Every two years members of the Union of Liberian Association in the Americas (ULAA) come together to decide who leads the Organization for the next two years. With this year being an elections year for the Union, after listening to the various candidates in Minnesota few weeks ago, delegate and well-wishers on September 22, 2006 jam packed the International House located in the part of Philadelphia popularly known as the University City to listen to the various candidates for the last time before elections.
CROSS SECTION OF DELEGATES
Though the debate was well attended as compared to the Minnesota debate, it failed to start on time. During an exchange before the start of the program, Hon. Gbai M. Gbala, a prominent Liberian, Mr. Arthur Watson, out going president of the union, and Mr. Kesselly, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Union all expressed their disappointment with the issue of Liberian disrespect for time. "Liberians can never change regardless of where they are, we can never start anything on time," said Gbala.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Elections Commissions, Mr Benoni T. Grimes praised the turn out of delegates. He expressed his hope that the election will produce a President who will take the organization to the next level. He said at the end of the day, he trust that Liberians will turn out to vote the candidate of their choice who is capable of leading the Union .
WATSON, SETON AND KESSELLEY
Though the various candidates were present, the debate itself was mainly a re-echo of statements made in Minnesota . For the position of Secretary General, the two candidates re-affirmed their positions. For his part, Mr. Isaac Zawolo of the Wettee-Selli team, after lengthily outlining his educational achievements, emphasized his hope to work hard to improve the Union . Adding, over the time we've worked hard to improve the organization, we even improved the Union 's chapter by an addition of a new chapter. On the other hand, Mr.Adolphus Jacobs of the Toe-Norris Team promised to transform the Union . He said the Union needs to redefine its roles. He described the Union as a drowning organization that need changes. Adding, how can you be Drowning and want to save another person who is drowning?"
As the two Vice Presidential Candidates took on each other, the level of civility that is usually exhibited by female politicians was at its peak. Though the two candidates did not meet during the last debates in Minnesota due to the absence of Mrs. Georgia Selli from the Wettee-Selli camp, their level of maturity and respect for each other was well exhibited. In her usual soft spoken voice, Mrs Danlette Norris of the Toe-Norris camp, said, "I come not with all the knowledge but to partner with you." On the question of how independent are the two candidates outside of their respective heads, Mrs. Norris said, "I do not subscribe to things I do not believed." For her part, Mrs. Selli said she has always worked independently and hope to continue doing so. "I will never be a rubber stamp, she said.
OLD HANDS FLOMO AND BROWN
The Presidential debates, though not much was different form the promises/statements made in Minnesota , saw some heated exchanges. Interestingly, the debate was mainly fired up due to what many described as the "home angle" because of important questions asked by a Panelist, Mr. Wesseh, the Managing Editor of the Inquirer News Paper in . Wesseh, who just traveled from Liberia to attend some Training in Virginia said while the Liberian population in Liberia views the Union as a serious force in the social, political and economic development of Liberia, the Union has been silent on many issues for months. He raised a question about the Candidates position on the issues of Liberian Citizens only being people of Negro Decent, to which both candidate took refuge in the constitutions.
Another Panelist, Mr. Abraham Massally continuously raised questions that were direct as he seemed to be well informed about the issues and concerns in the various chapters of the Union . However, when Massally could not properly frame a question intended for Mr. Toe, his supporters led by Rev. Samuel Reeves disrupted the debate and brought it to a standstill for about 13 minutes of protest. Some called on him to be replaced, however, that did not happen as Masselly later asked his question in a more defined faction.
Meanwhile, the official programs marking the 32nd Convention is expected to start today, September 23, 2006 at the same venue that give birth to the organization in 1974 ( The International House). The convention is expected to be presided over by the Union's out going president, Mr. Arthur Watson at 9 A.M. Delegates are also expected to walk next door to cast their votes while the convention is in process. Later in the evening, the Union will host delegates and well-wishers to a formal dinner/ball at which time the Elections Commissions is expected to announce the results of the Elections.
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