to a better life for the people of Kolohun District.”

Chairman Sondah warned those elected saying “the task at hand will not be easy. Leading any Liberian Organization in Minnesota entails time, commitment and the total involvement of every Member,” apparently speaking from experience, he emphasized.

“Your primary focus should be placed on building the organization and its systems, transcending individual egos policies and self aggrandizement.” You must work to ensure the organization accomplishes its objectives.”
He advised.

“If this is done, the people of Kolohun District will then realize their dreams and aspirations working with dignity with self-esteem, with confidence in the future.” Mr. Sodah predicted.

“Whatever agenda you have to accomplished, will be a cornerstone of building a butterflies of opportunity, freedom and prosperity for the people of your district whether they live here or back home in Liberia.”

“This will require nothing less than a relentless determination and effort to transcend the challenges that are inherent to succeeding. Therefore, in your endeavor,, I urged you to remain dedicated until the district can have all the schools it needs.”

“Remain dedicated until the district can have all the hospitals clinics, farm to market roads and full representation on the political table and until the rule of law can be applied to everybody in the district and eventually lead to more than what you have started here today.”

Chairman Sondah concluded by admonishing the new KDDA leadership to strive to work with every Liberian Community organization,” for the what he referred to as “the greater good of our community.”

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News welcomes feedback from our readership (comments/reactions) to any of our publications. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON
PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR
INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), WWW.INDEYE.ORG
TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM-(763) 226-3634-CELL

As part of our professional obligation and commitment to our readership (public), the Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), has elected to critique the three aspirants, for the presidency of the Union of Liberian Association in the Americas (ULAA).

In fulfillment of our vital role as a medium institution within the Diaspora Liberian Community, which is to inform, educate and entertain the reading public, we deem it very expedient, to critique all three presidential aspirants.

We are not oblivious to the fact that we may be accused of being bias or called names, in our honest efforts to provide vital pieces of information to the public, which we believe could be very useful in helping in helping to make informed decisions.

As we may all be aware, information is knowledge and knowledge is power. We are therefore willing to provide such power to the electorates believing such power will help the public or should we say the “DELEGATES,” make the right choices on our behalf.

It is our fervent hope, the “DELEGATES” will elect those they believe have the leadership prowess, to lead the largest Diaspora Liberian community organization known as ULAA, for the next two year.

It is our prayerful hope that our contribution to the democratization process of ULAA, will have a very significant impact by energizing whomever will be elected.

In our Monday, September 12 editorial titled, “THIS IS OUR VOW,” we, the Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News, called for the amendment of ULAA’s Constitution to provide for a ‘ONE MAN, ONE VOTE’ system.

We also called for national elections to be held within all ULAA Member Chapters, throughout the United States. We believe this will at least encourage mass participation of Liberians in the democratic decision making process.

It is our hope, meaningful changes to rekindle the hopes, aspirations and dreams of the Diaspora Liberian Community, will take roots. It is our hope these proposed changes will help amplify and reclaim the significant advocacy role played by ULAA, in the 1970s and 1980s.

We emphasized our conviction that the current “DELEGATES” system is an exclusive system. That is why we classified it as LIBERIANCRACY rather than DEMOCRACY.

We strongly believe beyond a reasonable doubt, the current system was a deliberate design put into place, to maintain the status quo in power perpetually, at the exclusion of others perceived as political “ENEMIES.”

We want to make it unequivocally clear that we are not opposed to Liberians preparing themselves politically for national leadership back home or elsewhere globally. It does not matter to us whether or not it is through the Government of Liberia, private section, or the United Nations systems.

However, we are also urging whomever is elected to the new ULAA leadership, to focus on the provision of services to Liberian Communities throughout all ULAA Member Chapters, while maintaining the Advocacy Component of the Union.

We want to stress that our critique will not be limited to only the presidential aspirants, but also their principle lieutenants, who in some cases, have enormous influence over the president and are most likely to succeed him/her in the event of incapacitation.

We, the Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News, notwithstanding, will focus will focus on the presidential aspirants for now like a lazier, or an eagle eye. We will most especially based our critique on past and present leadership experiences.

That includes in school, community and church organizations, private sector and even in government. The aspirants’ ability to get along with others, irrespective of differences, political or otherwise, will be very crucial in our critical analyses.

The amount of time invested in ULAA’s activities both locally and nationally, will be one of our cardinal guarding principles. That is the number of conventions and meetings attended, committees chair and or served on, in the local chapters and/or the National Union, will all factor in our critique.

The number of representations made within ULAA, or any other community organization including county, district, clan, chiefdom or any other organization will very well matter in this process of evaluation.

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

In this regards, we are requesting all presidential aspirants to provide the needed vital pieces of information to the Publisher and Managing Editor of the Independent Eye News, Mr. Tarnyon Nyenon, through his email at (tnyenon59@yahoo.com) or contact cell number at (763) 226-3634.

We believe any piece of information provided will be very significant for Liberians to know about our prospective leaders, as presidential materials. We are also requesting the best presidential photographs of the aspirants choices.

We are also requesting the public to send to the above e-mail address, any piece of information they know to be true to the best of their knowledge about the aspirants they believe the public needs to know about them.

Note: Members of the community who desire to send any information, are not required to include their names if they so desire. Any piece of information sent, whether it is positive or negative, will definitely be verified before publication.

The series “WHO LEADS ULAA NEXT?” will begin immediately after verification is done.

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News, welcomes feedback (comments/reactions) to any of our publications from our readership.We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN),THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN MEWS. WE REPORT,YOU DECIDE

BY: TARNYON NYENON
PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR
INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), WWW.INDEYE.ORG
TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM-(763) 226-3634-CELL

“My mission for running for the National Presidency of the Union of Liberian Association in the Americas (ULAA), is to rescue it from its current state of affairs, which is credibility.”

“ULAA has lost enormous credibility since the Pittsburg 36th General Assembly, which held elections that resulted into a virtual split within the Union, resulting into a dramatic nose dive for the worse.”

These were the exact quotes of Mr. Isaac Zarwolo, when he spoke in an exclusive interview with the Independent Eye News (IEN), on Monday, September 19.

On recent missteps by his campaign, on the inclusion of names of two personalities within the Liberian Community without their consent, Mr. Zarwolo said, “I sincerely regretted what happened and the incontinences it might have cause as a result. I took full responsibility.”

In spite of these developments which had the propensity of calling into question the credibility of his campaign, especially occurring in less than a week, Mr. Zarwolo said, “we are determined to move forward.”

“We apologized to the distinguished gentlemen for these egregious acts and the campaign staffer responsibility was reprimanded.” Zarwolo however, declined to name the staffer when quizzed.

