MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT

January 24^th, 2024

As we begin the start of a new year, we would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for your ongoing support and commitment to our organization. We are delighted to provide you with a comprehensive overview of our activities (achievements, initiatives, and financial performance) over the past year since we took over.

Overview:

Our team was elected on October 21, 2023, at the Special Annual General Meeting (AGM)

held in Northampton, United Kingdom. The new corps of officials elected included: The Executive and its members and AGM and its members.

Executives:

Mr. Anthony Kollie – President
Mr. Joe Sithole – Vice President
Ms. Suneeta Kapoor – Treasurer
Dr. Emmanuel D. Lah, MD – General Secretary

Members:

Ms. Eugenia Shaw
Ms. Marie Kwende Collins
Mr. Morris S. Barsee

Annual General Meeting

Ms. Anita Tweh – Chairlady
Mrs. Elizabeth Kollie Jallah – Vice Chairlady
Miss Charlbe Richardson – Secretary
Johnny Tamba Kalbah – Member
Mr. Sekou Donzo – Member

On December 20, 2023, an impromptu special program was held in Coventry to administer the oath of office to the new leadership. Represented at the program were representatives and members of: Grand Gedeh association, Grater Manchester Men, Liberian Association West Midlands (LAWEM), Liberian association of the Midlands, Greater Manchester Mandigo Group, Liberian community Bolton, Liberian community organization, Liberian Mandigo Association of the United Kingdom, United Sisters and Brother (Coventry), West Midlands Mandigo family, Manchester Men Liberia Community and Kukaipa Women.

Handover

As per information received from the outgoing team, the transitional period takes about 40 days. During this period, the old team works together with the new representatives to smoothly transfer documents, assets and support the new leaders with the workings of the organization. This process is still ongoing unfortunately, as there are still a few issues to be sorted, the most important being the change of signatories to the bank account.

However, the following were turned over within the period under review:

A Gmail email and password
A website hosted on a template (with ULOUK not having exclusive ownership of the domain
A zoom account and its password (the organization has been unable to use the zoom as it was registered to a personal email and getting the access code required a third party) and
A Facebook page and access to administrative control
A WhatsApp page and administrative access
A list of 26 registered organizations.

NOTE: No official financial report was made in relation to the operations of the outgoing team. However, we were informed verbally that the organization had about Two Thousand Pounds (£2,000) in the account. Moreover, no physical assets were received with regards to stationaries, furniture, or electronics. Again, the transfer of signatories to the new leadership is still ongoing.

Accomplishments and Highlights:

When we took over, our immediate short-term goals were to:

Upgrade the information and communication arms of ULOUK to meet compliance standards in the UK:

Effective communication is critical for the smooth functioning of an organization, fostering collaboration, engagement, and a positive work environment, and ultimately contributing to the organization’s success. The purpose of upgrading the various platforms was to make it independent and give sole ownership to ULOUK. As mentioned earlier, most of the systems of information dissemination were attached to personal accounts and or numbers which made it difficult to access when said individuals are not available.

The leadership has managed to address these issues by obtaining a sim card and a phone for the day-to-day operation of ULOUK. Hopefully, the ULOUK information WhatsApp chat will be transferred to this number (which will be a process). Also, a laptop has been purchased to keep all communications stored and safe; this will enhance a smooth handover of information in the future. Additionally, the website has been upgraded with new features and a Facebook account has been created in ULOUK’s name to run the old Facebook page. We are optimistic that with these changes, communication will be effective, private and the image of the organization while interacting with the public and its partners will be preserved.

Reconciliation:

Reconciliation amongst our members was crucial for maintaining a cohesive and efficient co- existence. Although the connection among us has been relatively satisfactory, there was a need to reaffirm this relationship. On the 30^th of November, a zoom meeting was held with all heads of organizations. This meeting brought together almost all leaders, and a fruitful discussion was held in the interest of a collective working relationship.

