Please Donate To Grebo Youth Convention (June 3-4, 2011) Maryland (Liberia)

Dear All:

On June 3 and 4, 2011, The Grebo Youth Convention is convened in Harper City, Maryland County.

The sole intent of this Convention is to continue forging the peace process within the Kudemoweh and Numoweh chiefdoms under the gavel of The KudeNumo Peace Initiative Foundation, Inc. commonly referred to as KNPIF.

The total Budget for the Convention is $4000 United States dollars.

If you care, please make a donation to help defray the expenses. Peace is better than war. So, let’s pursue it!

The theme of the Convention is: Taking Peace and Reunification to Another Level In Maryland (Liberia)

The Keynote Speaker will speak on the relevance of peace in the nationbuilding process. The youths will be transported from their various locales to Harper and back. A dinner is expected to be served as well as time for capacity building.

Make your donation.

Please contact Mr. Jacob Sie Brewer at +231.666.6957 or +231.766.99329 or write to Email: osygefo@hotmail.com.


Thank you for your time and we pray and hope there is someone out there somewhere who can be an angel to give peace a chance to reign in Liberia. Thank you for your time.


Sincerely,
Thomas G. Bedell/Founder/CoPresident/KNPIF

UN & GOL: Ivorian Refugees Crisis & Pending Human Suffering in Cape

In early March of this year (2011), Ivorian Refugees were settled on a piece of real estate property that used to be Cuttington College Campus and later on became Bishop Ferguson High School Campus. This beautiful landmark sits right top a hill to overlooks the entire City and its vicinty. It lays back in the woods in the belly of the northern part of Harper City.

It is a good thing to help people fleeing persecution and/or war from other countries. In fact, as far as refugees question is concerned, The United Nations makes it a duty and responsibility for every member of its Body, that signed on to its conventions, to help and assist others humans who fall in this particular category.

And so there’s no question for any country to host refugees.

What makes it more compelling is that those refugees that we will be dealing with in this post are our African brothers and sisters. So it becomes more binding on Liberia to host Ivorian refugees.

But there is something we all agreed upon in this world. And that is for all of us to live by laws that govern our lives as a people and nation. Because, in the absence of laws and obedience to laws, friendship could turn into enemyship. And anarchy could prevail.

There’s where things at in Harper City, Maryland County (Liberia) in specific reference to the Ivorian refugees and our citizens living in that particular area.

The Ivorian refugges are settled on the Bishop Ferguson Campus. Who settled them there? I believe it is the Liberian government as host and its international partners. But several mistakes have been since their arrival. And those mistakes, in my personal opoinion, are made by those who are clearly responsible for the refugeesin that particular area.

1st, they did not inform the residents of the area that refugees were on their way or they had arrived impromptu. At least, they knowe fully well that refugees situation is always troubling and touchy. And so had they informed the residents of the area and prepared their minds to be ready to understand their responsibilities under the Laws of Liberia and Liberia’s role under The Refugee Convention, I’m quite sure these Liberian citizens living in the area who are now victims of erefugees destruction, would have known what is expected of them.

2nd, those who are responsible for the refugees suddenly shut down the Jaloukudi Elementary and Nursery School. This is a school the people of that area used to educated their little ones. As a result of the sudden closure of the School, the kids are completely out of school. And there's no sign they will ever return to school very soon.

3rd, those who are responsible for the refugees sat and watch refugees destroy the farms and crops of the villagers in the area who have habitated the area more than a century now and did nothing. To date, ten (10) sugar farms producing revenue of $1500 United States dollar annually for the peole are no more in existence. Out of the ten farms that have been destroyed, eight of them have been completely burned to the ground. And that's what we call "arson." Evidently, the villagers have no access to revenue generation to meet their full human conditions.

4th, the refugees continue to defecate in the drinking ponds of the villagers creating an environmental hazard and pollution.

Essentially, the villagers children will not go to school very soon. For they have no school building. Refugees are using their building as residence. In as much as this is a violation of the children's right to education, it is appaling that educated Liberians sit and watch these kids stay out of school against their will without any help. The villagers suffer a serious dillema. They are mothers and fathers of the kids that have been kicked out of school. And they are owners of the land and their farms they have worked hard and diligently to build, are all destroyed. And worse of all, the environmental catastrophe waiting to happen by refugees defecating in the villagers' drinking ponds, is scary. Consequently, the villagers have no safe drinking water and are vulnerbal to anything catastrophic.

To whom can they run? GOL or UN?

Upon hearing this sad development, Hon. Supt. J. Gblebo Brown of Maryland County and some UN humanitarian agencies visited the victims. GOL and UN expressed regrets and apologies. At the end of the meeting, the GOL and UN promised this destruction of their farms SHALL cease and surely discontinue, thereafter.

Unfortunately, when the GOL and UN left the meeting, the next day, destruction continued and has since then reached an alarming stage. Humanitarian catastrophe responsible for serious human suffering is waiting to explode in the area very soon.

