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EFLA conference March 25th, 2006 was a success! Please read the conference resolution

Europe-based Liberians Want Diplomatic Missions Upgraded

Inauguration 2006

RESOLUTION FROM MARCH 25^TH 2006 CONFERENCE IN THE
NETHERLANDS, THE CITY OF DELFT

The European Federation of Liberian Associations (EFLA)

WHEREAS, Liberians residing in Europe, representing various Liberian organizations  within the European Union participated in summit held in Delft, The Netherlands  March 25, 2006 to discuss present and future plan of action of EFLA over the coming years;
 WHEREAS, numerous issues have been noted, and they include the following:
1) EFLA Constitution
2) The 5 years plan and committees report
3) EFLA Financial sustainability 

Whereas the conference received welcome remarks and greetings from all participating EFLA Members and participants;  

Whereas, in his address to the conference, the President of EFLA, Mr. Elvis Morris thanked the organizers and delegates for their hard work in putting the conference together and stressed on unity amongst EFLA members and indicated that nothing can be achieved with out total participation of each and everybody. He spoke about the aims and objectives of the EFLA and the successful participation of a high power ELFA delegation in the Inauguration ceremony. He rapped on the meeting with President Ellen Sirleaf at the Executive Mansion in collaboration with the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA) to discuss reforms in the new Liberia and proposing an All Liberian Conference to be held in Monrovia as a follow up to the one organized by the EFLA and ULAA held in Maryland, USA in April, 2005. 

Whereas, Plenary was broken into group session and deliberated on the following issues relating to the 5 year development program namely, Education, Health, Agriculture and Resettlement and Integration. 

Whereas, the Conference received a report from Finance Committee headed by Mr. Washington Sulonteh on the financial status of the EFLA and programs geared towards fundraising for financial sustainability; 

        The Conference resolved the following:

The constitution was discussed and adopted; however, proposed amendments shall be communicated via e-mail to the ELFA leadership for further discussion in the next Face to Face meeting; 

The conference agreed to do comprehensive project proposals on the reports and recommendations from the various committees below:     

   Report from Education Committee (Identification of three project areas)

       Liberian Educational structure

       Teachers Training (trainer to train)

       Vocational Training program

       Revision of Government Policies on Education

       Look at Possibilities, Motivational factors and Stumbling blocks in this area

       Will get back to the body with a well detailed report

 Report from Agriculture Committee

       Project will take into consideration other crops like eddoes, cassava, etc other than rice

       Minimize MOA/GOL influence to avoid any form of mismanagement of project funds or resources

       Encourage the migration of Farmers from Urban (Monrovia) to rural areas

 Report form Health Committee (modification to this project)

       Have geographical focus to commence the project

       Broaden the project to curative and preventive Health

       Project time frame should be 3yrs

       Getting out strategy – prepare to turn project over to government after goals have been achieved (80%)

       Capacity building – make use of Diaspora talents, technical and medical supports for the project

       More assessment needed to detail the project – Ministry of Health (Liberia) 

The plenary deliberated on Resettlement issues and recommended the following:

       The idea of resettlement should not be considered by ELFA

       Gives asylum seekers the opportunity to pursue some sort of education which will enhanced their career

       Security should be uplifted to proceed with the resettlement

       A data base should be setup by ELFA for all asylum seekers in Europe

       A letter be written to the immigration to halt repatriation of Liberians

       Integration be considered instead of repatriation 

Report from Finance committee

·         ELFA need an office space in Belgium costing 376475euros. However, it was voted and passed that ELFA shared the office space with the Liberian Association in Belgium for the period of two years

·         Fund raising activities to support the budget (staging a queen contest, dance and food sales)

·         Payment of dues by member organizations of 150euros per quarter was voted upon and approved

·         That an account be open at the Fortis Bank with ELFA’s president, financial secretary, and a member of the financial committee serving as signatories to the banking document

·         There were additional people added to the existing ways and means committee. Those added on this committee are Djiba Kamara, Sumo Jackson, Abu Sackor, Levi Garmah and Sampson Diallo. 

The conference further resolved that:

·         A committee headed by Mr. Amandou Kromah is to address the repatriation issue. 

·         A committee is to discuss Liberian Association of Holland letter of complaint to ELFA. Those serving on this committee are Mr. D. Jerkins, Mr. E. Morris and Mr. K. Kimba. 

·         All committees should submit their comprehensive report at the end of May, 2006. 