“We promised the public these mishaps will not be repeated, but as humans, we cannot guarantee that similar mistakes will never be repeated in the future, as our campaign continues its sojourn.” He indicated.

It may be recalled that the Zarwolo Campaign included the name of Mr. Richard Parker, a Member Board of Directors of the Organization of Liberians in Minnesota (OLM), as one of its supporters, but the campaign was forced for retract and apologize to Mr. Parker.

Barely a week later, the Campaign was again forced to retract and apologize to Mr. Tillman Collins, National President of the Grand Gedeh Association (GGAA), for including his name on its rooster, without his consent.

On his role as General-Secretary of ULAA, Mr. Zarwolo pointed out, “my record and positions on issues as they unfolded were well documented by the media. I am very proud of what I did as General-Secretary of ULAA.”

Zarwolo then outlined some of what he said were his positions during his stewardship as General-Secretary saying, “I sternly opposed the Pittsburg elections, which brought Anthony Kesselly to power.”

“I opposed the suspension of ULAA Member Chapters which were said to be in non compliance with the Kesselly plan, to go ahead with the ULAA elections. I predicted a divided Union and it came to pass.” He stated.

“I also bitterly opposed the pursuit of a legal action against the James Larsah ULAA National Board. As a matter of fact, I refused to raise any penny, as my contribution in support of the lawsuit, because we were being taxed.” He revealed.

“I went to court once, but under the impression from President Kesselly and the ULAA leadership, that we were going for an arbitration, but when I found out that was not the case, I withdrew all my support.” He recalled.

“I must admit, I take some responsibility for what transpired as part of the Kesselly Administration, but my role was minuet compared to others in the Administration.” The ULAA former General-Secretary argued.

“What matters to me most,” Zarwolo noted, “is not how many mistakes one makes, but the courage to admit and take full responsibility for one‘s mistakes with the pledge of not repeating them.” He suggested.

“I don’t think Messrs. Kesselly, Kunney and the rest should be the only ones held responsible for all of the mistakes that were made, but the ability to rectify those mistakes and move forward. I am prepared to do just that.” Zarwolo stressed.

On criticism leveled against him by Mr. Wilmot Kunney that he was a Member of the Kesselly “inner circle,” Mr. Zarwolo admitted being a Member, but pointed out, “my positions on issues were clear and unambiguous.”

It may be recalled that in a two page dossier published on the liserve, Mr. Kunney was very critical of Mr. Zarwolo, describing Zarwolo’s action as “amusing and out right hypocritical for someone who has been a central figure in such a “circle” for close to a decade now to come forward and berate it.”

Kunney’s reaction was in response to Mr. Zarwolo’s strongly worded statement in which he classified the Kesselly top leadership as “the in circle which blinded itself to the chaos that characterizes the Union.”

Zarwolo did not end there, he was very critical of the Kesselly Administration, saying “Mr. Kesselly presided over a regime that was inept.”

Kunney then reminded Zarwolo saying, “you represented the Kesselly Administration at every convention, every forum, you were seen and heard defending the policies of the Kesselley Administration?”

Continuing Kunney added, “You were the one writing, reading and signing the resolutions of the Administration and also making representation on behalf of the Union, so when did things become chaotic?” He questioned.

Kunney then pleaded with Mr. Zarwolo to please tell the voters of ULAA. Why did you not speak out then” I know you are running for cover under the useless phase. “They did not listen to me.” Kunney preempted.

He then challenged Zarwolo, to “tell us those ideas you might have put on the discussion table that might have been ignored?” Kunney said he was “taking issues with Mr. Zarwolo not because his (Zarwolo’s) utterances have any relevance, but only out of the duty to expose creatures like you.” He emphasized.

Kunney continued to pound Zarwolo saying, “our society and institutions are filled with individuals of your character who barricade themselves behind power, enjoy all the privileges, honor and dignity of those positions while keeping their mouth shut.”

“It is only later they reemerge surveying the terrain to see whether they will not be detected. We have seen this play so many times in our national history. Kunney observed.

In his reaction to the inclusion of his name as endorsing the candidacy of Mr. Zarwolo for the presidency of ULAA, GGAA National President, Tillman Collins, clarified that at no time did he endorse Mr. Zarwolo or any other aspirant.

In a press release issued on Monday, September 16, copy of which is in the possession of the Independent Eye News, President Collins said, “in this public manner, I would like to take this opportunity to inform all Liberians, most especially the entire Membership of the GGAA, that it was a misrepresentation.”

Collins pointed out, that he will rather “endorse and support the efforts of ULAA Council of Eminent Persons’ strive to bring lasting peace to the Union in these critical times and not a particular candidate.”

The GGAA Chief Executive emphasized, “I am a delegate from the Pittsburg Chapter who wishes to use my leverage with a cross section of Liberians in an attempt to explore the possibilities of restoring peace within the union thus helping to strengthen the bond of friendship among Liberians as we move forward.”

President Collins was equally critical of ULAA saying, “over the years, we have seen ULAA compromise the interest of Liberians and serve the selfish interest of a few persons within the Union in order to position themselves for jobs in Liberia.”

“This trend has to change for ULAA to play a more meaningful role in the politics of our beloved country. In essence, ULAA needs to return to its advocacy role, as well as provide social services to our people in the Diaspora.”

Mr. Collins then concluded by calling on “all Liberians to turnout in full at the for coming 37th ULAA Convention slated for September 30-October 2 in Burtonsville, Maryland in order to establish a way forward for a new ULAA.”

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News, welcomes feedback (comments/reactions) to any of our publications from our readership. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS, WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON
PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR
INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN),WWW.INDEYE.ORG
TNYENON59@YAHOOCO-(763) 226-3634-CELL

The Acting Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Iowa Chapter of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas (GGAA), Mr. Henry Z. Kyne, has threatened to sue the Independent Eye News (IEN).

Mr. Kye’s threat was contained in his voice message left on Wednesday, September 14 on the cell phone answering service of the Publisher & Managing Editor of the IEN, Mr. Tarnyon Nyenon.

When contacted, Kyne confirmed leaving the message saying, “indeed I left the message because, I felt the Independent Eye News, conspired with the GGAA National Board of Directors to assassinate my character.”

The story in question was published by the Independent Eye News, in its Saturday, September 10, edition under the caption, “ GGAA BOARD KICKS KYNE OUT!”

In the story, we quoted several Members of the National Board as saying their decision to kick Mr. Kyne out of its deliberations, was to preserve the dignity and respect of the Board.

They maintained that “it will be unfair to the GGAA Membership, for Members of the Board to hold others accountable for alleged corruption, while one of their own is seemingly tinted, but remains untouched.”

