State of the Association Report by the President
Vice President Babucarr K. Cham (above photo) delivered the speech on behalf of the President, Madam Oumie Cham -Touray
Knoxville, TN: Distinguished delegates, honored guests, beloved family, and dear friends, we extend a heartfelt welcome to our Annual General Meeting. We are delighted to acknowledge the participation of our partner organizations, including the Knoxville Senegambia Association, Kombo Yiriwa Kafo Diaspora Chapter, and North America Gunjur Association (NAGUA). We also extend a warm welcome to our special guest, Mr. Baboucar Cham, who holds the esteemed positions of Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Sukuta VDC, and NASUA Local Agents in The Gambia. Mr. Cham traveled from The Gambia for the specific purpose of tonight's event, but he is unavoidably stranded in Minnesota due to global flight cancellations. Your presence this night exemplifies your genuine dedication to the principles that NASUA is committed to upholding.
As we convene for this Annual General Meeting, I am honored to mark the third year of my presidency of the Association. Reflecting on the past, it's clear that our organization has never been more pertinent for communities across the United States and The Gambia. I envision NASUA as a vast family, a network comprising individuals and organizations committed to advocating, sharing, and supporting communities. The invaluable NASUA network of members, sponsors, donors, and partners continues to be essential as we navigate the intricacies of charitable work.
Distinguished guests, ladies, and gentlemen, I take great pride in the association's accomplishments over the years. Allow me to provide an overview of these achievements, as well as an update on the current operational and financial activities of the Association.
Membership Outreach
Esteemed guests, ladies, and gentlemen. Since its establishment in 2016, NASUA has actively engaged in expanding its membership base across various regions. This endeavor has proven to be successful, resulting in a significant rise in registered members from 35 in 2016 to 134 in 2024, reflecting a remarkable 73.9% growth in membership over the span of eight years.
Member Welfare
Honored guests, esteemed ladies and gentlemen, we are dedicated to fostering and enhancing the prosperity and happiness of our members. In pursuit of this goal, we have created opportunities to assist our members in times of significant need. We established a relief fund that enables members to obtain interest-free loans of up to $1,000.00, which can be repaid over a period of six months. Several members have already taken advantage of these resources and benefited from them.
Donors and Sponsors
In light of the funding obstacles facing non-profit organizations, we have crafted a clear and articulate Donors and Sponsors Brochure that effectively outlines our funding needs and offers attractive benefit packages for sponsors and donors. As a result, we have successfully secured additional sponsorship funds. We encourage all members to join us in our efforts to connect with as many potential donors and sponsors as possible.
Charitable Programs
Our Association is dedicated to fulfilling our core mission by providing both domestic and international relief assistance. Domestically, our charitable program focuses on supporting communities within the United States, particularly in the areas of healthcare, home rental, funeral, and legal aid expenses. Internationally, we are committed to furthering the development initiatives of Sukuta town in The Gambia, with a specific emphasis on health delivery, education, youth, and the environment.
As of the fiscal year ending December 31st, 2023, our charitable expenditure in the United States totaled US$42,661.85, while our support for The Gambia amounted to US$28,314.30.
Finances
Esteemed guests, ladies, and gentlemen, let's delve into the finances of the Association. The Association derives its revenue from four primary sources: registration fees, membership subscriptions, sales, and charitable donations. Our historical financial data was released to the public at the close of each fiscal year, detailing our cashflows, expenditures, and net income available to the association. For the fiscal year ending on December 31st, 2023, the total income was US$41,346.10, while the total expenditure amounted to US$22,194.19, resulting in a net income of US$19,151.91. Notably, the 2023 income represents a striking 28.7% increase from the total income of US$29,487.86 for the same period in 2022, underscoring the diligent financial management by the leadership of the Association. Looking ahead, the income statement for the current fiscal year 2024 (January 1st to December 31st, 2024) is slated for preparation and internal auditing by January 31st, 2025.
Partnerships
We value our partnerships with a wide range of organizations for the mutual benefit of our members and communities. Since the last AGM, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of partnership arrangements
.We extend our sincere appreciation to the following organizations for their confidence in NASUA as a reliable partner: Support Solutions Inc., David A Plotz Charitable Fund, Solar Enterprises, Bluegrass Services, Alex Darboe Real Estate, Africa Mortgage & Loan Company, and Afra King of America. Ladies and gentlemen, NASUA has established a strong coalition with other diaspora organizations over the years, fostering connections with our fellow community members. We are delighted to share that we have worked closely with the Sukuta Diaspora Community in the United Kingdom, the North America Gunjur Association (NAGUA), the Kombo Yiriwa Kafo Diaspora Chapter, the Knoxville Senegambia Association, the Sukuta VDC, and NASUA Local Agents in The Gambia. Together, these organizations have provided invaluable support, managing and coordinating resources and activities essential for advancing the association.
NASUA Website
The NASUA website is up and running. The web address is www.northamericasukutaassociation.org. The web content, design, and layout are amazingly attractive. Please check us out to learn more and stay connected with us.
