The Mamadee Sesay Campaign

Fourteen Points Platform

June 25, 2009

As presidential candidate, the responsibility for the overall organization and management of my campaign lies under my leadership. I therefore want to make sure that we have clearly defined expectations for ourselves and for those we want to lead. How we intend to achieve success is to make sure we set our goals and specify how we intend to achieve those goals in the short and long run.  In so doing, we need to come out with a platform that will set the tone of our campaign, shows the motivation and enthusiasm of my candidacy as well as excite our supporters. Read more. 

Death Announcement

The community is hereby informed the death of Brother Sekou Sesay aka Vieux Kamara on Thursday, June 18, 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona. He has since been buried in accordance with Islam doctrine. May Allah the Almighty forgive his sins and restore blessings upon him. Ameena!

Sympathizers may contact the following family members:

1.  Vakaba Sesay - 623-204-4312

2.  Adam Sesay - 623-308-7129

The Sesay Family

Mr. Mohammed Keita aka Keitus, a friend and a brother departed forever.

A few years ago, no one would have predicted that 2009 will be the end of Mr. Mohammed Keita’s existence on earth because of his abundant energy and health status, but as the saying goes that every man lives within the boundary of his destiny, so be Keitus’ final aurevoir to this materialistic world. May Allah the Almighty forgive and bestow His blessings upon him. Ameena!

Death Announcement

The Minnesota Mandingo community is hereby informed of the passing away of Valassana Kamara, uncle of Mohamed Kamara, MMA Webmaster. The sad news occurred on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 in Macenta, Guinea after a brief illness. May Allah The Almighty forgive his sins and bestow blessings upon him. Ameena!

Sympathizers may call the following family members to express condolences.

1. Aunty Masao Kanneh-North Carolina (336-617-7986)

2. Mohamed Kamara – Minnesota (612-483-9240)

3. Siaka Kamara – Bomi Hills, Liberia (+2316473942)

4. Haja Kamara – Monrovia, Liberia (+2316433337)

5. Makagbeh Kamara – Conakry, Guinea (+22462567672)

6. Fofee Kamara – Accra, Ghana (+233243946129)

Signed:

The Kamara Family

Birth Announcement

The community is hereby informed that Allah the Almighty has blessed Chernoh Haidara and wife Moafanta Dukuly with a baby girl on Monday, June 8, 2009 at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Both the baby and the mother are in good health and may Allah protect them all. Ameena!

Community members may share the joy by contacting the family on 612-247-1290.

The Kamara Family

Birth Announcement

The community is hereby informed that Allah the Almighty has blessed Daddy Konneh and wife with a baby girl on Saturday, June 6, 2009 at the North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. Both the baby and the mother are in good health and may Allah protect them all. Ameena!

Community members may share the joy by contacting the family on 763-516-7961 or 612-987-2522.

Apart from our role as host of the FELMAUSA 2009 convention, Minnesota has been a very strategic community in the Federation. Indeed, we serve as the hub of the Midwest, and the community has been able to contain most of its internal differences which has served as a blueprint for other states as well. Read more.

MMA President, Musa Kamara heads to East Coast for private visit.

Minnesota Mandingo Association President, Musa Kamara and First lady, Fatu Kamara, with their 2yrs old son and 4yrs old daughter, leave the Twins Cities this weekend for a week-long private visit to the East Coast. According to the press release issued today from the Office of the President, the first family will make their first stop in New Jersey. After visiting New Jersey, President Kamara will head to New York where he is scheduled to meet with other family members and friends before going to Philadelphia on his final visit.

During the President’s absence, the Vice President, Sheikh Swaray, will coordinate the affairs of the association.

Flip-flopping or Partiality: FELMAUSA’s board needs to be firm and decisive
By Osman Bamba

Flip-flopping is a disease in politics and FELMAUSA's board of directors are practicing such a behavior that could spark disunity within our community. One of my idols in the Mandingo community, Brother Kasum Sillah was rejected by the board of directors on grounds that he could not serve as one of the election commissioners, because he's serving on the board as the state of Georgia's representative. By the same token, Mr. Gavin Swaray a.k.a. KING VEE is serving on the same board as one of New Jersey's representatives was approved by the board of directors. Now tell me my dear readers, is this not partiality? Read more.

