OTTAWA, Canada– The Liberian Association of Ottawa (LAO), one of Canada’s oldest Liberian diaspora organizations, has inaugurated its Executive Committee for a new term, with four incumbent officials retaining their positions and one new member joining the leadership team.
By Macaulay Sombai
The inauguration ceremony, held on June 6, brought together members of the Liberian community, supporters, and distinguished guests to witness the induction of the Association’s new leadership and reaffirm the organization’s commitment to unity, community development, and support for Liberia.
The newly inducted executives are Kelvin Nyan Suah – President, Williametta W. Moulton – Vice President, Dekote Woods-Mosindi – Secretary, Charles Tarr, Jr. – Financial Secretary, and Julietta Jablasone – Advisor.
Administering the oath of office, Board Chair Samuel Quillah congratulated the officials on their election and praised their dedication to serving the Liberian community in Ottawa. He called on members of the Association to rally behind the leadership as it pursues its agenda for the coming years.
In his inaugural address, President Kelvin Nyan Suah stressed that unity remains the cornerstone of progress and urged Liberians in Ottawa to play a more active role in community affairs.
“Meaningful advancement can only be achieved through shared commitment and shared responsibility,” Suah said, emphasizing that collective participation is essential to achieving the Association’s goals.
He outlined key priorities for the new term, including expanding member engagement, strengthening partnerships that create opportunities for community members, delivering programs that empower women, youth, and seniors, preserving Liberian culture while embracing Canada’s multicultural environment, and ensuring financial transparency and sustainability within the organization.
Suah also challenged members of the community to work together in building a lasting legacy for future generations.
“We must build a legacy our children will inherit with pride—a legacy of unity, service, dignity, and collective achievements,” he said.
The LAO president concluded by highlighting the resilience of Liberians both at home and abroad, reminding attendees that the community must continue to embody “resilience, dignity, faith, unity, and hope.”
“We rise higher when we rise together,” he added.
Liberia’s Diaspora Urged to Support National Development
A key highlight of the ceremony was a special address delivered by Charles H. V. Allen, Jr., Minister Counselor for Press and Public Affairs at the Embassy of Liberia in Washington, D.C., who attended on behalf of the Government of Liberia.
Allen praised the Liberian community in Ottawa for maintaining a strong sense of unity and civic engagement, describing the Association as a model of diaspora organization and leadership.
He encouraged Liberians living abroad to organize themselves in ways that can directly contribute to Liberia’s reconstruction and development efforts.
According to Allen, the diaspora remains one of Liberia’s most valuable resources and possesses the expertise needed to strengthen critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and community development.
He urged Liberian professionals—including doctors, nurses, educators, and technical experts—to consider forming teams that can periodically return to Liberia to provide support and transfer knowledge to local institutions.
“The diaspora has the potential to play a transformative role in Liberia’s long-term development,” Allen noted, emphasizing that coordinated efforts can significantly strengthen essential national systems.
Building Community Through Service
The Liberia Association of Ottawa, Canada (LAO), Canada’s oldest Liberian diaspora organization and one of the recognized African diaspora communities in Ottawa, has inaugurated its Executive Committee for a second term, with four incumbent officials retaining their positions and one new member joining the leadership team.
Founded in 1991, the Liberian Association of Ottawa is among the longest-serving Liberian diaspora organizations in Canada, representing Liberians, Canadians of Liberian descent, and friends of Liberia throughout the National Capital Region.
Since assuming office in 2023, the Association’s leadership has expanded community-focused initiatives through partnerships with the City of Ottawa and other stakeholders. These efforts have included programs aimed at empowering women, supporting youth development, engaging senior citizens, assisting newcomers to Canada, and promoting Liberian cultural heritage.
The organization has also strengthened cooperation with the Ottawa Police Service and other community partners to promote safety, inclusion, and civic participation.
With a renewed mandate and a call for greater engagement from Liberians both in Ottawa and across the diaspora, the Association’s leadership says it remains focused on fostering unity while contributing to the well-being of its members and supporting Liberia’s development from abroad.
