A Courageous Leader!

For every person in every organization, there comes a moment when he or she must have the courage to step forward and meet the needs of the time. Regardless of whether your time is now or in the future, you must be prepared and willing to seize that moment as a courageous leader!

For Mrs. Mameita Jabateh-Sirleaf, Vice President for Administrations of FELMAUSA, she made that move two years ago when the need arose for her to step in to organize and lead one of the best eras of Mandingo unity through FELMAUSA. She served well and even remains upbeat to do more.

However, this time around, our dynamic Vice President is making an ultimate shift to step out of the race for reelection despite plead by some community members to stay on and contest her position.

Not hungry for power....

Not power hungry and wanting to give chance for other potential aspiring leaders to seize the moment to do something for their community, Mrs. Sirleaf called it quit Monday morning.

In a press statement from her office issued FELMAUSA website, the outgoing executive sadly writes: “I write to announce that I will not be running for re-election in the up-coming Minneapolis General Elections scheduled for the first week in July 2009.”

The VP notes that “FELMAUSA is a microcosm of the Liberian society. Granted, I am of the belief that one of the many ideas of FELMAUSA is to identify good leaders in the Mandingo Community. In view of this and in consultation with my family, I took the above decision to give way to the many young potential aspiring leaders in our beloved community.”

She says these young aspiring leaders will need the full support and guidance to nurture them into today’s competitive and demanding leadership and that she has no doubt posterity will hold “us responsible for all their predicaments if we fall short of these responsibilities.” Mrs. Sirleaf continues that the interest of the community should be placed above personal aggrandizements.

Don’t hinder electoral process

She advises that up-coming election should not be hindered in any shape or form especially by the “introduction of unnecessary restrictions and technicalities. Let us reflect on the past election that went on smoothly because of its transparency and inclusiveness. Our inalienable rights to membership should never be taken for granted. Let us be cognizant and respect the tenets of democracy and look beyond the microcosmic FELMAUSA.”

VP Sirleaf pays tribute to husband, family, FELMAUSA leaders and community

“I want to extend my gratitude to the President and the Executive Committee, the Chairman of the Board and the Board membership, the heads of the various chapters and the chapters’ memberships, the chairmen and members of all the standing committees, and the Mandingo Community for their relentless and indubitable supports during the past two years. My husband has granted me the permission to remain contactable and proactive in the community.”

“I also am extending my profound gratitude to my entire family especially my beloved husband Varmuyan A. Sirleaf for the unassailable supports he and the family gave and continue to give me. Words are inadequate to express my appreciation.”

“I pray for the longevity of FELMAUSA and the entire Liberian community. I submit!”