MMA Press Secretary, Alh Donzo receives bride from Africa
By Mohamed A. Kamara

June 1, 2009

Today, June 1, 2009, the Press Secretary of Minnesota Mandingo Assocation, Mr. Alh Donzo, aka Chris D, will be receiving his beautiful bride onboard Delta Airline at the Minneapolis/St Paul International Airport, Bloomington, Minnesota.

Arrangements are in place for a grand reception by MMA in recognition of Mr. Donzo’s invaluable services to the community.

For more information, you may contact Mr. Donzo on 612-229-1963.

Brother Ayoubah Weds Zainab

The Dorleh’s and Kosiah’s request the honor of Your Presence at the marriage ceremony of their daughter and son.

The miracle of love is the love given to us to give to one another.

For more information on the wedding, click here.

The Dorleh and Kosiah Families

Special Service Announcement

Friday, May 29, 2009

The Minnesota Mandingo Association is hereby informed that the general monthly meeting is slated for Sunday, May 31, 2009 at the Family Services Center on 3333 4^th Street North, Minneapolis, MN (usual meeting spot). The meeting is expected to commence at 4:00 PM but you may attend even after the stipulated time.

Please mobilize the community for a massive turnout as the Constitution Reform Committee headed by Abraham Fofana, Esq., will make deliverance on amendments for definite motions by meeting attendees. Another important issue entails the upcoming FELMAUSA convention hosted by MMA in the Twin Cities.

If you are concerned about the success of the community, please fail not to come as it is your entitlements to decide for yourselves.

Signed:

Web and Publicity Committee, MMA

Minnesota Mandingo Association paid tribute to FELMAUSA leader, Mr. Richmond Konneh, under scrutiny

By Mohamed A. Kamara

May 25, 2009

The pressure is mounting, and the moral is high while the countdown to July 3, 2009 elapses every second in anticipation of an historic gathering in the Twin Cities. With bold smiles and great confidence, Mr. Konneh began his discourse in a friendly mood underscoring key terms like “Mandingo”, “unification”, “political and economic empowerment” and common jargons or terms used by politicians in most campaign trails. To recollect memories of community members, Mr. Konneh clearly stated that the mission to the Midwest should not be termed as a campaign but an obligation to identify with various chapters. Read more.

Death Announcement

The Minnesota Mandingo Association is hereby informed of the passing of Ms. Amina Kamara, baby sister of Mamadee Sesay’s wife Isata Kamara. The sad news occurred on Saturday, May 23, 2009 in Freetown, Sierra Leone after a brief illness. May Allah forgive her sins and bestow His blessings upon her. Ameena!

Sympathizers may call Mr. Sesay and the family on 612-703-0600 to express condolences.

The Sesay Family

A Campaign trail or an outreach train: FELMAUSA President Meets Minnesota Mandingo Association
By Mohamed A. Kamara

Confirmed report reaching our desk says the President of FELMAUSA, Mr. Richmond Konneh including his entourage is in Minnesota and will be meeting with the entire community this afternoon. Specifics into said meeting which are yet to be clearly defined, continues to raise concerns whether it is a bid to retain the leadership for another term or a mere gesture in the quest of reunifying the Mandingo community.

Since the conception of such an ideology, “FELMAUSA”, in the basement of one of our brothers in the Twin Cities almost two years, the look of the FELMAUSA has changed from a pilot phase to implementation stage under the leadership of Mr. Konneh, a great result many doubted hugely but the argument most analysts are putting forth is why at this moment it is thoughtful of Mr. Konneh to undertake such a trip to key constituencies in the federation. Another interesting point is the exclusion of Mr. AB Kromah, Board Chairman, Read more.

Minister Woods assumes leadership at Public Works Ministry
By Michael Kpayili / Staff Writer – The Liberian Times

Newly appointed Minister of Public Works Samuel Kofi Woods has taken over the gavel of authority at the Ministry of Public Works. The ceremony which saw segments of different societal backgrounds including prelates, market women, employees of Labour and Public Works, government officials took place at the premises of the Ministry of Public Works.

At a brief but quality occasion, outgoing Public Works Minister Luseni Donzo pay tribute to her Excellency Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for the confidence she has and continue to have in him to be part of her legacy as not only the first female President, but also, a replica of what he believes a President should be. Read more.