Kyne was alleged to have stolen four thousand fifty five United States dollars (US$4,055.00), of the Grand Gedeh Association’s money entrusted into his possession, when he served as the man in charge of the finances.

He reportedly failed to give account of the money during a three-Man Investigation Committee constituted by the Board, after the GGAA 2007 17th National Convention, held in the Iowan capital, Des Moines.

Kyne told the Independent Eye News in the exclusive interview, “my threat to sue the IEN is based on the fact that the Eye News, in collaboration with the Grand Gedeh Board of Directors, assassinated my charter.”

“The Independent Eye News took my pictures without my consent and placarded them on its website. You do not have the right to take my pictures at the Board meeting, without my knowledge, because this is a federal crime.” He alleged.

“The Independent Eye News and the Grand Gedeh Board accused me of stealing Grand Gedeh people money and calling me a rogue. I have already reprinted three copies of the story and given them to my lawyer.” Kyne claimed.

“I am very serious. In fact, thank you very much for putting everybody names in the story, because it will help in my case. It gave me more (FOC), fruit of crime and that’s what I will use to sue all of you.” Kyne declared.

On his expulsion from the National Board meeting, Mr. Kyne accused the Vowal former Board leadership of practicing an apartheid system by excluding the Iowa Chapter from its deliberations adding, “we are not here for apartheid system.”

“I am a natural born Grand Gedean, not a naturalized one. I love my county and nobody is more Grand Gedean than me. I wasted blood for Grand Gedeh County.” He pointed out, but stop short of explaining how, why and when he wasted blood for Grand Gedeh County.

Mr. Kyne’s frustration apparently stems from the non regonization of the Iowa Chapter’s Board of Directors by the National Board. The National Board’s refusal to recognize the Iowa Chapter’s Board was a result of Mr. Kyne’s refusal to repay the Association’s money he allegedly stole.

Research by the Independent Eye News shows that the Board’s decision to kick Kyne out of its meeting is in compliance with Article V, Section 3(G) of the GGAA Constitution.

The Article in question reads thus: The Board shall have the power to investigate and reprimand any elected officer, or a Board Member for serious bridge of trust such as:1) embezzlement and/or misappropriation of the Association’s funds.”

Kyne was accused of embezzling (stealing) four thousand fifty five United States dollars (US$4,055.00) of the GGAA’s money entrusted into his possession during the 2007, 17th National Convention, held in Des Moines, Iowa.

A three Member Board Committee comprising Messrs. Isaac Vowal, Eric Kohn and Ambassador, Sam Seyon, was constituted which investigated and found Mr. Kyne guilty as charged.

Kyne has since refused to pay-in-full or part, or make any payment plan to refund the Association’s money. He has instead been arguing, “the Association should take me to court, if it believes, I stole money.”

The National Board seemingly elected not to pursue the legal route as Mr. Kyne suggested, but instead chose to take an administrative action, by kicking him out of its deliberations, until he complies by repaying the Association’s alleged stolen money.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kyne is warning that, “if the Board is not careful, the Iowa Chapter will break away from the Gedeh Union. They cannot come to our town, we hosted them, then they kicked me out of the Board meeting.” He observed.

However, when contacted regarding Mr. Kyne’s warning about a possible break away from the Gedeh Union by the Iowa Chapter, the chapter’s President, Alfred Zelee told the Independent Eye News, “Mr. Kyne does not speak on behalf of the Iowa Chapter.”

“Although he reserves the right to say or, make any pronouncement because he is entitled to his opinions,” President Zelee stressed, “but my administration does not subscribe to his position.”

“As President of the Iowa Chapter, I am the only one cothed with the authority of speaking on behalf of this chapter as such, Mr. Kyne’s comments are only his personal views which in no way, shape of form, represent the Iowa Chapter’s leadership.” President Zelee concluded.

When contacted for his reaction on the threat issued by Mr. Kyne to also sue the National Board for alleged deformation of character, Board Chairman, Eric Kohn said, “Until and unless Kyne reduces his threat into writing, I will not lend any credence to it.”

“What I do know,” Chairman Kohn explained, “Mr. Kyne has written the National Board through me, requesting a re-visitation of his case, claiming he was not involved in the final preparation of the GGAA 2007 17th National Convention Committee’s report. He was a Member of the committee.

As such, Kyne claimed, he was not given an opportunity of exonerating himself from the alleged stealing charged leveled against him, by the Grand Gedeh Association.

When contacted, Mr. Taplah Coleman, who chair the 2007 GGAA 17th National Convention Committee, dismissed Kyne’s claims that he was not involved in the final preparation of the report.

“How could he not be involved when in fact, he was the only one who handled all the physical cash? As a matter of fact, every Member of the Committee was fully aware, because we met three times, before the final report was submitted to the National Board.” Mr. Colman maintained.”

Mr. Kyne is the first official to issue a threat of lawsuit against the Independent Eye News. The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News, considers Mr. Kyne’s threat as a hollow (empty) one, only intended as a bluff.”

“While the Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News respects and believes very strongly in the United States judicial system, it will never be cow into submission by Monsters masquerading as political leaders.”

“We will never be intimidated by Conmen of the old order, who only thrive on threats and intimidation of the media for their self glorification, with the hope of silencing freedom of the press and speech.”

“We wish to remind them including Mr. Kyne that those methods are workable only in a third world country like Liberia and not here in the great United States of America, the bacon of all freedoms.”

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News, welcomes feedback (comments/reactions) to any of our publications from our readership. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON
PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR
INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), WWW.INDEYE.ORG
TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM-(763) 226-3634-CELL

The Organization of Liberians in Minnesota (OLM), has executed an elections guideline of the Union of Liberian Association in the Americas (ULAA), apportioning only fifteen (15) delegates to the ULAA Minnesota Chapter.

In a three count resolution issued on Wednesday, September 7, the OLM Board said, its action was a result of an Elections Guideline of ULAA, which “requires Chapters to submit fifteen Members in good standing as “DELEGATES” to the Saturday, October 1, Special Elections.”

The three count OLM Resolution, copy of which is in the possession of the Independent Eye News (IEN), was signed by all the remaining seven of the original nine Members of the OLM Board.

The OLM Resolution number 0811 also cited Article VI, Section 5.03 of the OLM Constitution, which defines Member in good standing as a person who is current with monthly due payment of ten United States dollars (US$10.00).

However, the OLM, speaking through Board Member, Richard Parker, said the OLM was charging from January 1, through up to December 31, at (US$10.00) a month, bringing to total the full sum, one hundred twenty dollars (US$120.00) instead of (US$100.00).

Mr. Parker explained that the payment period was extended by an extra two months covering the period January 1, through December 31, rather than October 30, because an unforeseen situation could develop where the ULAA elections period could be extended.