In an effort to find a lasting solution to the problem and prevent human suffering, on May 16, 2011, a delegation from the Bishop Ferguson Belt including Clan chief Wade Harris, Speaker of the People’s Parliament, youths, and elders came to meet with me for me to help. They were all in tears and despair. I joined them to meet with the Acting superintendent along with LRRRC’s (the Liberian agency responsible for refugees in Liberia) officers in charge, Messrs. G. Wamle Elliott and Thomas Joken.

The meeting ended up in a rather sad manner. Messrs. Elliot and Joken of LRRRC expressed their unbelief that the villagers need compensation. Because, they (LRRRC) feel, any damage caused by refugees is an “international issue.”

That's it?

I forced to strongly disagree with them. Because this is a Liberian issue. Liberia plays host to the refugees. And Liberia has laws that the refugees must live by. More so, if such human catastrophe occurs, the Liberian government must have the moral fiber to help its citizens. Otherwise, instead of the Poverty Reduction Strategy, we will reduce our people into beggars.

Prior to leaving the meeting, we proposed to the Government to set up a Commission of Inquiry in the matter. By so doing, we will all know the truth and learn from our mistakes (if any were made) in order to impove our approach to alliaviating the plight of our people.

Until yesterday, the Clan Chief of the area said two young persons went in the area. They told the Chief they were there to "investigate." I don't know whether or not this is the Commission of Inquiry. One cannot know. Because both the GOL and UN are not communicating with the rest of us on the matter.

When we contacted Cllr. Weatonia Barnes, executive director of LRRRC, she was very furious. Because as far as she is concerned, during her vist on the campus, no one told her there was ever a school that has been shut down. And that no one should ever believe refugees are above the law. However, she reserve any decision without knowing the facts. She promised an immediate investigation in the matter. Upon conclusion of the investigation, she then will act.

Well, time waits for no man! The people in the area are undergoing serious emotional distress and psychological tiorure from the refugees. And so, if the Liberian government and its partners in progress do act appropriately and immediately in resolving the pending crisis wiating to explode in the Ferguson belt, sooner not later, we will have Ivorian refugees and Liberians Internally Displaced people in the area. And this will call for double expense to the Liberian goverment - something that can be avoided. Carelessness on the part of those in charge of refugees in the area should not create humanitarian catastrophe in Cape.

The decison is on the Liberian government. Whatever it does will determine what happens in the Ferguson Belt in Cape! The GOL needs to hurry!


I am Thomas G. Bedell speaking and working on the ground in Liberia.

Amb. Dew Tuan Wleh Mayson Speaks in Rocktown (Liberia)

When peace and reunification within the Grebo Peninsula began to transparently appear, Grebo People showed it when they converged for the second time in Rocktown. And Rocktown, arguably is the oldest Grebo town on the face of Planet Earth. Among many others attending the Convention, Amb. Dew Tuan Wleh Mayson was there with his entourage. He drove from the seat of power of Maryland County – Harper City - to Rocktown. His convoy had ten vehicles including his security, friends and personal staff. From Downtown Harper to Rocktown supposed to be a thirty-minute drive. But because of the bad condition of the road, Amb. Mayson and his Convoy took one solid hour to get to Rocktown. The Ambassador's two Hummer Jeeps and other vehicles blazed the trail.

When the Ambassador got in Rocktown, the Convention was in full swing. Chiefs, town mayors, elders, women, men, children and youth were all over the place in festive mood.

The Ambassador came to Harper to attend the Catholic Bishop's ordination on the same Saturday, April 30, 2011 marking the GRebo Convention. All the chiefs, town mayors, elders, women, men, children of Grebo Peninsula and invitees from all walks of life were exchanging views on issues facing the Harper District on that day in Rocktown. As one may know, Harper District (the seat of power in Maryland) is the proverbial fire-spot in the county. This is where all the major conflicts derailing progress in the county are concentrated. So by stabilizing it, we will be stabilizing the entire County.

The Convention was slated to last for four days – Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. And it did.

On Saturday, reunification gained momentum. Towns that had not come together in this fashion in the Grebo Kingdom over decades, were sitting and breaking bread together. As a pre-Annual General Convention, preparation was in the pipeline for Whole Graway (Blayjay) in June, 2011.

How did Amb. Mayson get in connection with the Grebo Convention? He was invited by the entire Grebo people to serve as Keynote Speaker.

The Ambassador came to Harper purposely to attend the ordination of the Catholic Bishop of the Cape Palmas Diocese. But he took off time from his busy schedule to address the Grebo people. His message was profound. It was centered on peace, unity and reunification of the Grebo Peninsula and everywhere on earth.

Amb. Mayson did not bite his tongue during his keynote address. He told the Grebo people that anytime, in this election year, anyone come to see them and give them money, they should not hesitate to "grab" the money. Why? Because, he says, "It is your money!”

