Hey, I did not hear too many names of some the regulars on this vibesite during the teleconference. Common guys!JK
Comrades,
For those who might have problems opening the attachment, here are the minutes again. Thanks.

Kupexsa-USA

Minutes of the Teleconference of Saturday, December 5, 2009.

The agenda of this meeting was posted online for all Kupexsan comrades on the E-group prior to the conference.

The attendees included Cyprain fongeh, Johnson Ngwese, Martin Eyong, Chuka Elangwe, Arrey Ashu, Fritz Mesumbe, Tabe Obi-Tabot, Agnes Onoabhagbe, Joseph Obale Itoi, Priscilla Ngwese, Joel Kalle, Knophli Ayuk, Felix Saah, Maggie Sone, Martin Mbo, Gustav Effote, Assumpta Ebong, Victor Alobwede, and Martin Lifanda.

Please I do apologize if any of your names were not spelt correctly. Notify me by email with the right spelling or name format for me to make the necessary corrections.

The Conference started at exactly 8:15 PM eastern. Ngwese Johnson conducted a roll call, welcomed the participants, and introduced the moderator of the conference, Dr. Tabe Obi Tabot. The moderator welcomed and thanked the attendees for their commitment and participation. He further elaborated on the importance of Kupexsa as it relates to our Alma matter, P.S.S./P.H.S Kumba. Dr. Obi-Tabot talked about the makeup and diversity of students and ex-students of our alma mater and the need to keep the status quo of the school that nourished the roots of our educational foundation. The school molded each and every one of us to attain the positions of responsibility we now hold to maintain our families and our communities. Dr. Obi-Tabot asked all Kupexsa comrades in the United States to join our fellow comrades in Cameroon and the world to support and donate generously to improve the educational standards of P.H.S. Kumba.

The moderator’s remarks were followed by an opening prayer conducted by Mr. Martin Eyong. In continuation, after the opening prayer, Dr. Obi-Tabot seized the opportunity to set the records straight about his position in Kupexsa. This is an organization that has been struggling in existence for years, especially in the United States . He strongly feels the need (including other Kupexsans) to call on fellow comrades to consolidate their efforts and resources to reorganize and structure the organization to foster the development of P.H.S. Kumba. Dr. Obi-Tabot stated that he is acting to initiate and facilitate the process of reorganization until we meet in June 2010 to nominate and elect officers. For those comrades who couldn’t participate in this conference, Dr. Obi-Tabot also stated that about three to four (or even more) teleconferences will be held before the Atlanta Convention in June 2010.

In the course of our deliberations, Kale Joel motioned that the Atlanta-Georgia Chapter be given the power/authority on behalf of Kupexsa to conduct all Kupexsa business including planning for the upcoming 2010 convention. Kupexsa-Georgia would be required to put together a budget which will be presented at next conference scheduled in January 2010. Volunteers from other Chapters were asked to join Atlanta in preparing for the upcoming convention.

It was disclosed that Kupexsa-Georgia’ s Atlanta local chapter at moment has a President, Vice President, and Financial Secretary. The idea of a mini convention to be held in April 2010 before the June 2010 convention was brought up and discussed by participants. The idea was not embraced by most comrades, so it wasn’t accepted.

Questions were raised about Kupexsa-USA’s 501c status. It was agreed that we investigate this issue before embarking on reinstating or reapplying for a new 501c for the organization. Mr. Fritz Mesumbe volunteered to follow-up with the IRS to inquire about our 501c status. Concerns were raised if the 501c for Kupexsa would exclusively be used by the national organization, Kupexsa-USA or could also be used for local chapter business. It was determined that the 501c privileges will be shared by Kupexsa-USA and all local chapters in the United States .

Dr. Obi-Tabot talked about the PHS kumba Library ground breaking held at PHS Kumba, November 2009. That information was transmitted by e-mail to all Kupexsans worldwide. He asked for Kupexsa-USA to support our comrades in Cameroon in realizing this project. Drawing from past experiences, issues and concerns were raised with regard to transparency and accountable in this organization. Dr. Obi-Tabot reiterated these concerns and assured participants that steps will be taken appropriately to implement sound policies that will safeguard Kupexsa against fraudulent activities. We’ll establish sound financial policies, laws and regulations based on transparency, accountability, and checks and balances. These initiatives will no doubt boost our morale and encourage Kupexsan comrades and well-wishers to join forces in consolidating their financial resources for the development of our alma mater.

A suggestion was made for comrades to consider making financial contributions towards the library project even before the June 2010 Kupexsan Convention. Most participants were not in agreement of the idea. Dr. Agnes Onoabhagbe questioned and cautioned participants in rushing into financial contribution without a proper structure in place. Most participants agreed for the organization to have a structure in place that will monitor our activities before contributing to the library project or any other project that Kupexsa wishes to pursue. After a constructive debate, it was agreed that we discuss more on financial obligations with regard to this project (and other possible projects) at the upcoming 2010 Convention in Atlanta . But at the moment, we need to focus on creating a structure, including policies and procedures that will guide and move the organization forward.

In conclusion, Dr. Obi-Tabot thanked Mr. Ngwese and First Presbyterian church of Douglasville , Georgia for the project carried on at P.H.S. Kumba in 2007. Mr. Ngwese initiated this missionary work and accompanied volunteers from his church to Cameroon to do some work in P.H.S. Kumba. They repaired the roof of the assembly hall and painted the whole building including a few classrooms. This was the kind of commitment and the spirit of goodwill that we all expect from our Kupexsan comrades. Dr. Obi-Tabot stated that this missionary work and the whole idea of ‘giving back’ was a great source of his motivation to take the steps to initiate and facilitate the process of reorganization of Kupexsa-USA. In the same token, Kupexsa-Texas in Houston has taken the initiative to establish the Sumbele Fund that has been in operation for number years. These are all initiatives to foster growth and development. Dr. Obi-Tabot vehemently stated that together we as Kupexsans can do more and take pride of our alma mater. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 PM eastern.

Ngwese Johnson

Vice-President,

Kupexsa-Georgia.