He did not however say whether or not the extra (US$20.00) being collected per person will be refunded to the payees in the event the ULAA elections were not extended for the “unforeseen situation” as he predicted.

Critics say the extra twenty dollars pre-payment is unreasonable, equating it to a scenario where a Police Officer issues a (US$75.00) traffic violation ticket to a motorist instead of (US$50.00). The officer then informs the motorist that “the extra (US$25.00) charge was necessary incase of a future traffic violation.”

The OLM Board also disclosed that its September 7 Resolution sanctioning the ULAA Election Guideline was authorized during a Special Call Meeting of the OLM on Friday, August 12.

It (Resolution) authorized the appointment of a two-Member OLM Board Committee named, ULAA DELEGATE SELECTION COMMITTEE, which was charged with selecting fifteen OLM Members in good standing.

The Resolution which was signed by the remaining seven of the nine Board Members included Members, Zubah G. Kpanaku, Kamaty Diahn and Margret Toweh.

Others were, Lt. Richard Parker, Mr. Bangalli Trawally, who is also the Treasurer of the OLM Board and Mr. Richard Sondah, Chairman of the OLM Board of Directors.

The Resolution Committee’s Members were Lt. Richard Parker and Mrs. Margret Toweh. The Committee was given a two-day term of reference which ran from 5:00PM Friday, September 9, through 10:00PM on Saturday, September 10.

The selection process was carried out on a first come, first served basis.
The registration process was conducted at the offices of the Organization of Liberians in Minnesota (OLM), at 7001 78th Avenue North, Suit 200, Brooklyn Park, MN 55308.

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News, welcomes feedback (comments, reactions) to any of our publications from our readership. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON
PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR
INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), WWW.INDEYE.ORG
TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM-(763) 226-3634-CELL

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), views the electoral system of the Union of Liberian Association in the Americas (ULAA), as a national disgrace to the Diaspora Liberian Community.

ULAA, once considered a very powerful political force and an advocacy group which once played the role of the Liberian Legislature, for its checks and balance role to the power of the Liberian government, has now lost its political mojo (charm).

ULAA has now been reduced to a kangaroo, self glorifying, toothless, bulldog surviving on past glory. Its major function is now limited to promoting Political Flunkies, whose sole objective is to gain fame politically and obtain a Liberian government job at the end of the day, as a result.

ULAA’s electoral system which forbids the practice of ONE MAN, ONE VOTE, electoral system, excludes a vast majority of the Membership of the Liberian Community from the democratic process. This situation is tantamount to a political mayhem.

ULAA’s electoral system of hand picking political cronies and poodles as “DELEGATES” without allowing a popular vote to democratically elect the so-called “DELEGATES.” is mind bugling. This kind of system amount to false representation of the people.

This kind of electoral system within ULAA, also makes us vulnerable as a community and leaves our fate in the hands of the highest financial bidders, who have the power to use what we term “FINANCIAL VIOLENCE,” to purchase the few “DELEGATES.”

There are also Political Vampires, ready to suck out our voting blood out of our free sense of judgment, by predetermining our votes at the national polls. As the popular saying goes, “HE WHO PAYS THE PIPER, DETERMINES THE MUSIC.”

This brings us to the question; how did these Political Flunkies and Financial Vampires who are nothing but job seekers, come up with this kind of system of selecting outside of the democratic process, rather than electing the so-called “DELEGATES?”

By what yardsticks did these Political Miscreants determine that for example, a mid western state with a very huge Liberian population as Minnesota, is entitled to only fifteen (votes) “DELEGATES?”

This kind of system amounts to governance of the governed without consent. This system also robs ULAA of any legitimacy to govern, or serve as a credible community organization.

This system of willful exclusion of majority of the Liberian Community from the decision making process, especially through the democratic process, is absolutely unacceptable and it must be condemned, eliminated in replaced.

It excludes a vast majority of the ULAA Membership, from participating in a genuine democratic electoral process. This is why we vowed to fight it tooth and nail, to ensure it is eradicated. This is our vow and this is our calling.

This is not just a very big shame, but a very big national disgrace to all of us as Liberians, being the very first country on the dark continent of Africa, to have tasted democracy, no matter how fragile it may have been.

As Liberians, whose country on the dark continent was the first to enjoy freedom, a symbol which the LONE STAR, on our national flag represents to this day and forever. It is a national disgrace, that we have nothing to show today, after one hundred sixty-five years of existence

Is this the kind of democracy we are practicing here in the great United States, the mother of modern democracy? Is this the kind of democracy we see here in this great country, where all of us are enjoying unlimited freedoms, as citizens of the whole wide world?

As Liberians, from a country which produce the first female President, of the General Assembly of the United Nations, in the person of Mrs. Angie Brooks-Randolph, what do we have to show today, after one hundred sixty-five years of existence?

As Liberians, from a country which produced the first female President on the continent of Africa, in the person of Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, what do we have to show to our children and their children’s’ children, after all these years of existence?

What do we have to say to the world community now? What can we tell our brothers, sisters, neighbors and even citizens of the world, that this is what we have to show, after one hundred sixty-five years of existence?

Where are the Arthur Watsons, Emmanuel Wehtees, Anthony Kessellys, our then young democratic militant of the 1980s? Is this all you guys have to offer the Diaspora Liberian Community, here in the great United States of America, after one hundred sixty-five years of existence?

What a national disgrace, Gentlemen? Is this what we will carry back home to Liberia as a political achievement? What a big shame Man? What moral standing do we have now, to call our leaders all kinds of names including dictators?

Is this your brand of modern democracy, or what we classify as “LIBERIANCRACY?” This type of LIBERIANCRACY (exclusion) reminds us about the passage in Primer Two which reads in part, “I AM IN, GO ON, IS HE TO GO IN? NO! HE IS TO GO ON. ON, ON WE GO, Liberiancracy (exclusion) policy?

If this is not dictatorship and a system of Liberiancracy (exclusion) of thousands of our fellow compatriots (citizens), by recklessly disenfranchising us, then we don’t know what to call it. Can somebody please help us find the name?

We, the Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), realize that by just writing about this major cancer in our community, will not automatically eliminate it. However, there are people in our community who we believe, have the capacity to cure this curable disease.

In this light, this is our calling. First, we, the Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News, call for a constitutional amendment of the ULAA constitution, to create an avenue where ONE MAN, ONE VOTE system, will be the order of the day.

Our second calling is that NATIONAL ELECTIONS be held throughout the United States, where all Liberians, or a significant majority will have the right, to register and vote in the democratic process in determining ULAA’s leadership henceforth. These are just two key of the many changes we are calling for now!