He informed the Convention that he was making all efforts to seek the Presidency of the Republic. And the reason why he wants to lead the country is, he wants to bring relief to our poverty-stricken people. The Ambassador expressed his dissatisfaction over how Liberian people have been driven deep into poverty. He believes that this should not be the case. Because the Liberian can afford afford to make life better for its people. He appealed to the Grebo people and all Liberians to wake up from their slumber and take on nation building. He invites them to join him in making this happen in Liberia when he becomes President. He spoke extemporaneously.

The young Ambassador and a powerful speaker, sent a hard message to all Liberians on corruption. He asked everyone not to support anyone who is corrupt. He won cheers in the unfinished Rocktown Town Hall.

Where the Ambassador made his powerful speech is in a Town Hall that is unfinished. Understandably, the UNDP was building it, but decided to disconntinue. Why? No one could answer this question. However, it housed Amb. Mayson and his entourage and the Grebo Leaders. As the Ambassador spoke, one could see the beauty of the land on which he was speaking and at the same time connect all the possibilities being outlined in his speech.

Rocktown is an ideal spot for tourism. The Hall in which Amb. Mayson spoke is bounded on the east by Lake Kude; on the west by the Rock by which Rocktown is named and which holds the High Priest’s home. The Hall is bounded on the south by the Rocktown newly erected Clinic and on the north by the Atlantic Ocean. It is a scenery that glowed in the ideas and concepts of political and economic freedom that the Amb. was alluding to in his keynote address.

Amb. Mayson had the entire Rocktown on fire with his firing clichés. It seemed to those who knew him from the days of the Struggle for “Rice’ and “Rights” that he was rejuvenating the process again. But this time he wasn’t dressed in a military fatigue. He was dressed in a simple but beautiful African attire that glowed in the beauty of the sun and the happiness of the people.

Amb. Mayson spoke his native tongue – Kru – when he expressed his admiration for Rocktown and its people and the hospitality he enjoyed. He said the hospitality and friendship was great. He shall never forget it. He promised to return to Rocktown upon winning the Presidency to thank the people once more. He thanked the Grebo people, especially Bigtown and Rocktown, for being sensible enough to reunite and build peace amongst themselves. Because, he told them, that they could not afford to suffer twice. 1st, from poverty and then 2nd, from disunity. By reuniting after a 14-year civil strife, it is quite sensible to move forward into a sensible future together for the common good of all.

In the end, Amb. Mayson tipped his hat to Mr. Thomas G. Bedell and his co-workers who made reunification of the Grebo Peninsula a total reality. He encouraged them not to relent. Because unity is the last chance for all of us to survive. He promised Mr. Bedell to help in the process of peacebuilding as far as the Grebo Peninsula is concerned, even across the country. Because he believes in the unity of everybody everywhere.


On behaalf of the Grebo peopple, Paramount Chief, Hon. Huskin, thanked Amb. Mayson for accepting the invitation to serve as Keynote Speaker. He informed Amb. Mayson that history unites the Kru and Grebo people. In fact, he said that both Kru and Grebo people came to Liberia together. And he said, the Krus and Greboes also live together all along. So there’s no separation between the two peoples. As a son of the Southeast, it becomes necessary for him to come back again to visit. At that time of his next visit, everyone can then push forward with what he (Dew) wishes to do. In essence, he expressed the support of the Grebo people for all their children everywhere who seek to lead this country, even if some of those children have only made a first-time visit at home. The Honorable Paramount Chief poured libation and wished Amb. Mayson Godspeed in his endeavor.


“Dew! Dew!” Became the chant for the moment from the youth who swelled the corners and outside of the unfinished Town Hall. A request for help was presented to the Amb. He, in turn, promised to help with projects that the people identify. Besides the purchase of a bull that was slaughtered for the Dinner, the Amb. left with the promise to help the people through projects they would identify.

As the Brass Band played those old-times songs when campaigns were campaign, the Amb. danced his way through the crowd with his entourage and departed Rocktown for Harper City. He drove across the incomplete second international aero port in Liberia situated in Rocktown. He also drove by the location set for the Ivorian refugees, next to Little Wlebo and right in the belly of Rocktown.

One will know that Rocktown’s role in the process of peace, reunification and unity within the two chiefdoms is crucial and important. More than twenty towns within the two chiefdoms of the Harper District, namely, Kudemoweh & Numoweh, were represented. The next road leads to Whole Graway (Blayjay) for the Annual General Grebo Assembly.

I am Thomas G. Bedell speaking and working on the ground in Liberia.

Moses Weeks!

Moses Weeks is a man I used to know in Harper City, Maryland County (Liberia) during my formative days. In the last years prior to my graduation from high school, strange things happened that were associated with Moses. And I mean “strange” in that good young people that I knew personally, lost their lives just like that.



I remember I have a friend and neighbor. Jenkins Cummings is his name. He lives in the US, as I opine. He and I had just come home from a football rehearsal. And each time we came home from ball rehearsals, we always made plans for the night to go hang out at the Psychedelic Inn.



