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Samouka Dore, President elect |
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A Mandingo proverb that says, “Difficult times in one existence is
a symbol of a near success.” Well this was the case with the Liberian
Mandingo association in the UK. The proverb quoted above was in fact put
into perspective on Saturday, July 9 2011 in Manchester, Oldham when the
general assembly of LIMAUK in a unite voice assembled to discuss issues of
critical concern to LIMAUK an organisation they considered a symbol of solidarity,
unity and a vehicle of social empowerment. The Liberian Mandingoes Association
in the United Kingdom (LIMAUK) is an organization set up in furtherance of
the general welfare, the common defense, and the wellbeing of Liberian Mandingos
in the United Kingdom and those in Liberia by providing educational, health
and social assistance. LIMAUK was established in 2005 to empower her members
and community through educational and social services.
Amongst issues discussed were the review and approval of the amended
constitution by the general assembly and the election of new leaders including
President, vice president, secretary and treasurer. However, some of these
positions were left vacant.
In 2010, to be precise July 3rd, a transitional administration was
installed to galvanize and manage the affairs of LIMAUK, as it was believed
to have been in turmoil and on the brink of collapse. The transitional administration
was faced with many challenges. Their journey to bringing LIMAUK back on
its feet was a daunting task but indeed they did not deterred to overcome
any impediment. One of the ad hoc committees whose job catches my attention
was the stunning constitution review committee a five-man committee headed
by Abe Sanoe former founding vice president of LIMAUK. With their unflinching
support and delicacy to LIMAUK, they were able to come up with a brilliantly
articulate constitution. Although the task was executed with a snail pace,
however, it is save to say that the team subscribed to a professional approach
and they finally met with the said schedule. Interestingly the draft constitution
was put forward to the general assembly for suggestions and addition of provisions
where necessary, an act of transparency. The approval of the constitution
turns into a tense debate. An eye-catching provision that raised more concern
was the introduction of the board of directors and its role. Many argued
that this will serve as a bedrock for confusion and misunderstanding within
the administration of the organization while other beliefs were contrary
to this view. They insist that it was vitally important to have a regulatory
body that will monitor and supervise the activities of the executive committee,
thus, creating an environment of accountability. After some protracted period
of debate, it was agreed that the board of director should remain but, instead
of its members being elected, they should rather be appointed by the president.
We want total involvement of the people, we want to engage with the
general membership to empower them and create an enabling environment. Words
from president elect Samouka Dore in his bid to ascend to the presidency.
Samouka Dore, the Sunderland based training and community development officer
was energetic and firm in his determination to move LIMAUK forward if given
the opportunity to lead. Despite the fact that the position he was vying
for remained unopposed, the willingness of the membership to entrust him
saw Samouka Dore and Afin Sanoe clinch to the presidency and vice presidency
respectively. Afin Sanoe, a Manchester based community enthusiast did not
have much to say as he was aware that the support from Manchester residence
was incredibly enough to secure him the post.
I later catch up with the onetime Manchester coordinator Afin Sanoe
and he futher elaborated that he is determined and he will work to his greatest
potential to make this year the most memorable year ever. I have been one
of the root member of LIMAUK for the past 5-6 years and I know what it means
to me to take this job seriously to the best of my ability, said Afin. He
also mentioned that he is not afraid to voice his opinion or stand up for
what he believes in. I value creativity and I am willing to brainstorm ideas
and bring forward an alternative ways to resolving problems the Manchester
man said. He also said that as vice president he will be willing to listen
to the ideas of others in order to make everyone feel a part of the decision
making process.
Well, as the two new comers on the block are preparing to take on their
new role, we can only wait and see if their words can be converted to deeds.