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), calls on the above named gentlemen, to help correct the system they either put into place, or presided over for nearly a decade now.

We, the Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News (IEN), assure you that we vow never to rest until this cancerous disease in our political culture, is eradicated. We believe the Diaspora Liberian Community should be in the position to serve as a role model for a good political system.

We are fully prepared, ready and willing to go to any possible rationale length, to help in the process. This is our calling, this is our vow.

The Editorial Staff of the Independent News welcomes feedback to any of our publications from our readership. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON
PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR
INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), WWW.INDEYE.ORG
TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM-(763) 226-3634-CELL

For allegedly stealing Grand Gedeans’ money entrusted into his possession, the National Board of Directors of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas (GGAA), voted unanimously and kicked out Iowa Chapter’s representative, Henry Z. Kyne, from its deliberations.

Kyne, Iowa, who reportedly failed to give account of four thousand fifty-five United States dollars (US$4,055.00) from the 2007 GGAA 17,th National Convention, held in Des Moines, Iowa, was present at this year’s National Board meeting, but was kicked out.

Prior to kicking Mr. Kyne out, National Board’s then lame duck Chairman, Isaac Vowal, Illinois, laid out Mr. Kyne’s role in the stealing of the National Association’s money in the sum of four thousand fifty-five United States dollars (US$4,055.00), since 2007.

Members of the National Board then commenced a spirited debate concerning Kyne’s status and participation in the Board’s deliberations, with corruption charge hovering over his head.

Making his contribution to the debate, then out going Board Co-Chairman, Philip Wahblo, New York, made a starling revelation that Mr. Kyne wrote a letter admitting guilt to the charge leveled against him (Kyne), but pleaded for forgiveness. He regretted not having the letter in his possession at the meeting.

Wahblo emphasized, “people do not plead for forgiveness when they did nothing wrong” adding, “Kyne is a very good family friend, but when it comes to Grand Gedeans’ money, we cannot compromise.”

The soft spoken, but tough talking Wahblo, pointed out, “if I were in Mr. Kyne’s shore right now, I will politely walk out of this Board meeting, rather than sit here listening to my colleagues bashing me all day.”

Wahblo spoke bitterly against what he referred to as, “the culture of impunity” saying, “whenever someone is accused of corruption and is even found guilty, our people will usually say, let him be. Let bygone be bygone. This must stop.” He declared.

Mr. Eric Kohn, Missouri, outgoing Parliamentarian, who also served as Secretary of the three-man Investigation Committee which probed the Kyne corruption allegation in 2007, exhibited a copy of the Kyne corruption report.

The three man Board Investigation Committee was headed by then Board Co-Chairman, Isaac Vowal, with Missouri’s Eric Kohn as Secretary and Ambassador, Sam Sayon, Iowa, as Member.

Secretary Kohn gave graphic details of how Kyne admitted to his role in the corruption case, by identifying his signatures on almost all the receipts shown him (Kyne) as exhibits, during the investigation.

Kohn narrated that Kyne was however unable to match the receipts with the total amount of GGAA money stolen, leaving a difference of four thousand fifty-five United States dollars (US$4,055.00), unaccounted for, by Mr. Kyne.

Kohn further disclosed, “it is regrettable that since 2007, Mr. Kyne has made no efforts whatsoever to make any payment either through a payment plan, or other means. This is unacceptable.” He maintained.

Mr. Harrison Saydee, New England, pleaded with his colleagues not to allow Kyne to go with impunity saying, “we cannot allow Kyne to attend the Board meeting with questionable character. He must first pay our money, before he participates.

Mr. Amos Collins, who proxy for Mr. Moses Zoahan, New England, reminded his colleagues, “the constitution must be respected. We cannot be holding others accountable for corruption, while our own colleague is caught in a corruption web and allow him to go with impunity.”

Mr. Lawrence Teah, Kentucky, said, “all those who have spoken are credible and trustworthy people as such, we cannot have people in our mist with tinted character, but my concern here is, how do we get our money from Mr. Kyne?” He wondered.

Mr. Moses Teah, Indiana, expressed concern over whether Mr. Kyne was ever written formally by the Board, informing him about his guilt and the consequences thereof” adding,” if he were formally written, he would not have come here to waste our (Board’s) time unnecessarily.”

Mr. Dennis Bowah, South Dakota, expressed similar concern saying “if Mr. Kyne were formally written about his guilt and the consequences, he might not have shown up at the National Board meeting.”

Mr. Grear Nayou, Florida, wanted to know whether kicking Mr. Kyne out of the GGAA National Board meeting, will help recover the Grand Gedeh Association’s stolen money?

Mr. Kyne was not without a few friends. Mr. V. Marcus Kooler, Minnesota, pleaded with his colleagues to give Kyne a second chance, by reconstituting another Board Committee, to re-investigate his (Kyne’s) alleged role in the Gedeh money theft.

However, Kooler’s plead fell on deaf ears as Members of the National Board were determined to teach their new suspect a lesson, with the hope of ensuring the culture of impunity does not reign within the Diaspora Gedeh Community.

Another one of Kyne’s friends who also pleaded on his behalf, was Mr. Joe Kweh, Missouri. Kweh tried to counter an earlier starling revelation by Mr. Philip Wahblo, that Kyne wrote admitting guilt and pleaded for forgiveness.

In an apparent attempt to save his friend, Kweh noted, “in the letter I read from Mr. Kyne, I did not see any admission of guilt” adding, “unless I read a separate letter from him (Kyne).”

Kweh’s attempt did nothing to dissuade Members of the National Board who were prepared to set an example on one of their own. “Being a Member of the National Board is no guarantee to act with impunity.” Commented an Observer, who preferred anonymity.

When given the opportunity to speak on his own behalf, Kyne told his colleagues, “I denied all my signatures during the investigation, but I was not given the chance to defend myself.”

But admits mounting pressure on him to leave the Board meeting, Kyne said,” I will however leave this meeting because I don’t was to associate with anything that will retard Grand Gedeans’ progress.”

“I am leaving this meeting not because I am a theft.” Kyne, who wore a remorseful face but repeatedly interrupted his colleagues throughout the deliberation declared, as he was being escorted out of the Board room.

Kyne was finally kicked out of the National Board’s meeting after nearly two hours of deliberation on his status. Unfortunately, the Iowa Chapter was not represented at the meeting which also elected the Eric Kohn National Board leadership.

The Iowa Chapter’s Board Secretary, Mrs. Felicia Reeves-Seo was conspicuously absent. When contacted by the Independent Eye News (IEN), She said, “I had no information about the Board meeting, let alone its venue. I was kept completely in the dark.” She did not however say who kept her in the dark.