Well, if you were around up to the year (1980) I graduated high school and left Harper, then you would know much about Psychedelic Inn. It was owned by Mr. John Hilary Tubman. This night Club was up-to-standard, based on our own assessment in our day. The location was great. It was in the Roxy Cinema building, right on Maryland Avenue and Michelin Streets intersection. There’s where all the “Bigger” boys and “Bigger” girls used to hang out.



Jenkins and I lived in the same hood. Our hood was just a stone-throw away from the Psychedelic Inn. In fact, there used to be times when the music in the Psychedelic Inn disturbed our sleep. That’s how closed the Inn was to our hood.



Since weren’t far from each other, Jenkins and I could easily plan our “to-do” list for each night after ball rehearsal. And we always did. But this unforgettable thing happened. And that thing had too much to do with Moses Weeks. Here’s how it happened:


A party was planned. And it was set to take place in the home of Harold Frederick. And that was just right on the Avenue (the main street). Mind you, Harold and Moses were very close friends. And because Harold’s residence was next door to the Psychedelic Inn, it was the ideal spot for the party. At least, everybody knew where to go. And after the party, after hours would be at the Psychedelic Inn. And so the location was the best for everyone. The news was around town that this would be the “Mother” of parties. And if you are a party “animal,” then you know what that means. Everyone wanted to be there. Jenkins and I were bound to be there. Because we never missed anything good of that sort. But then something “strange’ happened that Jenkins and any other young person in our day would never forget - deaths hit the party and gnashing of teeth fill the City.

Jenkins and I did not show up at the party. And this is how it happened: For some unknown reasons, Jenkins and I never woke up from our sleep until the party was all done and over. When we got back from ball rehearsal, Jenkins and I decided to take a brief rest in our different homes. By the time we got up, we would be “fresh’ and ready for the party. More so, the party would be kicking at that time. Because everyone would be there and kicking up proverbial dust. But our plan failed. It failed because we didn’t wake up on time. We woke up when the party was over. It was broad daylight outside when we woke up.

See, Jenkins and I agreed to wake up each other. But nothing like that happened. And so we did not attend the party.

Mind you, Harold was not our age group. But Harper evolved socially in a special way - the younger folks, like us, were allowed to hang with the “Bigger” boys by their permission. And this party was one of those events when we got permission to attend from the “Bigger“ boys. But we never made it to the party. Because we fell asleep.

I woke up the next morning. I ran to Jenkins‘ residence thinking I was the first to wake up. I was thinking Jenkins was late. But I was wrong. Jenkins was already up when I got to his residence. But all the same, he too woke up late that morning and did not attend the party like myself. Then I heard Jenkins say something that is indelibly printed on my mind. He said, “TB, (that’s how he calls me) Harold Frederick is dead and Alfred Dupley is also dead.” I asked him why and how. Then he said, “Someone poisoned their drinks at the party last night.” After he revealed what had happened, my eyes popped open as if I were still asleep. Then people came around one-by-one until the area became jam-packed. People were everywhere like sea-gulf. Some began to explain what most likely went wrong at the party. They made claims. And all the claims pointed to Moses Weeks. They said he was the one who poisoned Harold Frederick and Moses Dupley in their drinks. Accusation of this nature went on and on.

Another revelation came in. According to the news reaching us at the time from those who attended the party, those who drank the poisonous drinks were out in the open puking their intestines out. I did not see any of this. But I heard all about it that day. It was scary to go and watch. So I didn’t go to see what was unfolding. I was told, the only person who survived the poisonous drink is A. Baltimore Thompson, Jnr., commonly known as “AB.”



To date “AB” is still alive. I see him in Harper every other day. Had God not spare him, he would have been dead by now.

Another revelation came out that Moses Weeks was linked to other deaths including Yamtoto Dennis (a girl once living with Teacher Janet Cooper) and one Mr. Friday Bryant (security officer at Port Authority in Harper). Whether or not these claims are true, becomes another question. I learned later on in the US that Moses Weeks was involved in the untimely deaths of other citizens. Because of that, he was incarcerated for a protracted period of time. While in prison, I also learned Moses Weeks had died from guilt, frustration and despair. I heard this long ago. So,my mind was, Moses Weeks is dead. And by this time, his remains would have decayed tremendously. But I realized the news of his death is wrong. Moses is still alive! How do I know?

I saw Moses Weeks in Harper recently. And I continue to see him. He goes by my residence every other day.