Done this 25^th Day of March 2005 in the city of Delft, The Netherlands

  ATTENDANCE

Elvis G. Morris ……………….Liberian Association of France
Emily Morris  ………………… Liberian Association of France
Sam Dobor …………………... Liberian Association of France
Elizabeth Jallah ……………... Liberian Association of France
Washington Sulonteh ……..... Liberian Association of France
Cartina Mulbah ………….....….Concerned Liberian Women in the Netherlands
Abigail Gonowolo …………..... Concerned Liberian Women in the Netherlands
David Nymane …………….. Concerned Liberian Women in the Netherlands
David Jenkins ……………… Liberian Association of Belgium
Juah Doe-Jenkins …………. Liberian Association of Belgium
Emmanuel Lincoln ………… Liberian Association of Belgium
Lydia Lincoln ………………. Liberian Association of Belgium
Sumo Jackson …………….. Liberian Association of Belgium
Maggie Kofa-Jonsson……… Liberian-Swedish Association
Francis Mensah…………….. Liberian-Swedish Association
Anthony Kollie ………………Union of Liberian Organizations in the United Kingdom
Koilor Kimba ………………..Liberian Association of Germany
Titus Zubon………………….Liberian Association of Germany
Amadou Kromah…………… Liberian Association of Holland
Wante Saygbe …………….. Liberian Association of Holland
Jamael Kamara …………… Liberian Association of Holland
Levi Garmah ……………….
Abu Sackor…………………..
Sampson Diallo
Bangalee Kromah
Djiba Kamara
Roosevelt Johnson Jr.
Jebah, Kamara,
Mayango Arku,
David,
Maname,
Abraham Kollie 

Europe-based Liberians Want Diplomatic Missions Upgraded

The Analyst (Monrovia)
NEWS
March 9, 2006
Posted to the web March 9, 2006


President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who is currently touring few
European countries, has called on Liberians residing in France and
other European countries to return home and render their quota to
the ongoing rebuilding process of the country, a release under the
signature of Assistant Press Secretary Charles Nelson has said.

President Sirleaf made the clarion call when she met a cross section
of Liberians at the Liberian Embassy in Paris, France.

The Liberian leader, according to the release, acknowledged that the
reconstruction process will not be easy, but asked them to be
willing to make the sacrifice.

Speaking on behalf of the Liberian community, the President of the
Federation of Liberians in Europe, Elvis Morris called on the
government to urgently upgrade its diplomatic missions and consider
the issuance of new passports, as many of the current ones are in
the hands of criminals, something which President Sirleaf concurred
with.

President Sirleaf is on an official visit to France at the
invitation of French President Jacques Chirac.

EFLA ISSUES PRESS RELEASE

The European Federation of Liberian Associations (EFLA) is pleased to express

 its complete satisfaction on progress made during a two weeks visit to Liberia.  EFLA, a European based Liberian organization was present in Liberia to attend the inaugural ceremonies of President Ellen Johnson – Sirleaf and Vice President, Ambassador Joseph Boikai.

On Friday, January 20, 2006, EFLA in a joint meeting with the Union of Liberian Association in the Americas (ULAA) and the Steering Committee of the All Liberian National Conference (ALNC) met with President Sirleaf and presented a Resolution which call for constitutional reforms and a close working relation with Liberians in the Diaspora and a five year development and priority plans in the areas of Health, Education, Agriculture and Resettlement package of returning Liberians from the West African sub region and/or Diaspora.

After said meeting with the president, an immediate press conference was jointly organized by the EFLA and ULAA in collaboration with PUL to brief the public on the organizations’ priorities for the nation under a five-year project plan during their stay in the country. The two organizations are non political and non-governmental. No member shall promote any warring factions to disrupt peace and stability of our sovereign nation.  The EFLA and ULAA officials also pronounced that they are committed to fight corruption and expose government officials who will be found in defrauding the system.

This incomparable inaugural ceremony served as an opportunity for the EFLA to have met with several local, international bodies and individuals to present plans of action for the reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts of Liberia.

Those organizations ELFA met during the period include: United Nations Mission in Liberia- (UNMIL), the National Democratic Institute for International affairs, the French Overseas Development Agency; African Union Representative to Liberia, the ECOWAS, German Embassy, The Liberia National Association of Physically Disabled, Inc., orphanages, authorities at the University of Liberia, President Pro Tempore, Senior and Junior Senators of Montserrado County and a lot more.

