November 7, 2022-The Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA), congratulates citizens and officials of the United Bong County Association in the Americas (UBCAA ) for the peaceful resolution of their leadership crisis.
Since 2020, the Bong community has been embroiled in controversy as a result of a decision by officials for moving the 2020 national convention from Pennsylvania, the original host, according to the Kentucky 2019 convention to Minnesota.
This led to both Pennsylvania and Minnesota holding parallel conventions, resulting in two different leaders being elected. Since then, the community has been torn apart affecting the longstanding friendships, relationships, and family ties. Attempts to resolve the crisis by several prominent citizens, and former presidents failed leading to more parallel conventions this year in New Jersey and Rhode Island.
For months, ULAA and others placed calls for peace and unity. However, weeks ago, Senator Prince Moye of Bong County visiting the United States, expressed concern about the raging conflict. At a conference held Friday, October 21, 2022, both sides held discussions and agreed to move forward in the interest of peace and unity. Both parties also recognized the leadership of Mr. Caimon Kollie, as the National President of UBCAA.
ULAA remains exceptionally proud of the decision reached by the parties and looks forward to a stronger relationship. ULAA calls on other organizations to emulate the great example of UBCAA towards resolving the internal crisis. ULAA remains supportive of a united diaspora Liberian community, where respect for democratic values is upheld at all times.
The Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA) is the umbrella group of Liberians and their various organizations in the Americas. ULAA is a voluntary, nonprofit and non-governmental organization established July 4, 1974. ULAA mission is to advance the just causes of Liberians and Liberia at home and abroad. The union’s general principles are to promote and encourage national reconciliation, integration, and unification; preserve and protect Liberian culture, history, and traditions; uphold and defend fundamental rights.
It also seeks to defend the human rights and civil liberties of Liberians everywhere; cultivate and harness the energies and resources of Liberians to improve the quality of life of all Liberians abroad, and advocate and advance the cause of constitutional democracy and sustainability nationally.
Mr. Stephen Binda
Deputy Press Secretary
Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA)