At first, the person who pointed to him when he was passing by my place almost got a slap (metaphorically speaking) from me when he said the guy that was walking hundred feet away from us is Moses Week. I knew Moses Weeks had died. And he was buried and gone. To say he was the one passing by us, was further from the truth. This is what I thought! I strongly felt Moses Weeks is dead! The fella and myself argued for a long time as I watched the person he called Moses Weeks disappeared in the thin distance. Just where we stood when she pointed to Moses Weeks is where I was three days later when the same person came by. I tried to checked the person out. I saw a bend left foot. Moses Weeks has one of those bent left leg. I saw the open-teeth in the front. And Moses Weeks has those sort of teeth. But he had a hat on. So I couldn’t catch a glimpse of his face. But I caught the sense that he is the real Moses Week. Yet and still, doubts still roll around my brains. And so I began to watch out for him again. Soon, one day later, the same guy came by. I had to run into the street to see him at a close look. I did not call his name neither did I do anything for him to recognize me. Because I am sure he knows me very well. He and I met at Yamtoto Dennis‘ place. And each time he met me under Teacher Janet Cooper’s residence talking with Yamtoto, he would certainly kick me out. Well, I was too young. And he was older. In Cape, we had a great amount of respect for our seniors. But anyway, I did not give him the chance to recognize me.

But I recognized him. Since that time, Moses Weeks continues to go by my way. All I do is, look at him and think way back the “evil” he is being accused of. At one point when he went by my place, I was just stepping out. So I allowed him to stretch out a bit further ahead of me before I hopped on the street. As I walked behind him, I saw him go through the short-cut leading to Teacher Viola Campbell’s home. For a minute, I thought this is where he should be living. Because there’s where he used to live in the early days of his life. But Moses continued on his path. He passed Teacher Viola Campbell’s home. As soon as I saw him passing on, I too continued my walk. In essence, Moses Weeks is in Harper. But I don’t know where he resides. And I don’t know where he goes each time he goes by my residence. I hope someday I’ll find out.

One day I saw AB Thompson. He is the only survival from the party that I know. I told him about Moses Weeks. He stared at me as if I did not know what happened to him (AB) regarding Moses Weeks’ approval to kill him. When I told him what I know about the party, he only nodded his head and he walked away. This man has not made a single comment about what I told him with reference to Moses Weeks. I have seen AB more than ten times. He never mentioned anything to me about Moses Weeks. I’m sure he doesn’t want to talk about it. Because it could bring back undesirable memories. So I decided to leave AB alone on the Moses Weeks matter.

Why do I tell this story? I am doing so for others abroad to know Moses Weeks is still here. Any other questions?



I am Thomas G. Bedell working and speaking on the ground in Liberia.

Prez Sirleaf Impact At The Grebo Convention in Rocktown

One year ago on Saturday, April 30, 2011, the process of reunification of the Grebo Peninsula pursued by The KudeNumo Peace Iniatitve Foundation, Inc., became a total reality. A pre-Annual Grebo General Convention was convened in Rocktown and President Sirleaf presence was felt.

Rocktown is arguably the oldest Grebo town in the world. And so its role in the process of peace, reunification and unity within the two chiefdoms is crucial and important. More than twenty towns within the two chiefdoms of the Harper District, namely, Kudemoweh & Numoweh, were represented.

By all calculations, this sort of activity has never taken place amongst the two chiefdoms and Grebo people for over two decades. This is because both Chiefdoms have been at each other’s throats for so long. There has not been any sign of peace and reunification in sight amongst the two chiefdoms until now. Many local and international nongovernmental organizations specialized in peacemaking have tried to bring both chiefdoms together in peace and unity but up to no avail. Thanks to The KudeNumo Peace Initiative Foundation, Inc. (KNPIF). It is responsible for the level of peace and reunification that is currently been enjoyed by Grebo people within the Peninsula. In our next postings, the secret behind this great success story will be told. But for now, let’s stick to the past Convention and President Sirleaf’s impact.

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first ever democratically elected female president of Africa, made her presence felt at the Convention. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is the 24th President of Liberia and the first elected female Head of State in Africa. Throughout her career she has demonstrated passionate commitment to hard work, integrity and good governance, advocating for the rights of women and the importance of education to provide a better future for her country and its people. By sending Mr. Archie Rrichlieu Williams to represent her at the Convention, she showed her absolute support for the reunification and peace process in the Peninsula. Even though she did know anything about the hosting of such Convention (but with the help of a great son of Maryland-Archie Richelieu Williams), she was able to know and give her fullest support.

From all indications, President Sirleaf got to know about this all-powerful convention through Mr. Archie Richelieu Williams. We learned after she got the news about the Convention, she wanted to attend and land on the second international aero port in Liberia situated in Rocktown. But because her schedule could not allow her, she sent Mr. Williams as a Special Envoy taking her Message of Peace and Solidarity.

The day was Saturday, April 30th at about 3pm when Mr. Archie Richelieu Williams, director, civil aviation, Republic of Liberia, got in Rocktown. He received a rousing welcome from the citizens who assembled in the area. Even though the citizens heard that President Sirleaf was no more coming to attend the Convention and that she was sending an Envoy, students, men, women, children with flowers and “Welcome” signs lined up on the streets of Rocktown to welcome Mr. Williams. As soon as Mr. Williams disembarked his motor vehicle, the welcome shout from the throats of thousands of Grebo people resounded in the ceiling of the skies like thunder. The welcome greetings were so strong, one would have thought President were in town. I believe, had the President attended the Convention, the grounds of Rocktown would have undergone tremendous pressure from the stepping of the thousands that gathered in jubilation.