The EFLA and ULAA look forward to the active participation and implementation of the new government objectives and plan of action in accordance with the constitution.

Place your advertisement here!

The European Federation of Liberian Associations mini-conference in Belgium was a success(November 25th, 2005).

Miss. Roberta H. Roberts was appointed in November, 2005 as EFLA's Special Representative to Liberia.

The European Federation of Liberian Associations mini-conference in Belgium was a success.

EFLA ISSUES PRESS RELEASE

RESOLUTION FROM NOVEMBER 26,2005 MINI-CONFERENCE IN BELGIUM, THE CITY OF ANTWERP

The European Federation of Liberian Associations (EFLA)

WHEREAS, Liberians residing in Europe, representing various Liberian organizations from seven countries within the European Union participated in summit held in Antwerp, Belgium on November 26, 2005 to discuss present and future plan of action of EFLA over the coming years;

WHEREAS, numerous issues relating to the mandate given the current leadership have been noted, and they include the following:

• Registration of the organization
• All Liberian Conference in April 2005, Maryland, USA
• Collaboration with Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA)
• EFLA’s Liberia Elections Observers Report
• Membership drive to bring in other Liberian Organizations in Europe
• EFLA Constitution
   

WHEREAS, the conference thanked the leadership of EFLA for

• legally registering the Federation in the Kingdom of Belgium;
• Successfully participating and hosting the ALNC in USA in collaboration with ULAA;
• Successfully participating in the October 11^th , 2005 presidential and legislative elections and November 8^th , 2005 run-off elections in Liberia as international observers;

WHEREAS, the conference hail the efforts of EFLA leadership in resolving the Liberian – Swedish Association Crisis including the installation of the new leadership as an achievement in its objectives to Engage in conflict resolution conferences, meetings and participation in member organizations activities and programs;

 WHEREAS, the conference acknowledge the presence of Ivy Kakiiza, a consultant from Action Aid who shared valuable information on funding and projects for EFLA;

 The Conference resolved the following:

 (I)    The current leadership structure/team under the leadership of President Elvis G. Morris continues its good work; Sweden being given an Advisory role on the Board and The Netherlands performs the duties of Financial Secretary of EFLA.

 (II)  A five year plan is to be initiated by a project committee headed by Moses Kerkula to write proposals on these areas of interests:

1.  Creating Awareness about EFLA
2.  Capacity Building, Training/Equal Opportunities

     This project has two components:  Training for Liberians in Europe and a local Training centre to be established in Liberia to provide a learning and resource centre for both youth and adults.  The centre will be equipped with computers and other learning resources. 

3. Resettlement and Integration of Liberians in Europe.

This committee has a mandate of three months to report to the general assembly

(III)     The morale committee headed by Emmanuel Lincoln constituted during EFLA mini-conference made the following report:

 

• The Federation shall form a grievances committee that will mediate between members and organization/association within Europe.
• The Federation shall forbid personal attack on individuals, organization and or associations within the Federation by means of electronic mails or through the World Wide Web.
• Members of the Federation shall treat each other with due respect. In addition, all members are obliged to properly maintain and respect the properties to the Federation.
• The Federation shall not permit, support nor fund any arm group with the aim of destabilizing other countries in particular, Liberia.

 (IV)      The Administrative functions committee headed by Cartina Mulbah is to report its findings within four weeks to EFLA leadership;

 (V)          The inauguration committee of EFLA officials was set up and headed by Mr. Emmanuel Lincoln. This committee also has the mandate to write letters introducing EFLA to Embassies, relief/aid agencies, governments, etc;

 (VI)          The committee to draft by-laws and rules of EFLA was established with Abigail Gonowolo as chairperson. Others on that committee are Emmanuel Lincoln, Judith Leaman and Sylvester Harris. The committee has one month to present draft bylaws;

 (VII)         The constitution of EFLA is to be translated in Standard English because the original version was written in Dutch and the current translation is not very clear;

 (VIII)          EFLA will send a delegation to participate in the inauguration of the 23^rd president of the Republic of Liberia in January 2006;

 (IX)               EFLA will continue to collaborate with its counterpart, the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas and all other Diaspora organizations in bringing peace, unity and development to Liberia;

 (X)            An amount of two hundred and forty Euros was donated by delegates representing Sweden, Holland, Belgium, Luxemburg, United Kingdom and France for publicity in Liberia; 

 (XI)              The next general meeting of EFLA will be held in the Netherlands after three months to review progress made by the Federation.

