UPPER DARBY, October 14 (LINA) - Cape Mountainians in the United States have passed a resolution to use their energies and resources to help fight the Ebola virus in Grand Cape Mount County.

The virus has claimed the lives of hundreds of innocent people in Liberia.

The citizens, who have already contributed financially towards the effort by the Liberian Government and Cape Mount County authorities to eradicate the Ebola disease, said they have realized that development will remain elusive in the midst of the Ebola outbreak.

The resolution was adopted on Saturday, October 11 at the National Association of Cape Mountainians in the Americas (NACA) 10th Annual Convention in Ewing Township in New Jersey, which was graced by an impressive number of Cape Mountainians from across the United States.

The Cape Mountainians also pledged to remain focused on the educational and health programs in the county.

Recently, NACA donated to the government of Liberia through the Liberian Embassy near Washington, DC an amount of $1,500 and $2,500 to authorities of Cape Mount County as the Association's assistance towards the fight against Ebola.

At the program, the Association's officers were elected unopposed for a two-year term and sworn in by Mr. Jah Fahnbulleh, who also served as chairman of the Association's Election Committee.

Mr. Hussein Corneh and Mrs. Satta Carlon Taylor were re-elected as president and vice president respectively, while Mrs. Darlene Kweme was elected secretary; Mrs. Annie White Ford, treasurer; and Gardea V. Woodson, assistant secretary.

During the ensuing dinner, Mr. Tony Allen, founding director of the Student Diplomacy Corps, who served as the guest speaker, praised NACA for remaining consistent to its mission statement since its formation 10 years ago.

He said non-governmental organizations that re-tailor their mission statements to entice external support run the risk of falling apart.

Mr. Allen said with its consistency, NACA stands a better chance to continue with its activities after the Ebola virus is eradicated.

Also speaking at the occasion, the chief of office staff at the Liberian Embassy, Ms. Vickie Ward, thanked NACA for identifying with the people of Liberia during this difficult period by making financial contribution to the government of Liberia to help fight the Ebola disease.

In his inaugural remarks, president Corneh commended the association's members for the confidence reposed in them and promised to improve on the gains NACA has made over the years to help their fellow citizens in Cape Mount.

A special fund drive spearheaded by the Association's Board Chairman Dr. H. Momo Fahnbulleh, Jr., netted almost $5,000 dollars in cash and pledges.

The next convention is scheduled for 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
LINA GVW/TSS/PTK/JKW