As soon as Mr. Williams disembarked his vehicle, the citizens took on to him. There were so many hugs from chiefs, elders, women, men and children. The name Archie resounded triumphantly. Archie is a household name in the county. And so everyone who met and spoke with Archie called him by his first name- Archie.

At the start of the Program, Archie took the Podium. He was representing President Sirleaf. He spoke on the need for unity, peace and reconciliation. He informed the Convention that President Sirleaf was very happy to hear that the two troubled chiefdoms in Maryland County had come together under the umbrella of peace and reconciliation. Archie revealed that President Sirleaf desire was to attend this historic event. But due to some uncontrollable circumstances, she could not land on the Rocktown Aero Port. And that’s why she sent him on her behalf. The huge crowd cheered. On behalf of President Sirleaf, Archie promised to help the ongoing process of peace and unity of the two chiefdoms. Because peace and unity is the best way to go!

Archie extended the President’s special thanks to The KudeNumo Peace Initiative Foundation, Inc. (KNPIF) through its head and founder, Mr. Thomas G. Bedell for such a job well-done to bring together the chiefdoms that have been in conflict for more than two decades. Archie committed the President’s total and unconditional support for the peace process.

A donation of $1000 United States dollars was given to the Convention. And additional amount of $5000 Liberian dollars was donated along with twelve cartons of drinks for the Convention.

The Paramount chief of the Kudemoweh Chiefdom, Hon. Huskin, thanked President Sirleaf through Archie. He elaborated on the need for peace amongst his people. Hon. Huskin asked Archie to submit to the President on behalf of the Grebo people, their deep concerns and trouble for the continued imprisonment of their children without Fair & Speedy Trial. The Grebo people expressed their support for President Sirleaf’s administration and pray for continued peace in Liberia.

Archie responded by accepting the people’s gratitude to the President. Archie left the Convention to allow the people the time to go on with their discussions.

I am Thomas G. Bedell speaking and working on the ground in Liberia at +231.692.0151

Reunification of The Grebo Peninsula: April 29 to May 1, 2011 Rocktown Convention Sponsored By The KudeNumo Peace Initiative Foundation, Inc (KNPIF

Introduction The process of peace is not an easy task. It has its “Ups’ and “Downs,” pitfalls and shortcomings. Probably, that is the reason why some people around the world coined the adage that states, “In time of peace, be prepare for war.”

  

From working on the process of peace in Liberia, we have learned that peace is not the absence of violence.

It is the absence of the threat of violence. Evidently, without the threat of violence, there can be no violence at all. More so, without violence, there can still be the threat of violence. And even if no violence ever occurs, truly, no one can really say he or she can live in peace so long as the threat of violence remains.

Considerably, removing the threat of violence is not possible until a benevolent authority accepted by All is given the power to remove the possibility of acting in such a way that could result in violence. Until then, no matter how peaceful the world has been, every time life sprouts, the process of establishing peace must begins anew, and until this process is completed, the threat of violence, and perhaps even violence itself, will remain. That has been the situation in the Grebo Peninsula over two decades. Thus the emergence and birth of The KudeNumo Peace Initiative Foundation, Inc. (KNPIF) to find lasting peace and tranquility in the Peninsula.

  

Our efforts in bringing peace to our people has been our avocation for over a year and the half. Thus, it is ongoing. Others, including The Charity Sisters of The Catholic Diocese of Cape Palmas, Carter Center and other local and international nongovernmental organizations have tried to usher peace between the people of the Kudemoweh & Numoweh chiefdoms. But up to no avail. But we have succeeded where they failed. But all the same, if the other groups did not begin the peace process that we have embarked upon, never could we have written a practical and final chapter of such a success story in this respect. Therefore, we thank all of those who started the process but failed along the way. Our success is built on their work. Therefore, our success is theirs too.

Our work began with our first meeting of the conflicting parties (Rocktown & Bigtown). Both parties met (face-to-face) for the very first time in Rocktown on April 11 & 12, 2011. During the meeting both parties placed their cards on the table, no matter how difficult it was to do so. But they did. Each made sincere efforts to resolve the differences. Since the First meeting in Rocktown, both Rocktown and Bigtown are forging the future of both Chiefdoms together on the path of peace, reconciliation and reunification.

At the end of the first meeting, a major convention was scheduled for April 29 to May 1, 2011. This Convention was intended to bring together all the various towns, leaders, women, men, youths and citizens of both chiefdoms that were absent at the First Meeting. The anticipated Convention was scheduled for Rocktown.

On April 29 the Convention convened in Rocktown and concluded on May 1, 2011.

As a tradition and practice, all the leaders of the various towns including chiefs, town mayors, speakers and other high ranking officials arrived in Rocktown by 6am that Friday morning. The rest of the delegates came in later on. By noon on Friday, Rocktown was covered by Grebo people from all walks of Maryland life.