Congratulations to Mr. Morris Kuyateh and family
By: Mohamed A. Kamara

While we anticipate the expansion of the Mandingo community in Minnesota, a congratulatory message to Mr. Morris Kuyateh and family for a bouncing baby boy on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In a telephone conversation with Mr. Kuyateh, both the mother and the baby are in good health, and the family has been discharged from the hospital. Well-wishers may share the joy with the Kuyateh family at their residence in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.

Frauds Crumble Liberian Govt.: L$22M Missing at Finance Ministry Again

MONROVIA, Liberia -- Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan (left) and his audit team are investigating the missing checks. The Liberian government is struggling to deal with the onslaught of fraudulent activities resulting in the stealing of millions of dollars from state coffers by employees of government apparently with the aid of top officials.

The President made a firm declaration to fight corruption, declaring it public enemy number one, but the trend of events in three years has seen huge wave of frauds tearing the government apart beginning with the Executive Mansion, the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Liberia and other financial functionaries of the state. Check frauds at the Ministry of Finance has cost millions of Liberian dollars to vanish from the state which are pocketed by individuals employees of that ministry. Read more.

'Five Little Men' Transfer Over US$1M: Biggest Fraud Rocks Liberian Government
05/19/09 - Samwar S. Fallah, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

CENTRAL BANK CONFIRMS: "I want to confirm that indeed the amount US$1,171,751.00 was transferred from the Central Bank. The Transfer slip is dated May 6, 2009. The amount was posted to Eco Bank account #109135306220014 on May 8, 2009."

Liberia Justice Minister Denies Wrongdoing over Seized Nigerian Assets

By Scott Stearns
VOA Dakar
20 May 2009

Petition for the Keynote Speaker for FELMAUSA Convention 2009

By: Mohamed A. Kamara

Based on the result of poll conducted over a period of six months on the Minnesota Mandingo Association Web site for the nomination of the Keynote Speaker for the upcoming convention in Minnesota, several choices were made in acknowledgement of their prominence in our society in particular, and the Liberian community at large. Read more.

Death Announcement

The death is announced of brother Musa Daramay, elder brother of Mohamed M. Daramay of Folcroft, PA. This sad event took place on Friday, 05/08/2009 in Duala, Monrovia, Liberia. May his soul rest in perfect peace.

Prayer service for the late brother Musa will be held at Mohamed M. Daramay's residence, 518 Primos Ave. Folcroft, PA 19032 on Sunday, 05/24/2009 at 2:00 pm

To sympathize with the family, you may call the following contacts:

1. N’Gofin S. Daramay--------01122464302873  N’Zerekore, Guinea

2. Ali Daramay--------------------0112316528690   Monrovia, Liberia

3. Mohamed M. Daramay--------2674325016    PHILADELPHIA,  PA

4. Gofin Kosia-----------------------6466519476----Philadelphia

5. Sidiki Kosia-------------------0112316756671   Monrovia, Liberia

6. Mohamed S. Daramay----------9729001528     DALLAS, TX

7. Abubacar Kanneh--------------4035010326    CANADA

8. Mrs. Masaran Kanga Daramay----3063515445 CANADA

9. N’Vabury F. Daramay----------7132778953      HOUSTON, TX

10. Moses Dukuly-------------------6126009696      MINEAPOLIS, MN

11. Mohamed  Daramay-----------3477379692       NEW YORK

12. Fungbeh Daramay-------------01161423011302   AUSTRALIA

The Daramay Family

Death Announcement

The Minnesota Mandingo community is hereby informed of the passing away of Morris Bility, brother of Hawa Bility. The sad news occurred in Monrovia, Liberia after brief illness. May Allah The Almighty forgive his sins and bestow blessings upon him. Ameena!

Sympathizers may call Sheikh Swaray, Hawa Bility and other family members on 612-483-1662.

Signed:

The Bility Family

Issues in the Mandingo community forum

In an effort to find remedies to several issues in the Mandingo community in a positive manner; solutions that could lead to brighter future for the Mandingo community in particular, and those sensitive issues that the Liberian government cannot resolve, we encourage all persons of etiquette, wisdom and positive mind-set to participate in the above forum. For more info, click here.

