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Superintendent Jackson visits China
The Superintendent of Bong County Hon. Ranney B. Jackson recently visited The People’s Republic of China at the invitation of the Chinese government. Below is a comprehensive report from Superintendent Jackson to the National President of UBCAA about highlights of his visit:
Mr. President:
My trip to China has ended. The first leg of our trip took us to Beijing, the Capital of China. We arrived in Beijing on Monday night November 23, 2009 and departed Thursday November 26, 2009 at 5:00 PM. On Tuesday at 9:30 AM in Beijing, we met with Leading Officials of the State's Council Leading Group Office on their Poverty Alleviation and Development Program. At the meeting, we were informed that the Government is fully involved with the Poverty Alleviation and Development Program. Nearly all of the nation's ministries are members of the Council including the Ministries of Finance, Health, Lands & Mines, Agriculture, Education among others.
At 2:30 PM on Tuesday November 24, 2009, we met with Ma Qingyu of National School of Administration where we were informed about the structure of the Government from Central Government to the Provincial Government, Counties and villages and towns.
On Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at 9 AM, we met with officials of the Ministry of Water Resources where we were lectured about the management of water resources in the country. Later at 10 AM, we met with China's National People's Congress (NPC). On that day we visited one of China's historical sites, The Forbidden City. At 6:00 PM the Liberian Ambassador to China, Ambassador Neh Dukuly Tolbert tendered a dinner in our honor.
On Thursday November 26, 2009, we visited the Great Wall of China and departed for the Province of Ghangsha Province. On Friday at 9:30 AM, we visited Hunan Hybrid Rice Research Center and met with Professor Yuan Longping, the Father of Hybrid Rice. Professor Yuan Longping is credited for developing Hybrid Rice that is benefiting the people all over the world. In fact Professor Longping center is the one building the Chinese Research center at CARI. I saw my photo in the book they had printed on the ground breaking ceremony of the that project at CARI.
On Friday November 27, 2009 at 2:00 PM, we met with Hunan's Provincial Development and Reform Commission to learn about the economic development of this important province. On Saturday, November 28, 2009, we visited the former residence Chairman Mao Zedong. Later, we visited a Changsha Jinding Village where we learned about biomass. Biomass is a process where pigs waste is used to produce fertilizers and electricity. Before departing Changsha Province on Saturday November 28, 2009, we visited Yuelu Academy where Chairman Mao thought and Orange Islet for brooding was invented.
Today, Monday November 30, 2009, we are in Guangzhou Province where almost all of the Liberians business men and women come to buy goods. We visited the hydro plant and a village called Luolan. This village has about 3,500 residents. This village is made up of 9 towns, and has a high school and several primary schools include a gym, housing units for the residents. We were told that about 65% of its residents are college graduates.
Thanks,
Ranney B. Jackson
Superintendent
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Superintendent Jackson Touts Development Initiatives In Bong County
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The Superintendent of Bong County Hon. Ranney B. Jackson describes his County as one on the move when it comes to development. Speaking during an electronic meeting with cross section of Bong County citizens residing in the Diaspora, Superintendent Jackson said development initiatives are going on in every part of the County. He pointed to the recent Independence Day celebrations in Gbarnga as indication that Bong County is well on her way as oasis of development. He said as consequences of the Independence day celebrations, the major streets in Gbarnga have been rehabilitated along with the Superintendent residence, the Gbarnga fish pond, the county stadium, among others. He also disclosed that a new commissioner residence have been completed in Zota District while many are under construction.
Addressing recent reports of illegal gold mining in Kokoyah District, Superintendent Jackson said he not aware of such activities in the district. He said when he last visited Kokoyah District, he saw old gold mining pits that were possibly dug in the 90’s long before he took office as Superintendent. He however promised to check into the matter and get back to UBCAA with more clarifications.
In conclusion, Superintendent Jackson appealed to citizens of Bong County in the Diaspora to assist with the all overall development of Bong County. He called on experts in various fields to go to Liberia and assist with development efforts.