The major reason why Rocktown was covered with that much people is simple: prior to the Convention, we (officers and members of KNPIF) toured the areas of Yahkeh, Yeelu (Spring Hill), Jalouklieu (Ferguson area), Whole Graway (Blayjay), Grand Cavalla, Saydekeh, Wodekeh, Kablakeh, and along the Cavalla River Basin to encourage the people and their leaders to attend. We transported accredited delegates to and from Rocktown at our own expense.

We experienced something new in this process. Traditionally and by practice, all leaders to any Grebo convention in the past traveled to the convention by foot. This time, considering what has occurred over the years of war and terror, many of the leaders developed problems with their legs. And so they complined about walking. As such, the tradition to travel to a convention by road became a bit difficult, if not impossible. So we drove them to and from the Convention. Of course, this was new. Many of the leaders at the Convention complained that driving to the Convention on board a motor vehicle took the fun out of the process. So they suggested that come the next convention, the leaders should walk together to the host town.

But all same, the Rocktown Convention was well-attended.

Attendees include, Rocktown Kunokudi (13 delegates), Rocktown (10 delegates), Pleebo Grebo Community (21 delegates), Fishtown (5 delegates), Little Wlebo (4 delegates), Grand Cavalla (23 delegates), Wodekeh (2 delegates), Kablakeh (1 delegate - Hon. Speaker, Blayon Sie ), Saydekeh (2 delegates), Middletown (2 delegates),

Four Clan chiefs attended the Convention: Hons. G. Gray Elliott of the Rocktown area, Kwia Sakor of the Fishtown area, Dweh Nyema Landford of the Whole Graway area and Victor Harris of the Half Graway area. Out of the two Paramount chiefs of the two chiefdoms, only one attended - Hon. Nma Nyea Huskin residing in Grand Cavalla.

 Women attendees. Grand Cavalla (Kla Aye Bryant -leader), Tuhneyeneti Wilson - Asst leader, Budu Nyemane Brownell, Rita Wede Bryant - Youth)

1. Bigtown (Beatrice Merriam - Leader & Beatrice Nevis)
2. Rocktown Kunukudi (Mary H. Elliott - Head, Beatrice Y. Seton, Kweane Elliot, Wahklade Elliott, Wa Nyobode Neufville, Mary D. Coleman, Hnede Neufville,
3. Pleebo (Kortee Elliott - Head, Grace N. Appleton, Mary M. Appleton, Beatrice Gleebo, Cecelia W. Appleton, Helena K. Appleton, Cecelia Moore, Helena N. Bedell, Theresa K. Williams, Kwia Wede Bedell, Rebecca Coleman, Beatrice N. Bedell, Lucy Kimba)
4. Rocktown (Hweye Gyudede Moore, Klawlehne Williams - speaker, )

No woman attended from Fishtown and Middletown. No reason was given.

DONATIONS received through the office of The KudeNumo Peace Initiative Foundation, Inc.

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia, $1000 USD, $5000 LD & 12 cartons of drinks
Ambassador Dew Tuan Wleh Mayson = 1 bull $600 USD equivalent

1. Half Graway, Kablakeh, Wotakeh, Grand Cavalla, Fishtown, Bigtown, Middletown, Whole Graway jointly donated $3000 Liberian dollars and six (6) gallons of drinks.
2. Rocktown people residing in Pleebo donated $2000 Liberian dollars

ACCREDITED DELEGATES:

  

ROCKTOWN (Host)

 G. Gray Elliott (Clan Chief)

1. Nyema Neufville (Town Mayor)
2. George T. Appleton (Acting Commissioner)
3. Hweye Gyudede Moore (Women Chief)
4. Kwee Sunday Woart (Speaker)
5. Alfred B. Neufville (Youth Assn. President)
6. Darbel Bedell (Acting General Town Chief)
7. Arthur H. Elliott (Clerk)
8. Alexander G. Appleton (Youth Assn. Secretary)
9. Kla Wane Williams (Speaker, Women Group)

 ROCKTOWN KUNOKUDI

 Moses G. Harris (Chief)

1. Nathaniel G. Bedell (Secretary)
2. Nathaniel T. Appleton (Speaker)
3. Mary H. Elliott (Chief, Women)
4. Jerome H. Neufville (Member)
5. Beatrice Y. Seton
6. Abel S. Neufville
7. Kweane Elliott
8. Wa Klade Elliott
9. Olivia Y. Smith
10. Wa Nyobode Neufville
11. Mary D. Coleman
12. Hnede D. Coleman

ROCKTOWNERS RESIDING IN PLEEBO

A. Johnson Gleebo (President)

1. Kwai Seton (Vice President)
2. Kortee Elliott (Women Chair)
3. Grace N. Appleton
4. Mary M. Appleton
5. Beatrice Gleebo
6. Fla Moore
7. Cecelia W. Appleton
8. Helena K. Appleton
9. Cecelia Moore
10. Henry T. Bedell
11. Helena N. Bedell
12. E. Wle Bedell
13. Theresa K. Williams
14. Kwee Wahde Bedell
15. Budu Wesley
16. Rebecca Coleman
17. Gleebo Bedell
18. Beatrice Bedell
19. Lucy Kimba

