By Browne O. Jayee
Ladies and gentlemen, please meet my aunt, Ms. EstherTaweh who I am meeting for the very first time in my life! She was in Minnesota for a graduation ceremony and I thought it would be necessary to see her for the first time. Our meeting took place in Big Lake, Minnesota. Our meeting was full of emotions. On one hand, I was excited that I am seeing my aunt for the first time, and on the other hand, I was very nervous and at the same time choked with tears. But we both withheld our tears and settled down for some family discussions.
My meeting with Ms. Esther Taweh could not have occurred at a much better time than yesterday. This is so because Ms. Esther Taweh is one of the pioneers of the Gbarzon District Association in the Americas. She has been in the vanguard of some of the efforts aimed at reshaping the organization. Given that I am running to be the National President for the Gbarzon District Association in the Americas in the upcoming elections, I thought it wise to seek some counsel from her on the future of the Gbarzon District Association in the Americas. After asking me some tough questions on my involvement with the Gbarzon District Association in the Americas, she told me where she stands on the future of the organization.
Ms. Esther Taweh emphasized the need for accountability and transparency on the part of our leaders. She acknowledged that past administrations might have done well, but that we as an organization needed to do more. This was not the time to be complacent, she cautioned.
Another important point Ms. Esther Taweh raised was that the organization should identify a particular project which it can undertake and finish to the end. She also stressed the need to create a robust scholarship program that will benefit our brothers and sisters back home in Liberia. She said it would be a great accomplishment for this organization if this organization were to educate two to three students through its scholarship initiative. These are projects that are achievable if only we have a leadership that will prioritize those needs.
For the upcoming Gbarzon District Association’s National Elections, Ms. Esther Taweh said she doesn’t support a person because of friendship and family ties, but that her support is dictated by who is actually up to the task of delivering results. That’s something she has to critically evaluate before reaching a decision. And that means having an open mind and the cognitive perspective to see beyond all aspects of each of the candidates’ plans for the Association and the District at large.
All in all, Ms. Taweh and I had a very warm discussion and I am hoping to continue that conversation when I shall have launched my campaign in Philadelphia on the 30th of this month. This is the same conversation I intend to have with the good and peaceful citizens of Gbarzon District in the USA.
Ours is not about propagating lies against the other side, instead, we are taking our message to the stakeholders and telling them what is it that we plan to do for the organization if only they give us the chance to serve them. Two weeks from now, TEAM AJEH-A-DEH will be embarking on a three-state campaign tour to the east coast. Our first stop will be Philadelphia; second will be Rhode Island; and third stop will be Massachusetts. Whether you support us not, we urge you to come and listen to our message of unity and development. Ours is about servant leadership. We will put your interest and well-being first. We can’t lead without you. Please come and let’s exchange ideas on how together we can build on the accomplishments of our past leaders. This is our time; let us not forfeit this opportunity and say, ‘if I had known.’ We are here to serve you, and not the other way around. We will listen to you and respect your views, even if we don’t agree with you. You still have about two more months to decide, but remember that whatever decision you make, don’t say ‘if I had known’.
About the Author
Browne Jayee is community leader. He is an aspirant for the position of President of the Gbarzon District Association in the Americas. He has been heavily involved in community organizing. He resides in Minnesota.