Challenges & Opportunities
During the previous AGM, I expressed concerns regarding the organizational and outreach challenges at the regional level. While we have seen a significant increase in new member registrations, there is still room for improvement in terms of better organization, optimizing membership registration and subscriptions, enhancing communication, and coordinating activities within the regions. We are committed to actively involving our Coordinators and the Council of Elders to strengthen our strategies in these areas.Despite these challenges, we maintain a strong sense of optimism regarding the future of our Association. We believe that strong leadership is crucial for our ongoing growth. Therefore, we have initiated the recruitment of dynamic young leaders, by providing cross-training and enhancing their skill potential to the fullest.
Conclusion:
In closing, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our members, donors, and sponsors for their unwavering support and participation in our community initiatives. I wish all those in attendance a successful 2024 AGM and Sukuta Family Reunion. Thank you for your attention and continued support.
NASUA Bolsters Hope as It Elected New Board Members
President
Secretary General
Vice President
Oumie Cham-Touray: Oumie was elected President of NASUA in 2022 and became the Association's first female CEO.
She was re-elected unanimously for another two-year mandate beginning January 2024. She clocks ten years of continuous service by the end of her current term in January 2026.
Her dedication to the Association saw her rise from Auditor in 2016 to Vice President in 2020. She is attuned to the unique needs of the people we serve, which manifests in her humility, empathy, curiosity, open-mindedness, and patience. These qualities guide her leadership style.
Mrs. Touray navigated the hurdles of leadership by seizing the opportunities to build on the successes through innovative strategies, teamwork, effective programs, and project designs responsive to the everyday needs of our people.
Her engagements also extend to a network of community and social groups, including the Lexington Sene-Gambia Kafo of Kentucky.
Vice President
Secretary General
Vice President
Baboucarr K. Cham: Cham has served on three executive boards and will clock six years of continuous service by the end of the current term in 2026. He is scrupulous and demonstrates a high regard for professionalism.
An articulate communicator with strong organizational, time management, and innovative problem-solving skills, he effectively manages priority assignments and special projects with complete autonomy while a team collaborator.
He brings years of work experience as a career human resource professional with finance and accounting aptitudes to this role. He previously served as Social Secretary (2020 - 2022) before his subsequent elevation to the vice presidency (2022 - 2026). Before serving as a board member, he was the NASUA Regional Coordinator for the South Region of Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee from 2016 to 2020.
He was head boy of Sukuta Upper Basic School in 1998, Auditor and Assistant Treasurer of Sukuta Youth and Sports Association (SYSA), and the current President of the Sene-Gambia Association of the Knoxville metropolitan area of Tennessee.
Secretary General
Secretary General
Assistant Secretary General
Dr. Dawda M. Touray: Dr. Touray served as the founding Secretary General of NASUA in 2016, clocking ten years in the same position by the end of the current mandate in 2026. He is credited for laying the organizational architecture, from drafting its constitutional instruments and articles of incorporation to its establishment as a legal entity at the state and federal levels. His stint in journalism and over three decades of administrative and management experiences provided leading-edge and intuitive solutions for the Association's day-to-day operations. He served Sukuta Students Association as Secretary General (1988 - 1990); Sukuta Youth and Sports Association, SYSA as Editor, Soccer Watch Magazine (1992 - 1993); Secretary General (1993 - 1997); Vice President (1997-1999); Sukuta Development Committee cum Sukuta VDC as Assistant Secretary-General (1996-1997); Secretary General (1997 - 2005); Gambia Football Association, GFA as organizing committee member for the 1997 Amilcar Cabral (Zone Two) Cup in The Gambia; and Kombo Yiriwa Kafo Diaspora Chapter as current Secretary General.
Assistant Secretary General
Assistant Secretary General
Assistant Secretary General
Yusupha Jatta: Yusupha premiered as Assistant Secretary General of NASUA in 2024, ushering in renewed hopes for innovation, continuity, and adaptability. He embodies the youthful face at the highest policy decision-making level of the Association. An engineering professional with a grasp of project precision and deliverables, he brings new innovative thinking, problem-solving skills, and adaptable change to the doorsteps of NASUA. Yusupha was spotted early in his association with NASUA as manifesting budding leadership qualities of strong drive, trust, determination, and results-oriented qualities needed to place the Association on a pedestal.
Beyond NASUA, he serves other community-based organizations in The Gambia and Wisconsin.
Treasurer
Assistant Secretary General
Assistant Treasurer
Fams Cham: Fams has served as a board/executive committee member of NASUA since its establishment in 2016, clocking ten years of continuous and dedicated service by the end of the current mandate in 2026. During this period, he immersed himself in the financial nitty-gritty of the Association, serving as Assistant Treasurer (2016 - 2020) and Treasurer (2020 - 2026). A fiscal disciplinarian acclaimed for his trustworthiness, honesty, simplicity, frugality, and conservatory style, Fams ensured accountable and transparent management of the Association's financial resources. Growing up, he inspired squads of boys transitioning into Gambaline Soccer Club. The team later transformed into NPE Football Club, where he served as Secretary before eventually changing ownership. He equally served the Sukuta Youth and Sports Association (SYSA).