In a related development on the Kyne corruption case, several attempts made by former national leaders including National President, Henry Kohn Glay and Mr. Isaac Vowal, to retrieve the Association’s money proved futile, as Kyne remained adamant.

In his Tuesday, November 27, 2007 letter to Mr. Kyne, former National President Glay suggested that Kyne makes payment arrangements to settle the Association’s money issue, but the suggestion was seemingly ignored.

In the letter to Mr. Kyne, copy of which is in the possession of the Independent Eye News (IEN), President Glay wrote, “this is a reminder of our October 2, 2008 letter regarding the existing debt owed the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas, Inc.”

President Glay’s letter continue, “the money you owe is in the amount of four thousand fifty dollars (US$4,055.00) from the 2007 Convention activities reported by Mr. Eric Kohn’s Committee.”

“Cognizant of the October 2, letter, a three week deadline was indicated for the payment of the amount owed. Unfortunately, you made no efforts or show no courtesy to acknowledge receipt of our communication on the aforesaid indebted issue, or contact the National Treasurer to settle your obligation.”

“Consistent with the forgoing, this letter will serve as our final notice to you that you have up to the December 20,th to make payment arrangement, or pay in full, the amount owed the Association.” President Glay gave Kyne an ultimatum.

“Make all payments to the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas, Inc. and mail same to Mrs. Edith Mahn Kar, National Treasurer.” Glay instructed Kyne in his letter.

“This is necessary and an imperative, to avoid any incontinences that might be, as a result of an appropriate legal action with severe consequences. Glay warned Kyne in no uncertain terms.

However, the former National President concluded his letter with a friendly advice to Mr. Kyne saying. “Please make necessary arrangement to settle your debt with the office of the Treasurer.” He pleaded with Kyne passionately.

Also making efforts to collect the Association’s stolen money was GGAA former National Board Chairman, Isaac Vowal. In one of his dateless letters to Iowa Chapter’s former President, Mark Nyemah, Chairman Vowal tried in vein to collect the money.

The Editorial Staff of the Independent News welcomes feedback (comments/reactions) to any of our publications from our readership. We guarantee you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON
PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR
INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), WWW.INDEYE.ORG
TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM-(763) 226-3634-CELL

The National Board of Directors, the second powerful organ in the line of authority within the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas (GGAA), now has a new Chairman. He is Mr. Eric Vowar Kohn.

Missouri Chapter’s Eric Kohn, as he is commonly referred to by his colleagues on the National Board, was considered the Challenger who defeated National Board former Co-Chairman, Philip Wahblo, of the New York Chapter.

Out of the twenty-one National Board Members including proxies present at the Board elections meeting, Mr. Kohn, as expected, swept fourteen (14) votes leaving only seven (7) votes for his opponent, Wahblo.

Kohn is regarded a progressive, with enormous legislative experience, haven worked for the Liberian Legislature for nearly a decade, in the west African Republic of Liberia, in the 1980s.

Kohn is also widely considered a consensus builder, but he narrowly lost his bid for the Board’s chairmanship to then National Board Co-Chairman, Isaac Vowal, during the GGAA 19th National Convention, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 2009.

Kohn’s victory over the long time veteran National Board Member, who was also Co-Chairman of the Board, was historic, because of his (Wahblo’s) longevity of nearly thirty (30) years (three decades) of service within the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas.

It is unknown whether Wahblo will now retire, or remain the Big Apple’s representative perpetually, as his best friend, Harrison Saydee of the New England Chapter has being doing.

The National Board’s Chairmanship has been up for grasp since the expiration of the legal tenure of the Vowal leadership on Sunday, May 29, 2011. Vowal however hang on as lame duck chairman pending the Board leadership elections.

In his prepared campaign platform, Mr. Kohn outlined his vision for the National Board over the next one year. He pledged to restore dignity and respect to the National Board.

He promised to encourage both old and new National Board Members, to attend leadership workshops and continued orientation system, as a means of restoring the National Board’s dignity and respect.

Kohn vowed, “my administration will ensure the National Board Rules governing its Members, are applied in accordance with the sprit and letter, but where they run contrary to the National Constitution, good sense judgment will suffice.”

He noted that the National Board will work through its Standing, Special and/or Ad Hoc Committees, which will make recommendations to the entire Board for its deliberation and final decision.

Chairman Kohn warned against the practice of the entire National Board wasting valuable time as has been the case, sometimes between five to six hours on teleconferences, debating an issue that could rather be handled by a Committee.

He pledged to establish an effective, cordial working relationship between and amongst the leaderships and Memberships of the National Board and the Collins National Administration.

Kohn explained that this was necessary for the benefit of both the Diaspora and homeland Grand Gedeh Communities. “This is intended to prevent the usual unnecessary tug-of-war between the two institutions.”

The Chairman however emphasized, “I pledge to ensure the National Board maintains its checks and balance posture, by working with the National Administration in accordance with the GGAA Constitution and By-Laws.”

He expressed his willingness to work cooperatively with the media, most especially the Gedeh media, by ensuring the Grand Gedeh Communities are kept properly informed, about developments on the National Board.

The elections of the Kohn interim leadership was in fulfillment of a constitutional amendment, proposed by the William Nyanue Constitution Review Commission (CRC).

The proposed amendments were sanctioned by the GGAA National Conference, the supreme decision making body within the Gedeh Gedeh Association.

The William Nyanue Constitution Review Commission (CRC), on which Mr. Kohn served as Co-Chairman, determined the National Board’s tenure as a two year term, unlike the amended constitution which left the Board’s tenure undetermined.

The National Board’s two-year tenure will commence effective as of May, 2012, when the Board’s new leadership elections are expected to be held during the GGAA 22nd National Convention, in Florida.

Former lame duck National Board Chairman, Isaac Vowal and his Co-Chairman, Philip Wahblo tried in vein, to get the elected Kohn leadership to sign a pledge not to contest the Board’s new leadership elections in Florida.

The Vowal/Wahblo leadership claimed that it took a decision at one of its leadership meetings that whoever is elected to the interim leadership should sign a pledge not to contest the 2012 National leadership elections, but the decision was said to have vehemently opposed by Mr. Kohn.

The pledge was to ostensibly ban any official of the interim leadership from participating in the 2012 National Board leadership elections, but the attempt was aborted on constitutional grounds.

Chairman Kohn told the Independent Eye News (IEN), in an exclusive interview, “I will not commit myself to any unconstitutional maneuvering or manipulation, that has the propensity of stirring up chaos within the Gedeh Union.”

The Chairman argued, “the National Board has fifteen chapters represented on it as such, only five individuals who constitute the Board’s leadership cannot take a major decision such as attempting to disenfranchise other Members.”

