The first business session was called to order at 11:00 o’clock A.M. on July 15, 2000 at the Clearview United Methodist Church, with Mr. Samuel Smith, Coordinator of the Organizing Committee presiding.

Mrs. Kou Dolopei-Alpha delivered the welcome remarks on behalf of the host chapter.

The Reunion 2006 Agenda was read. A request by Dr. W.S. Boayue to include the question of the New Ganta Hospital on the agenda was accepted. Election of officers and other matters were moved to the second business session. Mr. Allen Blegay suggested that some of the matters should be referred to committee as the meeting was starting late and we could not properly cover such matters as the constitution in the time available. With these modifications, the agenda was adopted.

In his state of the association remarks, Mr. Sam Smith commented on the difficulties of leadership that was responsible for the long gap since the last meeting in Atlanta. He also remarked on the lack of financial support and the problems the committee faced in drafting the constitution for the association.

Formation of Chapters: The question of local chapters was discussed. Should each state have a chapter, or should a group of states form regional chapters? It was agreed that we should have regional chapters. The structure would be flexible and would be reviewed as needed. A committee was appointed to divide the country into regions. Mrs. Marian Webba – chair, Mr. Charles Abbans, Jr., and Mrs. Rebecca Mantor – members.

Adoption of the School Ode: Dr. Nya Taryor presented to the body, an ode that he had composed for the school – “We Hail Thee Ganta Mission”. Dr. W.S. Boayue asked if the group was aware that there used to be an ode for the school, which he remembered. No one present was aware of this. He suggested that we should investigate the matter. The group fell in love with the new ode and thanked Dr. Taryor for his effort. A committee was formed to research the question of an old ode and present their findings at the next annual meeting. The committee was composed as follows: Mrs. Martha Belleh – chair, Mr. Allen Blegay, Mr. Joe Kappia, and Dr. Nya Taryor.

Draft Constitution: The Association could not adopt the draft as requested by the organizing committee. More time was needed to study the document. A committee was appointed to review and circulate the draft in preparation for adoption at the next annual meeting. Members are requested to submit their suggestions to the committee. Mr. Allen Blegay – chair, Mrs. Marian Webba, Dr. Nya Taryor, Mrs. Yei Jeanette Garmie, Mrs. Janice A. Jackson, and Mrs. Mai Quipu Yuan.

Site of Reunion 2007: Rhode Island and Atlanta volunteered. Atlanta was elected by a vote of 24 to 9. Atlanta will host the Association in July 2007.

2006 Project Focus:

1. New George W. Harley Hospital at Ganta: Dr. Wilfred Boayue, Chair of the Bishop’s Ad Hoc Committee for the New Ganta Hospital, presented a working paper to the meeting reviewing the history and contribution of the hospital over the years. The paper, which was circulated among all present, generated passionate debate. The document and cover note have since been circulated to the membership also describes the mechanism for making the contributions. See Annex I. It was agreed that each member should make a contribution of at least $200.00. Contributions are to be made by December 15, 2006 so that a report can be made to the Liberia Annual Conference that will be held in Ganta in February 2007. The Committee to mobilize this contribution is composed as follows: Mrs. Martha Belleh – chair, Ms Janice Jackson, Mr. Allen Blegay and Mrs. Yei Garmie.
2. Supplementary pay for teachers: The Association decided that its net income would be divided 70% (school) and 30% (administration). Individual donations so far include—Mrs. Belleh - $300.00 for teachers’ salary, Mr. Allen Blegay pledged one-year supplementary teacher’s salary. Ms Ivy Miller and Mrs. Marie Baar Davis pledged to purchase school supplies for one year. Donations to the school will be split: 70% (teacher salary) and 30%(scholarship).

• President – Mr. Samuel Smith
• First Vice President – Mrs. Kou Dolopei-Alpha
• Second Vice President – Marian Webba
• Secretary – Mrs. Gertrude Kehleay
• Financial Secretary – Mr. Charles Abbans
• Treasurer – Mrs. Uluma Sharpe
• Parliamentarian – Mr. Stephen Snorton
• Chaplain – Mrs. Victoria Biah