On
Saturday, March 14, 2009, Marylanders in the Diaspora, friends, and supporters of Maryland County residing in the United States
gathered at Martin’s Crosswinds Banquet Hall in Greenbelt, Maryland to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the founding
of Marylanders For Progress (Liberia) Inc.,
a non-profit organization committed to the development of Maryland County, Liberia. Our special guests included Hon. And Mrs.
Nathaniel M. Barnes, Liberia’s Ambassador to the United States; Mr. Eric Giko, President, National Maryland County Association,
USA (NAMCAL); Mr. Ernest Johnson, President, Liberian Association of the metro Washington D.C.; Mr. Y. Wloti Hne, President,
Maryland County Association of Pennsylvania; Mr. Morris Koffa, President, Africa Environmental Watch (AEW) and Members of
the Maryland - Liberia Sister State Committee. Click here for photos
In his brief remarks, Ambassador Barnes thanked President Roberta
Brown and members of MFP for their initiatives and participation in the development of Maryland County.
He admonished all Marylanders to dig deep within and contribute to the development of their county.
For his part, Mr. J. Wah-Doe Bedell, Sr., Chairman Emeritus of the organization expressed gratitude
for the many years of service MFP has rendered to Maryland County. He thanked the leadership of President Roberta Brown for her steadfastness that
resulted in sustainable growth over the last decade. “I am certain that the next ten years will be successful,”
Mr. Bedell concluded.
In a congratulatory message from Monrovia, Mrs. Catherine Woods, the General Secretary of MFP
now residing in Liberia said: “While we celebrate this auspicious occasion,
let us learn that united we stand tall, divided we fall not to the ground but to the pit of the earth. Let us learn to work
together, grow stronger, and work harder, for we have a lot on our plate but with combined efforts, we will RISE FROM THE
ASHES and be a beacon to the rest of the Country.” In another congratulatory
message, Mr. James Elliott, MD, chairman - board of directors- MFP said, “The future of Liberia will remain bleak if we do not act now to prepare the current pool of students
for the 21’st century global village. Participation of the Diaspora and friends of Liberia is necessary for the successful implementation of MFP’s goals. We look forward to working with you and thank you for your support.”
Entertainment for the evening included a “Palava
Hut” drama by Althea Tubman-Davies and others portraying the “Liberian way” of sharing the “news”
of the formation of MFP. Bianca Davies’ inspirational and thought provoking poem ‘Morning’s Glory’
chronicled a young girls civil war experiences and Christine Washington’s breathtaking liturgical dance performance
to Donnie Mcclurkin’s We Fall Down, But We Get Up.
In her statement of appreciation, the President of MFP, Ms. Roberta Brown thanked all dedicated
members and donors for graciously supporting MFP’s efforts to assist the citizens of Maryland
County and Liberia
over the years.
The theme for this occasion was “Educate Our Children, Our Future, Our World.”
Marylanders for Progress, Inc. was established on April 24, 1999, by Diaspora Marylanders and
friends of Maryland County, Liberia after learning of the damages caused by the Liberian civil war as well as the unbearable
conditions their families faced. The group decided to confront the problems by providing humanitarian assistance. MFP is a
non-political organization whose goal is to make life better for the less fortunate citizens in Maryland County. President Roberta Brown’s
motto “To whom much is given, much is expected” speaks appropriately for this group of professionals - many of
whom lives began in this remote corner of Liberia.
Since the initial meeting during which Rev. Hne P.S. Nyemah presented a comprehensive report on
the devastation to the County compiled by Marylanders United to Seek Assistance, MFP has been at the forefront in the
USA in seeking and organizing like-minded partners willing to give back to their people and communities in Africa. With the
welfare of the people in southeastern Liberia
as its priority, MFP proudly lists some of her successes and accomplishments over the years:
2001: * Shipped 20,000 text books for all grade school levels in Maryland County;
* Established a Market Women Credit Union with $2,800 for market women in all districts to provide low interest micro-loans
towards economic empowerment programs.
2002: * Shipped 14 hospital beds and medical supplies for the J.J. Dossen Memorial
hospital; * Shipped clothing for distribution among citizens in Maryland
County.
2003: * Assisted Maryland County women residing in Monrovia with funds for dues
payment to the Southeastern women’s association and for filing Articles of Incorporation documents to initiate self-help
projects.
2004: * Sent 2 mobile phones to Tabou, Cote d’Ivoire to enable Maryland
County refugees to connect with family members abroad. * Registered MFP as a NGO with the Government of Liberia to be able to support, fund programs and execute development projects in Maryland County.
2005: * Purchased a 6.5 KVA diesel generator to preserve medical supplies and
water pumps for the J.J. Dossen
Memorial Hospital water reservoirs.
* Shipped clothing, children’s books and toys to Marylanders residing in Monrovia.
2006: * Supplied and funded the Cape
Palmas music center which teaches music to students. * Provided teacher’s
salaries and books to Rocktown public school * Shipped medical supplies for Pleebo Clinic * Raise funds for the Maryland County
Education Fund program which paid for high school students’ college entrance examination.
2007: * Provided funding to conduct Needs Assessment of Maryland County. * * Fund the opening of local
offices in Monrovia and Harper
City * Shipped furniture and office equipment for the offices. * Provided
walkers, glucometers, beddings, blood pressure cuffs and stethoscopes for hospital; **
Funded the production of MDA document produced by MFP’s Project Director. ** Fund the Maryland
County Development Forum with the Vice President of Liberia as special guest.
2008: Visit of MFP President to Maryland County. * Begun project “Chairs
for School” funding.
2009: * Developing the County’s Economic Empowerment Road Map. * Elementary and Trade School project
in Pleebo city. * Promoting Maryland County
Women at the International Colloquium on Women Empowerment.