“This is a major decision and any major decision taken the Board’s leadership must be ratified by a majority Membership of the entire Board, before it becomes binding as a decision of the National Board.” He argued conclusively.

Those elected as the National Board’s new interim leadership were, Messrs. Eric Vowar Kohn, Missouri, Chairman, V. Marcus Kooler, Minnesota, Co-Chairman and Dennis Bawoh, South Dakota, General-Secretary.

The rest are Messrs. Columbus Zinnah, Indiana, Parliamentarian and Harrison Saydee, New England, Chaplain. Mr. Saydee retained his Chaplain ship on the National Board. Messrs. Bowah, Zinnah and Saydee were all elected by acclamation.

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News, welcomes feedback (comments/reactions) to any of our publications from our readership. We guarantee you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE..

BY: TARNYON NYENON
PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR
INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN),WWW.INDEYE.ORG
TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM-(763) 223-3634-CELL

The National President of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas (GGAA), Mr. Tillman Nuahnee Collins, has called on the “Government of Liberia (GOL), not to shy away from her responsibilities.”

“While we seek partnerships with philanthropy organizations in the areas of health, education, pipe borne water, sanitation, road construction and electricity, the Liberian Government must equally shoulder her responsibilities.” President Collins emphasized.

Mr. Collins remarks were contained in his speech on the theme, ‘TOGETHER WE CAN BUILD A BETTER AND PROSPEROUS FUTURE,’ while addressing Grand Gedeans and other Liberians in the Iowan Capital, Des Moines on Saturday, September 3.

The GGAA Chief Executive then stressed, “Our Administration will begin a process of constructive engagement with the Liberian Government at all fronts, in the attainment and restoration of basic services to our County and people.”

In President Collins’ speech, copy of which is in the possession of the Independent Eye News (IEN), he described as “appalling the health conditions at the Martha Tubman Memorial Hospital (MTMH), the only major health care center in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County.”

He graphically described the conditions of some patients “who sometime die from the least and common curable diseases,” a situation he referred to as “regrettable and unacceptable.”

President Collins also regretted what he described as “the very poor method of transporting patients in wheelbarrows and on motor bikes in this twenty first century.”

He maintained that some of the patients sometimes end up on the bare hospital floors, a situation which according to him, sometimes contribute to premature deaths.”

The Grand Gedeh Chief Executive Officer (CEO), then reminded his fellow compatriots, “the time has come and the time is now for us to dust our selves off and pick up the broken pieces and begin the task of restoring and propelling ourselves for nobler destiny.”

“We must make our Association one of service and care. We must be bold in our actions, clear in our vision as the restoration process will not come overnight, or at the blink of the eye.” He opined.

“Restoration of sanity will neither come as a result of just pledging moral support. It will require all of us to unify our ranks and files and work collaboratively with oneness of purpose.” President Collins pleaded.

“Grand Gedeans must once again prove their trustworthiness, dedication, commitment and proven track record of accountability. We cannot keep the Association stagnated and strangulated.” He declared.

“Taking one step forward and two steps backwards is no progress.” Collins observed. He then urged the leadership of the National Board of Directors and all Grand Gedeans, to become “partners in progress” adding, “together we can build a prosperous future.” He opined.

In another development, President Collins has revealed, “the Gedeh Union has grown in size and strength, with the birth of the Rhode Island Chapter during our embryonic administration.” The President observed.

Meanwhile Mr. Collins has disclosed that seven new applications have been received from seven additional Gedeh populated states, seeking chapter status within the Gedeh Union.

He named those states as North Carolina, Colorado, Kentucky, Michigan, Tennessee, Texas and New Jersey. It is note worthy that New Jersey was once a chapter within the Gedeh Union, but apparently lost her chapter status because of her protracted dormancy.

The GGAA Chief Executive pointed out “our founding father made no mistake when they founded this Noble Organization known as the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas (GGAA).”

President Collins said “we are under obligation to maintaining and upholding the sprit of selflessness, unity and empathy amongst us all in fostering the good ideals and vision for this Association.” He pledged.

He then noted, “whilst we create and establish new chapters within the Union, we must allow the establishment of autonomous branches within those states with chapter such as Pittsburg in Pennsylvania and Rochester, Syracuse and Buffalo in New York.”

He argued that those cities are heavily populated with Grand Gedeans, but unfortunately the distances between those locales and the headquarters of the respective chapters are hundreds of miles away.

He then throw out an appeal to the National Board of Directors and the 22nd National Conference, slated to be held in Florida, in 2012, to according to him, “resolve this long standing problem.”

Political Pundits are puzzled by President Collins’ call for autonomous chapter status within a given state, which is tantamount to establishing two chapters within one state, contrary to the William Nyanue revised GGAA Constitution, of which he was a part.

Article III, MEMBERSHIP under (F) reads in part, “Pursuant to the spirit and letter of Article II, Section 1(A), all Grand Gedeans living in any given state of the United States of America and other countries of the Americas and Canada, who desire to establish a local Grand Gedeh Association shall organize themselves under one (1) State Association.”

“It shall therefore be unlawful under this Constitution and By-Laws, for the Board of Directors of the Association to certify and recognize more than one local Grand Gedeh Association in any given state.”

(G) “However, each local Grand Gedeh Association shall structure its constitution to allow for the establishment of branches of the local Association throughout its state jurisdiction, except that no branch shall have less than ten (10) Members and be located within a hundred mile radius of an existing branch or the seat of the local chapter.”

President Collins’ suggestion for chapter branch autonomy automatically calls for the establishment of two chapters within one state in violation of the constitution and effectively undermining the very constitution he presided over.” Opined a Political Analyst.

It is note worthy that Mr. Collins served as Secretary of the Nyanue Constitution Review Commission (CRC). He seemingly failed to bring up this latest proposal while on the Commission, but chose to do so, less than four months after assuming office as National President. Opined a Political Observer.

In another development, the GGAA National President has vowed that his administration will prioritize among many projects within ‘PLAN RESTORATION,’ the complete renovation of the Martha Tubman Memorial Hospital (MTMH).”

President Collins also pledged, to ensure healthcare delivery throughout the county adding, “we will ensure and assure you that the hospital will meet acceptable standards when the renovation is completed.”

He further vowed to “embank on the construction of two Health Centers within the districts to be designated by the Health Committee of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas.”

Political Observers are wondering whether or not the Health Committee being referred to by President Collins is a Special or Ad Hoc Committee, since there is no Health Committee within the GGAA Constitution.

President Collins also promised that his administration will revisit the Scholarship Scheme saying, “our administration in collaboration with the National Board of Directors, will revisit our scholarship program.”