 Done this 26^th Day of November 2005 in the city Antwerp, Belgium

 ATTENDANCE

1. John Nimly Brownell            United Kingdom
2. Kpana G Teah                                      Belgium
3. Moses Kerkula                       United Kingdom
4. Cantina Mulbah                           Netherlands
5. David B Jenkins                                  Belgium
6. Maggie Kafa Jonsson                         Sweden
7. Stanley Harris                                      Holland
8. Abie Gonowolo                                     Holland
9. Emmannel Lincoln                             Belgium
10. Elvis Morris                                           France
11. M  Duah Due Jenkins                          Belgium
12. Germaine G Verdier                           Sweden
13. Jackson Sumo                                     Belgium
14. George Lassana                                 Belgium
15. Judith Leaman                            Luxembourg
16. Ivy Kakiiza                                   (Action Aid) 

Miss. Roberta H. Roberts was appointed in November, 2005 as EFLA's Special Representative to Liberia.
Miss. Roberta H. Roberts was appointed in November, 2005 as EFLA's Special Representative to Liberia. Since her
 appointment, she has worked tireless to advance the aims and objectives of EFLA. During the November 8, 2005 run-off Presidential Elections, she served as EFLA election monitor. Her regular reports to EFLA headquarters in Europe during the elections was helpful in informing the Liberians in the Diaspora through EFLA's web site of the elections results on a day-by-day basis.
Miss Roberts was  borned in Tubmanburg, Bomi County  onto the union of Mr. James S. Roberts of  Denver, Colorado USA, and Ms. Frances G. Oberly of Liberia. She is a Junior Student  of Management & Public Administration, University of Liberia.
Miss. Roberta Roberts served for ten years as Secretary/Registrar at the St. Teresa Convent High School in Monrovia. She also served for four years as Executive Secretary at the Kennedy Law Firm.
Miss. Roberts worked as Conference Coordinator at The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs. She presently serves as Program Assistant in the Civic and Voters' Education Division.

Inauguration 2006

THE EUROPEAN FEDERATION OF LIBERIAN ASSOCIATIONS-EFLA ACTIVITIES IN LIBERIA
(Summary Report)

Background:

The delegation of the European Federation of Liberian Associations arrived in Liberia on January 11, 2006 to celebrate the inaugural ceremony of Her Excellency Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first African Female  of  West Africa and 23^rd president  of the Republic of Liberia  on January 16, 2006.

This ceremony gave EFLA the opportunity to meet other stakeholders, local and international organizations to discuss the aims and objectives of the Federation and its plans for the development of Liberia.

The EFLA delegation met with the following organizations and individuals:

·        ECOWAS

·        AU

·        French and German Embassies

·        National Democratic Institute for International Affairs

·        The senior and Junior senators of Montserrado County

·        The President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate

·        UNMIL

·        Disabled Organization

·        The President- Madam. Ellen Johnson – Sirleaf

·        The University of Liberia

During these meetings, priorities discussed were:

• Education- decentralizing Information Technology (IT) system through high schools in all parts of the country starting with Montserrado County.
   
• Health – creating a mobile clinic and engaging qualified Liberian doctors and nurses to deliver health care voluntarily to Liberians in those villages that are inaccessible or isolated due to bad road conditions in the country.
   
• Agriculture- providing the kind of resources needed for Liberians to go back to the soil and grow more food that could help in the reproduction food  and the building of the nation’s economy.  This will also improve the standard of poor living conditions
   
• Resettlement- providing package for Liberians in Diaspora most especially, Europe; Those Liberians that are incapable and capable and wanting to return home and also internally displaced Liberians.
  
   
  • Presentation of the ALNC Resolution to the President- This resolution was presented by the Co-Chairman of the All Liberian National Conference, Mr. John Nimly Brownell. The Conference was held in Maryland, USA in April 2005. Mr. Brownell called for the holding of a National Conference in Liberia wherein all Liberians can dialogue on a way forward for peace, development and national reforms that are ingredients for a better Liberia. The President, Madam Sirleaf consented to the holding of a National Conference and informed the delegation that consultative forums being held around the various Liberian counties by the Governance Reform Commission (GRC) in that regards and these consultations will be extended to the Diaspora for the holding of a sovereign national conference in Liberia.

   

  • Preparation of the Database of Liberians in the Diaspora to be use as resource by partners and other agencies seeking qualified Liberians for consultation or possible employment.