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The Woah-Tee’s Family Says Thanks
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Mrs. Cecelia Woah-Tee, widow of the late Dr. Joseph Mamadee Woah-Tee has extended special thanks and appreciation to the members of the United Bong County Association in America for their maximum expressions of sympathies and contributions to the memorial services and burial of Dr. Woah-Tee. In a letter to the national president, Mrs. Woah-Tee said, “It is with heartfelt gratitude that this note comes to express our thanks and appreciation for your supports, contributions and sympathy during our continuing period of grief. This immensely difficult and tragic event is made somewhat bearable by the overwhelming outpour of concerns shown by each and all of you”. Mrs. Woah-Tee concluded, “Dempster Woah-Tee along with my family joins me to say many thanks to the members of the organizations; the continuous presence and responses to our cries from UBCAA’s family were sympathetically comforting. May the blessings of the almighty God pour upon us all and wash away the dangers that continue to strike in our communities. God bless you all.”
UBCAA prays for God’s richly blessings for the Woah-Tee’s family. UBCAA shall exert every influence at its disposal on the administration of the City of Baltimore to ensure the capture and conviction of the perpetrator or perpetrators of this crime. UBCAA therefore urges all of its members and the Liberian community at large to supports every effort in the resolution of the murder of the Dr. Woah-Tee. Please, we cannot allow his death to be another unsolved mystery.
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Na ti o n al P r e si d ent Installs New Officers For Bong Kwatekeh
Saturday May 2, 2008 was a festive day for citizens of Bong County residing in the twin cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. It was the dawn of a new era in the existence of Bong Kwatekeh, the Minnesota Chapter of the United Bong County Association in America. The new era, installation of the new leadership of Bong Kwatekeh.
The program started at about 5:00PM CST at the International Community Center with Mr. Frank Clinton on the microphone as MC. The guest speaker Mr. Kerper Dwanyen, President of the Organization of Liberians in Minnesota (OLM) delivered a rousing message to the citizens of Bong County and representatives of other organizations present. Mr. Dwayne praised citizens of Bong County residing in Minneapolis/St. Paul for their valuable services to the Liberian Community. He said Bong Kwatekeh was a model organization that every Liberian organization in Minneapolis/ St. Paul should emulate.
Your humble servant, the national President of UBCAA installed the new leaders. In a brief statement, he challenged members of Bong Kwatekeh to support their new leaders so that Bong Kwatekeh can remain a viable entity of UBCAA. He extended greetings from the national administration and other chapters of UBCAA and called on the new leadership to continue the tradition of strong leadership that has been the trademark of Bong Kwatekeh. Before installing the new leaders, the national president installed the members of Bong Kwatekeh as testament of their commitments to support the new leadership. After installing the members, the National President installed the following as new leaders of Bong Kwatekeh:
D. Nalon Kaine - President
Richard S. Sondah - Vice President
Caimon J. Kollie - Secretary General
Anthony S. Kanneh - Treasurer
Nathaniel D. Shaajlia - Financial Secretary
Alfred Flomo - Chaplain
In his inaugural address, the new Chapter President D. Nalon Kaine promised members of Bong Kwatekeh his administration' s commitments to building a strong chapter. He called on them to support his administration, as he was ready to move full speed ahead with developments in the community and in Bong County. He informed the audience that Bong Kwatekeh was undertaking $10,000 projects in Bong County to include sponsoring 10 Bong County students in Liberia at various academic levels during the next academic year among others. He stated that his administration, with the support of the citizens of Bong County and other philanthropic groups in Minneapolis/St. Paul would undertake other projects in Bong County. He acknowledged the President of the national administration of UBCAA for his presence, and promised to bring a large delegation to include members of other organizations to the upcoming UBCAA national convention in Trenton, NJ.
An impromptu fund raising event was held and over $1,850 was raised. In his vote of thanks, the new Vice President Mr. Richard S. Sondah thanked the gathering for honoring Bong Kwatekeh's invitation to attend the program. He thanked the national administration and other organizations for their representations. The program ended with refreshments at the International Community Center. Guests then proceeded to the residence of Mr. & Mrs. D. Nalon Kaine where they twisted and danced the night away.
The national administration of UBCAA salutes the citizens of Bong County in Minneapolis/St. Paul for the smooth transition. It welcomes President Kaine and members of the new leadership and wishes them God's speed and good luck.
