UPBACDA GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING

Host location: Aunty Joan Essim's Residence

 

The meeting started at 8:20pm with eighteen members on roll. The president Prince Enoh John-Ebika Ashuagbor welcomed everyone present while reiterating how wonderful it is for us to meet every month to identify problems of our community and to seek lasting solutions as well as to socialize. The president disclosed the agenda of the day which was moved correct as a working document by Mrs. Ashukem, and seconded by Dr. Mrs. Solomon.

 

Opening Prayers: The opening prayer was led by Dr.Mrs. Solomon who interceded powerfully for the sick especially for Mrs. Taba Frida, Mr. Ashukem and Pa Akwo.

 

The minutes were read with the following amendment: that the sum of $5000.00 voted for a bereaved member family could be a privilege for MECA DC but a right to UPBACDA. The minutes were then moved correct for discussions by Emmanuel Tabi and Grace Tabi respectively.

 

Matters Arising:

The President Prince Enoh John-Ebika Ashuagbor’s idea to hold on to the project and consolidate a stronger group first was unanimously accepted by the general assembly. He continued by making common knowledge the fact that the upper bayang association had been for eight years without losing a member (2007-2015). In a pensive mood he welcomed Pa Betah and Donald and gave them an opportunity to address the general assembly. Pa Betah thanked the president and said his wife was not sick for a very long time but by the time they tried to fix things, it happened. He acknowledged the wonderful role the group played in his wife’s passing and said they might not become members but the bond his wife established should not be broken. He thanked God for her life, and said God has taking her but was blessed with a new born baby girl in his family. He requested an invite should we have any event that require financial support. He thanked the group and said other associations are copying us.

 

In response the president said we were honored to have them and continued life would not be complete if there was no death. He also acknowledged the note and drinks they brought to support the meeting.

 

Reflecting on Mrs. Betah’s funeral, Dr. Mrs. Solomon said normally we had to visit the bereaved family every day with food but it was limited because of the distance.

 

Constitutional Review:

The president said the group has undergone changes or better still mutations that require constitutional amendments to meet the present realities: Bereavement: Response when a person is alive? Instead of removing money from the coffers, he proposed a coup de Coeur (free will donation) and threw it to the general assembly.

 

Dickson said we needed a structure for sickness but was clarified we already have one ($100). Grace added that the structure should also cater for members who are seriously sick but not hospitalized. The president requested Dickson to make some recommendations and present to the group. Dr. Mrs. Solomon supported the president’s stance but insisted that there should be a bench mark.

 

BBQ:

A vote for a bbq was conducted because we were a month to the event and it was obscure if it could take place. With a 21 vote for and 4 against votes, the bbq was scheduled for June 13th at Pa Akwo’s residence.

 

Bereavement:

The president reiterated the need to be up to date financially with the group and reminded members that they are supposed to have contributed a hundred dollars as per the June meeting.

 

Audits:

An audit committee was set up to check and balance the finances of the group. It comprises of Dickson, Besong David, Aunty Philomina and Dr. Mrs. Solomon Agbor. Still under finances, Mr. Otto was very bitter and threatened to stop making contributions to the group because he had never been given papers to file for taxes?

 

Announcements:

Dr. S.A., encouraged members to enroll for the bereavement fund COMBASS under MECA DC. He also announced that MECA DC was going to launch a scholarship fund with selection of students from 4 sub divisions in Manyu. He finally announced the launching of their magazine MABAG in August the 29Th.

Mrs. Ashukem thanked the group for their prayers and support following the illness of her hubby who she reported is recovering at home.

David Besong announced the passing into eternity of chief Difang.

 

New member introduction:

* Santana Manyi Agborchi Ndakor, Agbor Milton, Mariot Adeso, Eunice, Ekwe Sophie visiting, Mr. Richard Chu and Mrs. Vivian Tabi.

* Trivia: Pa Maurice won the dance competition

The meeting came to an end at 10:43pm as the president thanked everyone for coming and their active participation during deliberations.

 

Next meeting scheduled for August 8th, 2015  Location Stephen Ebai's Residence

 

 

          President:                                                                                                Deputy Secretary

Prince Enoh John-Ebika Ashuagbor                                                                    Jose Eyong