APC-NA Mini- Convention & Dance

Burtonsville, MD:

The North American Branch of the All People's Congress successfully held their mini convention in Burtonsville, Maryland. The presence of members from nearly all chapters in the United States made it possible for the organization's by-laws to be approved unanimously. That party delegates were able to debate the issues and air out their disagreements without any confrontation underscored the importance and the strong belief of the party in the democratic process.

Delegates demanded for a change in clause that stipulates that the positions of Secretary General, Treasurer and Financial Secretary should only be held by residents of the Metropolitan States of Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia. The demand was met with fierce opposition form members of the Washington DC Chapter who believe that since most government leaders always come to Washington, it is imperative that whoever holds such a position be a resident of the area. This way, they contend, these people can be part of the team that would readily be available to welcome Sierra Leone government officials. Perfect examples were the visits of President Koroma in 2008 and the recent visit of Vice President Sam Sumana. As one delegate from the Washington DC chapter remarked, “this is the nation's capital and everything happen here in Washington."

The other issue that generated intense debate was whether there was any need for a party office. Alhaji Sultan Kamara, Secretary General of the Georgia Chapter, contended that if the APC is thinking forward as highlighted several times during the deliberations, he and others were of the strong opinion that the APC does not need a physical office. "We can have a virtual office and hold meetings from anywhere and this can be done in several ways," he remarked. His calm remarks were followed thunderous applause.

Since every delegate believed strongly in the tenets of democracy, both issues were brought to the floor for a vote. Unfortunately, the visiting delegates failed to secure enough votes to win and make the desired changes. The combined Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC (which is now The Washington DC Chapter) won a landslide victory after they began calling their members to show up and vote. Realizing what was at stake as the visiting delegates were determined to displace the seat of power, members from the DC chapter descended at the convention site in large numbers to vote.

In his capacity as party elder and former National Secretary General of the APC, Mr. E.T. Kamara reminded all delegates to honour with sincerity and firmness of purpose the tremendous responsibility that has been placed on them for the future of the party. Calling on all delegates “to read every line and every page of the by-laws,” Mr. Kamara admonished all “to offer constructive debates, comments and or suggestions for it is only in doing so that the deliberations will be worthwhile."

H.E. Bokarie Stevens reminded delegates about the party's convention which will be held later this month in the Northern Provincial town of Makeni. Speaking from experience, he reiterated the opportunity at hand and challenged all to think about the party's interest and not the individual ambitions of individuals and/or chapters. “We need to be united and work hard each and everyday to continue bringing about the desired changes that our people have come to expect from us" he added.

In attendance as guest of honour, was the Deputy Minister of Finance II, Momodu L. Kargbo, who was on a short visit to the USA and will be returning to Freetown on Tuesday. The quiet and unassuming minister took time to visit and chat with delegates and commended them for being active participants in promoting democracy.

Welcoming all delegates, Osman T. Conteh, Chairman of the APC-NA, thanked all delegates who have traveled from afar to be part of history. Like H.E. Bockarie, he pleaded with delegates to put the interests of the party "for it is only when we work together, that we can continue to succeed." He lauded the many projects that have been undertaken under his leadership and thanked every member for their support and sacrifice. “Sierra Leone needs a forward thinking party and a leader that cares deeply about her people and the APC and President Koroma is what the country needs today” he continued.

When challenged by Nanette Thomas, a Texas delegate, about the lack of leadership on the part of the current Financial Secretary for failing to report about the state of the organization’s finances, Mr. Conteh cautioned all about the danger of personalizing party issues. In a stern voice, Mr. Conteh emphasized that his team is not only full of decent individuals but working hard each and every day for the good of the party. In no uncertain terms, he reminded all that “no one in my team has the capacity to misuse our party funds.” He promised to look into the matter of the association’s finances.

Acting as chairman of the occasion was AB Bangura whose patience, courage and tough negotiating skills helped steered the entire by-law ratification process away from chaos. All efforts to frustrate his duties by boisterous delegates were to no avail.

Leading in Christian prayers with a song (Blessed Assurance) was Mr. E.T. Kamara whose beautiful voice could easily be interpreted to be that of an angel and could seduce audiences from all over the world. A delegate from Philadelphia confided to me in Krio “orman dis pa need for get band.” Muslim prayers were led by Alhaji Dumbuya. This was followed by the APC Victory song. The evening ended with a fundraising dance, which after the day’s debates was needed to renew and strengthen the brotherly bonds that exists between all chapters.