Birth Announcement

The Almighty Allah has blessed Mr. Sheikh Swaray and wife Hawa Bility with a baby boy on Saturday, May 2, 2009 at the Abott Hospital on Chicago Ave opposite the Children's Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. Both the baby and the mother are in good health and may Allah protect them all. Ameena!

Community members may share the joy by contacting the family on 612-483-1662

Media and Publication Committee, MMA

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Dorleh

Being one of the community leaders and a role-model for that matter, the community cannot express the joy of the arrival of your wife from Africa. From reliable sources, it was meant to surprise the general public and indeed we were surprised.

Many people who have interacted with Mr. Dorleh will attest that he is a man of his words; a man of trust and diligence in any undertakings. Just keep up the good work in keeping our community together.

Once more, congratulations from the entire Mandingo community in Minnesota and wish you a very fruitful union.

By:

The Minnesota Mandingo Association

Chairman Trawally, please intervene

Earlier last week, I wrote reminding the President of MMA, Mr. Musa Kamara, of his numerous promises during his bid for the leadership of the community and a set of intervention techniques in getting the community alive once more. Nonetheless, the failure of the leadership in adhering to those deliverables is everyone’s business including those community pundits, and in so doing there is an urgent need to act now. Read more.

Birth Announcement

The community is hereby informed that Allah the Almighty has blessed Brother Lasana Jabateh and wife Masogbeh with a baby girl on Saturday, April 25, 2009 at the Methodist Hospital in St Louis Park, Minnesota. Both the baby and the mother are in good health and may Allah protect them all. Ameena!

Community members may share the joy by contacting the family on 763-267-1521.

Media and Publication Committee, MMA

Service Announcement

The Leadership of MMA in collaboration with elders and community stakeholders invites its membership to a very important meeting slated for Sunday, April 26, 2009 at the Family Services Center located on 3333 North 4^th Street, Minneapolis, MN.

Your presence will be highly important so as to participate in the discussion of unfolding issues in the Mandingo community including: FELMAUSA 2009 Convention, Plans for summer, Constitution Reform, MMA Elections and many more.

To grace the occasion, please come with edible items to share with the community members. As you may be aware the first step in community unification is the act of sharing and this time around we want to restore the confidence that we can still make things to happen.

This meeting is about the future of our children and the community not media propaganda for the current leadership. Please come along with your wives and children as they are important assets of the community.

Hope to see you all tomorrow!!!!

Media & Publication Committee, MMA

Issues in the Community….

Over some time now, the Mandingo community has been facing numerous challenges ranging from leadership crises in local chapters; our roles in nation’s rebuild; the emergence of a body, “FELMAUSA”, to represent all Mandingos; the denial of the Mandingos in regaining the lands and properties in Nimba county and the failure of FELMAUSA, the so-called mouthpiece for Mandingoes in the United States for taking up issues with President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf during her recent visit to Minnesota. All of these coming up soon.

Memo to the President

From: Concerned Community Member, Minnesota Mandingo Association

To: Musa Kamara, President, Minnesota Mandingo Association

Date: Monday, April 20, 2009

Subject: Remember your campaign promises

Mr. President,

Thank you for providing me the opportunity to take up issues affecting our community in such a public forum. Critics may term this as a shot in the foot but the motive of such reminder is neither of any political intent nor negative criticism, but for the sake of reigniting the dead soul of the community.

Mr. President, as a community member, it is sad to say how bad things have gone so rapidly within in couple months. On two occasions, you vowed to be head of the community and with our support, you successfully came to power. Initially, many issues among community members were quickly resolved and your peace-making role within the entire Mandingo community in the United States was highly remarkable. In spite of the total silence, I feel that you can still make a great difference because you are such a gifted leader we Minnesotans are proud to having you.

Allowing me to retire, I would like to make the following recommendations in restoring the morale of the community once more before the tenure of your term in office:

1. Convene an emergency meeting of executive, board members, past leaders, heads of women’s clubs to brainstorm on taking the community to a new level;

2. Reconnect with the constitution reform committee to finalize the draft constitution as soon as possible;

3. Make all financial records public and accessible to all community members for the sake of transparency;

4. Restructure the Convention Committee delegating roles and responsibilities to people with results-oriented strategies;

Mr. President, I know you are not a politician and as such, I don’t expect false campaign promises but there is always a need to remind people once in a while.

Signed:

Concerned Community Member