Re – establish a strong relationship between ULUOK and the Liberian government through the embassy of Liberia, UK:

The embassy serves as a representative of Liberia and the Liberian government here in the UK. We believe that a good relationship with the embassy can yield several benefits for both parties. Also, as liaison between us and the government of the UK, its support will be instrumental in navigating regulatory frameworks, obtaining necessary permits, and addressing any legal or bureaucratic challenges.

The leadership through the efforts of the chairlady of the AGM, Ms. Anita Tweh gained audience with Her excellency, the ambassador on the 21^st of December 2023 in her London office at the Embassy of Liberia.

The meeting was held with the intention of reestablishing a positive and cooperative relationship with the embassy and fostering reconciliation. Both parties engaged in open and constructive dialogue, acknowledging past challenges and expressing mutual commitment to moving forward on a positive trajectory. Key points discussed included the identification of areas for potential collaboration, the exchange of perspectives on recent developments, and the exploration of opportunities to strengthen ties between our respective entities.

Both sides expressed a genuine desire to overcome past differences and work towards a renewed partnership built on trust, respect, and shared goals. It was agreed that ongoing communication and regular engagement will be essential in achieving these objectives. As a result of the meeting, a framework for future collaboration and a plan for continued dialogue was agreed to be establish, with a focus on promoting understanding and cooperation.

Overall, the meeting was marked by a spirit of goodwill and a shared commitment to rebuilding a positive and productive relationship. Both parties left the meeting with a sense of optimism and a clear understanding of the steps needed to foster reconciliation and strengthen ties between our entities. The ambassador stressed the importance of working together as a team. She reaffirmed her support to ULOUK and insisted that her office will always be open for dialogue on various issues.

Collaboration with other entities/Partners

During the period under review, ULOUK was represented at two very important partnership programs: The Pan-African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK’s African Peace Symposium 2023 and the international maritime organization Special assembly dinner.

Pan-African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK’s Pan African Peace Symposium 2023

Ms. Eugenia Shaw represented ULOUK at this event. The evening started with all the delegates on a group tour of the halls and The Baitul Futuh mosque. Our tour guide was informative and candid. The seated program was educational and diverse. All the different speakers give detailed outlines of individual and collaborative efforts on achieving community, nation, and world peace. The food was cooked to perfection and very flavorsome. After the formal event, it was networking. During this time, I was able to establish contact with Tommy Kallon, the

current President of the Pan-African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK; Andrew George , president of the National Black Police Association; Mara Makunura, deputy Mayor of Rushmoor; and last but by no means least, I was introduced and had a candid conversation with, keynote speaker, Imam Azhar Hanif, Vice President & Missionary In-charge, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, whom I was able to give a synopsis of our vision mission statement” (Ms. Shaw).

The international maritime organization Special assembly dinner:

The ceremony was held at the Albert Embankment, United Kingdom on the Tuesday 28^th November. The event was in commemorations of Liberia’s candidature for election to a seat in Category ‘A’ on the council of the international Maritime organization at the 33^rd Assembly session of the organization. The assembly is the highest decision-making body of the international maritime organization, which meets biennially to approve the decisions of the organization. Mr. Anthony Kollie (President) and Ms. Eugenia Shaw (executive member) attended on behalf of ULOUK.

“On arrival, we were briefed on the protocols of the day and shown the line ups of special guest comprising of prominent Liberian maritime delegates from Liberia and the diaspora, as well as those of other maritime membership countries” (Mr. Kollie).

“During the ‘meet and greet ‘we were introduced to the main delegates of the Liberian maritime Authority particularly the commissioner of the Liberia Maritime Authority, Honorable Eugene Lenn Nagbe, also present was Harry Conway, Liberian permanent mission to the International maritime organization amongst others.

Following the Meet and Greet session, Harry Conway welcomed the attendees and highlighted the purpose of occasion, followed by a Toast from Honorable Eugene Nagbe to declare the event officially open.