Finally, the National President would like to extend special thanks and appreciation to the National Vice President of UBCAA Ms. Ethel Lablah Livingstone who met him at the airport and drove him to the residence of Mr. & Mrs. D. Nalon Kaine. He also likes to thank D. Nalon Kaine who drove him from his residence to the residence of Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Garsinii where he spent the night. Special thanks and appreciation are in order for Mr. & Mrs. Garsinii who received and welcomed the National President in their home with open arms and treated him like a KING. Mr. Garsinii was kind enough to take the National President to the airport on Sunday morning for his return flight to Cleveland, Ohio.
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Memorial Services For The Late Dr. Wilton Sankawolo
After weeks of behind the scene activities, the national administration finally got information about memorial service in the Diaspora for the late Dr. Wilton Sankawolo, former Interim President of Liberia and son of Bong County. Information gathered suggests a Memorial Service for Dr. Sankawolo on Saturday April 18, 2009 at 4:00PM EST at the Gateway United Methodist, 4623 Eastern Parkway, Louisville, KY 40214. The national administration hereby appeals to all members, especially those in Kentucky, (Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton), Ohio and other states to attend the service. For those who cannot attend, please call the daughter of the late Dr. Sankawolo Mrs. Rose Cooper or mail sympathy cards via the below information:
Mrs. Rose Cooper
8513 Gregory Way
Louisville, KY 40219
Tel. (502) 614-0709
In a related development, a special memorial fund has been setup by the late Dr. Sankawolo's family at the Chase Bank. Sympathizers may donate to this fund via ACCOUNT #761584721. All donors have to do is locate or call any Chase Bank in any state and make a donation to that account.
This is an opportunity for us in the Diaspora to identify with one of Bong County's own, a renowned educator, writer, teacher, and President of Liberia who was recently called to the great beyond.
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UBCAA Calls On President Sirleaf To Punish Ministers...
In wake of recent developments emanating from our County relating to the dubious and inhuman act meted against the financially impotent and mentally stressed residents of Zota District by Ministers Toe and Dunzo of the Ministries of Agriculture and Public Works, respectively, the national administration has communicated with the President of Liberia to take major action against the said Ministers for misleading the trust and confidence reposed in them by her and the Liberian people.
In an E-mail communication to the Executive Mansion, the national administration yesterday urged the President of Liberia, Madame Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to punish Ministers Toe and Dunzo for lying to the people of Zota District, Bong County, the President, and the Liberian people about the construction of hand pumps in the worst affected areas of the caterpillar invasions. It can be recalled that Ministers Toe and Dunzo told the press and the Liberian people recently that hand pumps were installed in the affected areas to provide safe drinking water for the people. These sentiments expressed by both men turned out to be complete mendacity. UBCAA believes such blatant lies by these public servants only undermine the good efforts of the President; hence such acts must be discouraged. UBCAA believes the punishment of these two individuals would dissuade others who are in the habits of misleading the public and the President.
President Sirleaf visited Zota District on Tuesday March 3, 2009 to find no hand pumps installed. UBCAA would like to thank President Sirleaf for personally visiting Zota District, Bong County to see first hand the devastation caused by the caterpillar invasions and her donation of several barrels of clean water. UBCAA believes the President's action is further proof about her concerns for the people of Zota District and other affected areas.
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UBCAA Taken Aback By News of A “Gboveh Junior College”
The national administration has expressed with dismay news from the Chairman of the Bong Legislative Caucus Hon. George Mulbah that bill to ratify the elevation of the Gboveh High School to Junior college is before the Liberian House of Representative. The news comes as a surprise knowing that the Chairman had earlier told leaders of UBCAA that he would include UBCAA on such discussion to entertain its inputs before such decisions are made. Upon getting the news, the national leadership contacted Chairman Mulbah and inquired of him if the elevation of Gboveh High School to junior college was a replacement of earlier information received from him about the construction of new junior college for Bong County. In response, Chairman Mulbah said that the plans under consideration include the renovation of the Gboveh Junior High School to make it a state of the art high school with science and computer labs and functioning library. He said then the Gboveh High School will be reconstructed and elevated to a junior college to deal with growing number of college-bound youths from Bong County.