 MIDDLETOWN

 Hweye Wea Wilson (General Town Chief)

1. Glea Seda Williams

 HALF GRAWAY

 Victor W. Harris (Clan Chief)

1. Wea Yode (Speaker)
2. Nma Monday Howe
3. Hne Harris
4. Himmie Gudugbo Howe

BIGTOWN

1. Dweh Hodge (General Town Chief)
2. Gble Nervis (Town Mayor)
3. Francis Toh yebeyu Dickson
4. Poo Yaba (Advisor)
5. Isaac Muhlenberg (Youth Chair)
6. Gbodo Dennis (Elder)
7. Hne Harmon
8. Beatrice nervis
9. Hne Wilson
10. December Baker
11. Laurance Prowd
12. Dio Howe

  

FISHTOWN

1.  Elijah K. Sackor (Clan Chief)
2. Wle Blawene Holbert (Speaker)
3. Alexander W. Collins (General Town Chief)
4. Nathaniel D. Appleton
5. James Williams

LITTLE WLEBO

  Bulu Yeewen Bowman (Acting Chief)

1. Jeremiah Hoto (Youth President)
2. Solo Nelson
3. Jacob William

GRAND CAVALLA

 Nathaniel Huskin (Paramount Chief, Kudemoweh Chiefdom)

1. Wa Kono Neufville (General Town Chief)
2. Budu Nyema Brownell (Speaker)
3. Joseph Y. Bryant (Speaker)
4. Klay Aye Bryant (Women Leader)
5. Wa Kla Payne (Clerk)
6. Yaba Nyebo Neufville (Advisor)
7. Nyan yinepou Wisner (Advisor)
8. Teba Kwee Harris (Acting Youth Chair)
9. Tu Hne Nyanti Wilson (Asst. Women Leader)
10. Kade Wle Williams
11. Glee Hodo Morgan
12. Sie Nyema Bedell
13. Wea Hweyedo Woart
14. Mle Himmie Williams
15. Roland N. Bowman
16. Wa Mle Toomey
17. Mle Dede Bedell
18. Pia Mle Collins
19. Dodo Dweh Brownell
20. Dio Hne Bryant
21. Teba Hnoe Vinton
22. Rita Wede Bryant

BIGTOWN BAND ASSOCIATION (BRASS BAND)

 Hiamo Wilson (Major)

1. B. Kla Allison (Band Master)
2. Dweh T. Morais (Speaker)
3. Yideko Merriam
4. Glee Ghude Howe
5. Wle Hodge
6. E. Wle Taylor
7. E. T. Dickson
8. Othello Smith
9. Dweh Prowd
10. Fla Nervis
11. Doe Howe
12. Toe Seton
13. Waa Howe
14. John Lahya

PROTOCOL On Saturday, April 30th, Amb. Dew Mayson delivered the Keynote Address to the Convention. He spoke on the essence of peace, unity and mutual understanding as a key factor to moving a people and nation into the 21st Century. He encouraged Bigtown and Rocktown to remain in perpetual peace and mutual understand and help forge together the future of both chiefdoms. Amb. Mayson promised both chiefdoms his help for projects they will identify. As soon as the projects are identified, they need to submit the projects to his office for his action. Prior to Amb. Mayson, Mr. Archie Richelieu Williams, director, civil aviation, Republic of Liberia, who was representing President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, spoke on the same issue of unity, peace and reconciliation. Director Williams informed the Convention that President Sirleaf was very happy to hear that the two chiefdoms had come together under the umbrella of peace and reconciliation. Director Williams revealed that President Sirleaf desire was to attend such an historic event. But due to some uncontrollable circumstances, she could not land on the Rocktown Aero Port. And that’s why she sent Director Williams on her behalf. The huge crowd cheered. On behalf of President Sirleaf, Mr. Williams promised to help the ongoing process of peace and unity of the two chiefdoms. President extended special thanks to The KudeNumo Peace Initiative Foundation, Inc. (KNPIF) through its head and founder, Mr. Thomas G. Bedell.

The two bulls that were slaughtered for dinner were purchased by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Amb. Dew Tuan Wleh Mayson.

CONVENTION DECISIONS:

A delegation will proceed to meet with President Sirleaf in reference to the 10 detainees in Monrovia held without Fair & Speedy Trial

Next Convention is scheduled for Whole Graway (Blayjay) in the last week of June 2011

TOTAL NUMBER OF ATTENDEES INCLDUING CHEIFS, TOWN MAYORS, WOMEN LEADERS, YOUTHS, FRIENDS AND WELL-WISHERS = 2000 people. More than this amount of people is expected in Whole Graway (Blayjay) come the last week in June, 2011.

NOTE: Donations were apparently made by others, but our accounting is based on what we received and/or witnessed.

REPORTED BY: Thomas G. Bedell/Founder/Co-President/KNPIF