Our representation at this event was significant and very strategic because we used the event to network and create awareness of the Union of Liberian organization in the United Kingdom (ULOUK) to various sectors of Liberians (home and abroad) and guest. We had the opportunity to briefly discuss the intent of the new leadership and what the UK communities can look forward to but most importantly encouraging their involvement.

Overall, the event was colorful with a great atmosphere; local Liberian dishes were served, goody bags were available, local snacks and Liberian made products were on display. The

occasion was also made special with the presence of Liberian legendary musician Miatta Fahnbulleh who kept all sectors of the attendees responding to her beat” (Mr. Kollie).

Special thanks and appreciation – Mr. Douglas Farngalo who informed us of the event and Mr. Harry Conway for his efforts in introducing ULOUK representatives to the maritime delegates, particularly to Honorable commissioner Eugene Lenn Nagbe (Mr. Kollie).

Financial Report

Our leadership has tried to maintain a stable financial position, with prudent management and allocation of resources to support our activities and strategic objectives. This has been demonstrated in the amount spent on major events like the swearing in program.

Summary of Report

Item / Activity / Event	Date	Amount
Swearing in Program (Hall rental)	December 20, 2023	£ 120.00
Swearing in Program (Catering)	December 20, 2023	£ 150.00
Laptop (Levono)	December 07, 2023	£ 240.00
Phone (android)	December 07, 2023	£ 110.00
3 Sim card	November 30, 2023	£ 11.67
Website (Domain)	November 20, 2023	£ 20.00
Website (Hosting 1 year)	November 20, 2023	£ 75.00
Website SSL (with 2 professional emails)	November 20, 2023	£ 20.00
Building website	December	£75.00
Microsoft 365 for computer	January 20, 2024	£ 75.00
Subtotal		£ 896.67

Initiatives, Projects, and Plans

July 26, 2024, Celebration:

The bidding process for this year’s July 26, 2024, was officially opened and communicated to member organizations on November 20^th, 2023. The deadline for the bidding process was December 15^th, 2023. However, this was extended to give more time to would-be bidders to make an application.

So far, the leadership has received only one official bid from LAWEM from Coventry/Birmingham. The leadership is currently evaluating their application and doing background checks to be sure that the necessary requirements are met. However, we would like to emphasize that the bidding is closed now. In due time, the public will be informed if LAWEM meets the requirements and given the right to host the occasion.

Short term Plan(s)

As a diaspora organization, we strongly believe that we owe much to our country (Liberia) to support in various ways we can. And with the inception of the new leadership in Liberia, it is our hopes that ULOUK will be involved effectively in the rebuilding of our country.

Over the past few weeks, we have consulted with various partners, member organizations and representatives in Liberia on projects and initiatives that ULOUK can be involved with. Several suggestions have been received from these consultations including Education, Health, Women empowerment, Youth development and Farming.

Upon considering all the suggestions made, the leadership is considering donating to Redemption Hospital maternity and neonatal ward as our start.

The donation will be in the form of used items like baby cloths, female adult clothes and other items like shoes, stocking socks, sanitary pads and a few medical equipment.

A member of the executive (Ms. Suneeta Kapoor – Treasurer) has volunteered to ship the items free of charge on behalf of ULOUK. We are therefore calling on members for their support. If you have any items like decent used clothes, children’s clothes, and other items, you can park them. Details regarding pickup/drop-off will be shared with the public later.

Looking Ahead

As we look toward the future, we are excited about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. We remain committed to our mission and are dedicated to furthering our impact and relevance in the community.

We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all members, volunteers, sponsors, and partners who have contributed to our success. Your support has been invaluable, and we look forward to continuing our journey together.

We encourage you to reach out with any questions or feedback, as your input is essential to our ongoing improvement and development.

Thank you once again for your unwavering support.

Management Team

Union of Liberian Organizations in the United Kingdom (ULOUK)

Tel: (+44)7481045260

info@ulouk.co.uk

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