In the face of the above, the national administration of UBCAA wants to reiterate its position on development priorities of the Bong County. UBCAA endorses the CDA (County Development Agenda) as drawn up by the Government of Liberia, and stands ready to assist Bong County leaders with ideas on how to use the CDA so that maximum benefits are gained for the citizens of Bong County as a result of any development effort. Soon, UBCAA will present to the leaders of Bong County a “Good Governance” Manual to assist them govern our county effectively.
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”United Bong Salutes Senator Franklin O. Siakor of Bong County - THANK YOU MR. SENATOR...
As the year 2008 comes to a close, The United Bong County Association in America publicly commends Bong County Junior Senator Franklin for his contributions and commitment to development and good governance in Bong County. United Bong notes with great admiration the jobs Senator Siakor have done for the people of Bong. Further, it notes in high esteem his stands beyond the pale of the appearance of improprieties in the discharge of his civic duties. One such action of his that comes to mind is his refusal to accept a vehicle donated to him along with other lawmakers by the MITTAL Steel Mining Corporation of Liberia. While many of his colleagues gloated to accept the vehicles, Senator Siakor said accepting the vehicle from MITTAL Steel would “compromise his independence”. He added that MITTAL Steel is a “profit making entity, and anything it does has a profit motive. If I accept this vehicle, MITTAL Steel would expect me to seek its interests beyond those of my constituents, since it operates in my County”. United Bong believes only a man with strong convictions to the service of his people could reach such conclusion.
In addition, Senator Siakor has been the only lawmaker from Bong County that has on a yearly basis provided United Bong his yearly development activities. With these and many others, United Bong says to Senator Siakor, GREAT JOB MR. SENATOR. WE ARE PROUD OF YOU. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK FOR OUR PEOPLE.
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Sanoyea District Says No To Sen. Taylor, Pres. Srileaf Agrees
In a dramatic display of solidarity with their Commissioner, the citizens of Sanoyea District today overwhelmingly rejected calls by Sen. Taylor to rescind the recent appointment of Commissioner Kantos C. Bornor.
BACKGROUND:
On Thursday October 9, 2008, I received an E-mail from Hon. George Mulbah Chairman of the Bong Legislative Caucus informing me that Pres. Ellen Johnson Sirelaf was scheduled to visit Sanoyea District today, Sunday October 12, 2008. He informed me that on her agenda among other things was a request from Sen. Taylor to rescind the appointment of Commissioner Bornor, claiming the citizens of Sanoyea District petitioned her with such request. Alarmed with such information, I immediately contacted two prominent sons of Sanoyea District (Mr. Andrew Tehmeh and Mr. Nalon Kaine) to ascertain if they had knowledge of such petition to Sen. Taylor from the citizens of Sanoyea District. Both told me that Sen. Taylor had done this before, attempting to unseat Com. Bornor and would not be surprised if she is behind this again. Mr. Tehmeh told me that the first time it occurred, the Minister of Internal Affairs actually went to Sanoyea only to see that Sen. Taylor did not appear. Mr. Kaine told me that he had actually met with the citizens of Sanoyea District on this very issue when he was last in Liberia, and they told him they wanted their Commissioner to remain, as he is doing a great job.
Armed with the above information from the two sons of Sanoyea District, I decided to act. I called Commissioner Bornor who confirmed Sen. Taylor's intention to have him removed from office. I asked him about his chances of thwarting Sen. Taylor's move against him. Com. Bornor told me, "Mr. Matthew, I have done and continue to do my best as Commissioner of this District. My record is out there to be examined by anyone. I believe the President will listen to my side before making any decision, I truly believe that. The people of Sanoyea District are with me on this one." With such statement from Com. Bornor, I decided to call a contact in Monrovia. My contact told me, "the President is going to Sanoyea district with an open mind. She will listen to the people of Sanoyea District to ensure their wishes prevail on this issue".
RESULT:
Well, to cut long matter short, Pres. Sirleaf went to Sanoyea District today and held a District wide conference with the citizens. I am pleased to inform you that the so-called petition as claimed by Sen. Taylor never materialized as the citizens of Sanoyea District overwhelmingly stood firm with Com. Bornor. Our contact who was present at the meeting immediately alerted me of the outcome of the whole episode. I immediately called Com. Bornor to get his reaction. No doubt he was in a great mood. He told me, "the President just left from here, the people stood with me, and I am still the Commissioner. I want to thank everyone for this outcome. I always felt I was doing the right thing, and people today confirmed that. Sen. Taylor spoke after the citizens spoke, that she respects the voices of the people and agrees with them. The President then told me to hug her as ways to put everything behind us".