He said following the revalidation, “the Collins Administration will begin awarding scholarships to our Members here in the United States and also to our brothers and sisters in Liberia, to study in the medical and Agriculture fields.” He declared.

Observers described as a dramatic shift in policy by President Collins, from the William Nyanue Administration’s scholarships program which focus on teachers and nurses, since the county has an acute shortage in those two most vital fields, rather than Agriculture.

President Collins launched another appeal for the realization of a long time dream of a Community Center, for the Grand Gedeh Association in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania saying, “the need for a community Center cannot be overemphasized.”

The GGAA Chief Executive concluded by pointing out,“all of the projects as laid out, are attainable within fifteen months.” Collins was elected for a twenty-four months tenure of office as GGAA National President.

He then launched another appeal to “all chapters to begin organizing fund raising programs within their various chapters for these projects.” He appealed directly to all sectional Associations, Youth Groups and Social Clubs, to “contribute to this worthy cause.”

As a manifestation of his administration’s preparedness, President Collins announced plans to transfer the sum of United States twenty thousand dollars (US$20,000.00) from the GGAA existing account, as the initial deposit.

The account, named ‘SPECIAL PROJECT ACCOUNT, will be placed in an escrow (untouched) account which will remain as such for nothing else other than the projects earmarked.

Critics say while they applaud President Collins’ brilliant ideals, they are doubtful of his ability to implement all of these magnificent projects within a twenty-four month period, let alone in fifteen months as he indicated.

“It is easier said than done.” said the Critics. It is now a big challenge to President Collins whether or not, he has the capacity of proving his Critics wrong, by implementing at least fifty percent of his earmarked projects.

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News welcomes feedback (comments/reactions) to any of our publications from our readership to any of our publications and we assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON
PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR
INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), WWW.INDEYE.ORG
TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM-(763) 226-3634-CELL

The man once considered the most powerful National President of the Konobo Statutory Association (KSDA), Mr. James Youboty, has been defeated in his reelection bid to succeed himself.

In a walloping (crushing defeat) of the mighty Youboty by a margin of twenty-seven (27) votes difference, the little known Solomon Nyenonbior Tarley swept the presidential race. The elections climaxed KSDA’s 7th National Convention held in Kansas City, Missouri, on Saturday, August 27.

Out of the seventy-nine total votes cast, Challenger, Tarley secured fifty (50) votes, while incumbent National President, James Youboty got only twenty-seven (27) votes total. Two ballots were discarded for double markings, thus bringing to total seventy-nine (79) votes total.

Youboty’s defeat has been described by historians as an equivalent of the old biblical story in which little David (Tarley) defeated the mighty Goliath (Youboty), because the latter had a high profile name advantage.

Youboty’s high name profile seems not to have bothered Members of KSDA, who determinedly voted overwhelmingly, during the Association’s democratic presidential elections booting Youboty out of office, making him only a one term National President.

Following the democratic elections which took place on Saturday, August 27, in Kansas City, Missouri, Mr. Youboty conceded defeat and pledged to give his support to the new Tarley Administration.

Mr. Solomon Tarley, who challenged and successfully defeated Mr. Youboty is the current Vice President of the Missouri Chapter of the Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas (GGAA).

Prior to his election as National President of the Konobo Statutory District Association in the Americas (KSDA), Tarley served as General-Secretary of KSDA during the last year of the Arthur Quaye Administration as National President of KSDA, (2008-2009).

Tarley was the Financial-Secretary of the Missouri Chapter of KSDA and has been serving in similar capacity, for the Moses Porker Harris Association (MPHA), since 2009 to date.

In an exclusive interview with the Independent Eye News prior to the elections, Mr. Tarley disclosed plans to encourage inclusiveness within KSDA, something he claims is lacking in the Youboty Administration at the moment.

He specifically cited the Association’s Board of Directors, which according to him, is dominated by only Konobo speaking Members, a situation which is discouraging the other three ethnic groups from actively participating in KSDA’s activities. He alleged.

He then pledged to ensure all four ethnic groups including the Konabos, Twahbos, Putus and Gleos, who make up the entire Konobo Statutory District, are represented on the National Board of the Association, unlike the structure during the Youboty Administration.

Mr. Tarley was however quick to added, “I am recommending an expansion of the Board’s present Membership, to include the other three ethnic groups on the Board. I am not seeking the removal of the Konobo speaking Members from the Board.” He emphasized.

Tarley also expressed grave concern over what he referred to as “the lack of a comprehensive Membership data base for the single most populated district in the Grand Gedeh County. This is a shame,” he noted.

Tarley further stressed the need for the mass involvement of the youth in the Association’s activities and the introduction of an Identification card scheme, if elected National President of the Association.

Mr. Tarley pledged to introduce a scholarship scheme wherein potential beneficiaries in the teaching and healthcare fields, will be given an opportunity, to enter into a two-year contractual agreement with KSDA.

The agreement according to Mr. Tarley, will bind the beneficiaries to return to Konobo District to provide teaching and healthcare services, upon graduation from wherever higher institution of learning.

Those elected as the new National Leaders of KSDA for the next three years (August 2011-August 2014) are, Messrs. Solomon Tarley, Augustus William, George Wah, Gibson Garwo, as President, Vice President, General-Secretary and Treasurer, respectively.

Others are Messrs. Brooks Nyemah and Mr. Shad Deah, as Financial-Secretary and Chaplain respectively. Mr. Tarley also indicated at the time that a candidate for the position of Parliamentarian is being sought.

The Youboty/Wolo-Smith National Leadership Team which lost the elections comprised, Mr. James Youboty, Mrs. Edith Wolo-Smith, Mr. Jacob Collins and Ms. Comfort Zulu. They were candidates for President, Vice President, General-Secretary and Treasurer, respectively.

Others were, Messrs. Gabriel Myers, Jr., and Joseph Wulu Doe, candidates for Parliamentarian and Chaplain respectively. Mr. Youboty disclosed at the time that a candidate for the position of Financial-Secretary was being sought.

Members of KSDA Independent Elections Commission (IEC) were, Mr. T. Gaye Zulu, Chairman, Ms. Susana Willie, Co-Chair and Mr. Quaye Clarke, Secretary. The rest were, Ms. Annie Willie and Mr. Melvin Gaye.

The Editorial Staff of the Independent Eye News welcomes feedback (comments/reactions) to any of our publications. We assure you, your feedback will be published without censorship.

THE INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), THE FASTEST AND LEADING NAME IN NEWS. WE REPORT, YOU DECIDE.

BY: TARNYON NYENON
PUBLISHER & MANAGING EDITOR
INDEPENDENT EYE NEWS (IEN), WWW.INDEYE.ORG
TNYENON59@YAHOO.COM-(763) 226-3634-CELL