Now, you might be thinking why I took special interest in this matter. If you might recalled during our Convention in Atlanta, we raised about eight hundred dollars for the victims of the Sanoyea District incidents wherein many of the citizens of that District were viciously attacked during a land conflict. That amount was augmented to one thousand dollars and wired to Com. Bornor with instructions that he forward us comprehensive report on the sharing of the funds to the victims. About a week or so ago, I forwarded you that report in which Com. Bornor compiled the names of the recipients with signatures to verify that they got their share of the fund. From that and many conversations with him before and after he received the fund, I became convinced that he was someone we could trust and work with. I believe it was the right thing to do to support him when it became cleared to me he was being unjustly targeted. I am therefore elated for the outcome of this all. I am in no way taking credit here. The credit goes to the great people of Sanoyea District who stood firm with their Commissioner in the face of unjust treatment. To them I say, THANK YOU FOR A JOB WELL DONE. UBCAA is proud of you. I thank Mr. Andrew Tehmeh and Mr. Nalon Kaine and those who worked behind the scene to warrant the result we are all happy with. I thank Pres. Sirleaf for listening to the people and making what I termed the RIGHT DECISION for the people of Sanoyea District. THE PEOPLE CAN MOVE
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United Bong County Association Delegation Meets President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf At The UN...
 An eight member high power delegation of the United Bong County Association in America (UBCAA) on Tuesday the 23rd of September 2008 met with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in the Liberian Mission at the United Nations in New York. The delegation was headed by the National President Joe Flomo Matthew. Other members of the delegation were, Ethel Livingstone, National Vice President, Rev. Dr. Mulba Borsay, National Chaplain, Blyden Kennedy, National Treasurer, Lynda Williams, President Rhodes Island Chapter, Memplay Forlorma, President Maryland Chapter, Garnett Gbamokollie, President New Jersey Chapter, and David Flomo, Presidential Adviser.
In a prepared remark, the National President thanked President Sirleaf for honoring UBCAA’s request for the meeting. He thanked the President for the efforts being made by her government relative to development, land reform, security, and other governmental initiatives in Bong County in particular and Liberia in general. He expressed thanks to the President for the the successful negotiation on behalf of the people of Bong County for $500,000 donation for the next five years from Mittal Steel. H asked the President to include UBCAA on the governing committee of the Mittal Steel fund. He informed the President about UBCAA’s development initiatives that would pay maximum dividends to Bong County. Initiatives such as the wiring of Gboveh High and E. J. Yancy High Schools with computers, donations of beds and mattresses to Phebe and JFK hospitals, arrangement for annual voluntary travels of members to Bong County to conduct workshops in various disciplines at various institutions in Bong County and and other parts of Liberia, and the construction of a state of the art Educational Resource Center in Gbarnga .
On the appointment of future County officials, he urged the President to contact UBCAA, especially if such person is from the Diaspora so that UBCAA can participate in the vetting process, among other things. A detailed statement including the excerpts from above was then presented to President Sirleaf by the National President.
In response, President Sirleaf commended UBCAA for the roles it has played and continues to play in the overall development of Bong County. She thanked UBCAA for joining her efforts to develop Bong County and Liberia. She urged UBCAA to engage County leaders to ensure corporation and cohesiveness. She declared that UBCAA’s position statement, presented to her will form part of her agenda during her next Executive Council Meeting in Gbarnga sometimes “during the dry season”. UBCAA is working with the office of President Sirleaf on the possibility of sending a delegation to the President’s Executive Council Meeting in Gbarnga. She promised to work closely with UBCAA so as to enable it completes its development objectives. She promised to look into the possibilities of her government’s assistance to UBCAA to ship materials/equipment it has solicited to Liberia.
President Sirleaf received a beautiful portrait of herself from United Bong County Association in America. The presentation was made by the National Vice President on behalf of UBCAA. The meeting lasted for about an hour.
UBCAA takes this time very respectfully to thank President Sirleaf for taking time off her busy schedules to meet us at United Nations. UBCAA believes her decision to meet with us is an indication that she holds our County and our association in high esteem. For that and many more, we commend her.
UBCAA also like to thank Mr. & Mrs. Gbamokollie for the hospitality accorded its delegation. The Gbamokollie made their home available and provided food through out the duration of the delegation’s stay.
Click Here for More Photos...
Bong County Development Agenda as envisioned by the Government of Liberia...
The government of Liberia has put forth a detailed plan for development in Bong County for the next four years.
Click Here to read the document in detail...
United Bong Presses for a seat on the “Bong County Development Committee...
United Bong on numerous occasion has informed the Superintendent and the Bong Legislative Caucus of its desire to be represented on the “Bong Development Committee”. Your humble servant recently reiterated this in an e-mail to the new Chairman of the Bong Legislative Caucus Hon. George Mulbah. Click Here to read the e-mail sent to Chairman Mulbah and his response.
United Bong shall remain steadfast on this until such time it is fully represented on this Committee. United Bong believes despite its physical absence on the ground in Bong County, it is a stake holder in the developmental affairs of the County and as such should have some inputs on how developmental decisions are made. We look forward with interests contents of final decisions on our request.
MITTEL Steel Releases First Check of $500,000 to Bong County...
MITTEL Steel has released a check of $500,000 to the Bong County Development Management Committee. The payment is part of an agreement between the company the government of Liberia to compensate the County for land use in the operation of the company.
United Bong expresses enthusiasms for this positive development and hopes that the fund will be used for the purposes intended as agreed by the citizens of Bong County. United Bong shall closely monitor the life cycle of this fund as it goes through the pipeline for development.
Bong Legislative Caucus Elects New Leaders..
After months of leadership impasse, the Bong County Legislative Caucus recently elected new corps of officer to lead the Caucus for the next two years. Those elected are:
Hon. George Mulbah - Chairman
Hon. Bill Connech - Co-Chairman
Hon. Korpu Barclay - General Secretary
Hon. Edwin Juah - Financial Secretary
United Bong congratulates the newly elected officers for positively responding to calls from their colleagues to take leadership of the Caucus. Our thanks go to all the members of the Caucus for taking the bold step in resolving the leadership impasse. United Bong stands ready to work closely with the new leadership so that together we can get down to doing the people’s business.
John Carroll University Donates 80 beds, 80 mattresses, and 35 desk to United Bong.
John Carroll University, a local Catholic University in Cleveland Ohio on Friday August 8, 2008 donated beds, mattresses, and desk to United Bong to be used for any humanitarian purposes the association chooses. Making the donation, the Director of Facility Management for John Carroll University Mr. Mike Roeder said the University was happy to join United Bong in its efforts to provide humanitarian materials for the citizens of Bong County. Accepting the donations, the National President Mr. J. Flomo Matthew thanked Mr. Roeder and the University for responding positively to efforts of United Bong.
The items were on Saturday August 9, 2008 put on trucks and taken storage facility until such time they are shipped to Liberia. The truck rental of about $366.00 was paid on behalf of United Bong by the National President.
Bong County Junior Senator Travels The County - See The Portrait Of A True Leaser...
Since his election, the Junior Senator of Bong County Sen. Franklin O. Siakor has traveled the length and breath of Bong County engaging local citizens and leaders on development initiatives. A video diary of Sen. Siakor’s travels is now on YouTube for viewing public courtesy of your humble servant. To see the videos, go to YouTube.com. In “Video Search” box, type Siakor and click on “Search”. All the videos in this series will be listed. Click each and see the portrait of a true leader in action.
United Bong Donates $1000 to Sanoyea District Victims...
The United Bong County Association in America has donated $1000 to the victims of the Sanoyea District incidents. The money was raised at the recent 2008 National Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. In a telephone conversation with the Commissioner of Sanoyea District informing him of the donation, the National President Mr. Joe Flomo Matthew told Commissioner Kantos C. Bornor that the citizens of Bong County residing in the United were pleased to identify with the victims and hope the donations will assist them in some ways. Commissioner Bornor for his part thanked the officers and members of United Bong for the donations. He promised to ensure those affected benefit from the donation.
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