Assistant Treasurer
Assistant Secretary General
Assistant Treasurer
Yankuba Jatta: Yankuba was first elected board/executive committee member in 2022, marking four years of dedicated service by the end of the current term in 2026. His dedication culminated in his rise from Assistant Auditor (2022 - 2024) to Assistant Treasurer (2024 - 2026). He personified the new crop of future leaders ready to take charge when the baton of leadership is passed to the next generation.
A banker and accountant with nursing credentials, Jatta brings a humanistic personality and financial management innovations based on conventional accounting standards and principles. Jatta is meticulously organized, an excellent communicator, imbued with unimaginable initiative, drive, and a calm demeanor under pressure. Besides NASUA, he serves several organizations in the Knoxville metropolis of Tennessee.
Auditor
Assistant Auditor
Assistant Auditor
Arona Bojang: Arona is the current Auditor of NASUA after prior roles as Assistant Secretary-General for two consecutive terms. He expects to clock eight years of service by the end of the current term, 2026.
Arona has an eloquent appeal for honesty, informed by his deep faith, beliefs, and values that guide his work at NASUA. An ardent technology guru, he caters to the information technology needs of the association.
Earlier, he spent his community roles in the Sukuta Youth and Sports Association (SYSA) as a member of the editorial team of Soccer Watch Magazine (1992 - 1995) and a fellow of several organizations in the Huntsville metropolis of Alabama.
Assistant Auditor
Assistant Auditor
Assistant Auditor
Ebrima Karamo Saidy: As the current Assistant Auditor, Ebrima marked his first appearance on the board/executive committee in January 2024.
He epitomized youth inclusion in decision-making at the pinnacle of the Association. As a bearer to future generations, he belongs to a new crop of youth leaders shaping the organization's future that they desire for themselves.
He encompassed notable integrity, coherence, drive, and analytical skills, essential for his assigned tasks.
His interest in community causes came into the spotlight while an ardent sports enthusiast, playing soccer for local teams in Sukuta. Besides NASUA, he serves other social organizations in the great state of California.
Social Secretary
Assistant Auditor
Assistant Social Secretary
Ebrima Sillah: Sillah premiered as the Social Secretary on the board/executive committee in 2024. His election exemplified the affectionate desire for youth participation at the highest echelon of the Association. The social work engrossed him from the early beginning. He gave himself to the service of others as a red crescent with the Sukuta Red Cross Link, where he served as Secretary General for almost eight years. He was Assistant District Coordinator of the Kombo North Red Cross Society and a founding member of the Kombo North District Youth Organization under the auspices of the National Youth Parliament, where he served as the Second Administrative Secretary until 2010. He similarly served in the Michigan Gambian Association and is the current Chairman of "Teri Kafo" based in Columbus, Ohio.
Assistant Social Secretary
Public Relations Officer, PRO
Assistant Social Secretary
Amie Manjang-Sillah: Amie debuted as Assistant Social Secretary on the board/Executive Committee in January 2024.
Her election is a testimony of trust reposed in her and recognition of her dedication and commitment to NASUA.
Her interest in community welfare arose from her earlier career as a qualified teacher in The Gambia, teaching in some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
She exudes a deep sense of empathy, embodying abiding love for community causes. Beyond NASUA, she serves various groups and organizations in the greater Atlanta metropolitan area.
Public Relations Officer, PRO
Public Relations Officer, PRO
Public Relations Officer, PRO
Modou Tala Jobe: Except for a one-year intermission, Jobe served every executive board and would clock nine years of continuous service by the end of the current term, 2026. He is a great Sukutarian recognized for his foresight and intellect. While prior attempts for some semblance of the North America-based Sukuta diaspora organization failed, Mr. Jobe mustered the courage to attempt again, creating a database of Sukutarians living in the United States and Canada. He used social media to interface and network with the wider Sukuta population. His efforts, complimented by others, culminated in the formation of NASUA in 2016. He previously held the positions of Social Secretary and Assistant Social Secretary and is an avid member of several organizations in the United States and The Gambia.
NASUA Outgoing Executive Committee Delivered Audit Reports
Internal Audit Reports for Fiscal Years 2022 & 2023 Released
Atlanta (December 24th 2023): The outgoing Executive Committee released the internally audited accounts of the North America Sukuta Association, NASUA, for fiscal years 2022 and 2023. The audit reviewed copious journal entries and bank statements as of October 31, 2023.
The auditors described the income and expenditure statements as fair and conforming to generally accepted accounting principles. The consolidated accounts of the Association for 2022 and 2023 are as follows:
Summary of Income Statement as of December 31, 2022.
Total CashApp Deposit $7,095.00
Total Zelle Deposit $11,860.00
Other Deposits $6,134.42
Total Bank Deposit $25,089.42
Deposits from Journal Entries $25,185.00
Differences (Shortage) 95.58
Total Income for ,year 2022 $25,089.42
Total Expenses for the year 2022: : the $14,594.91
Net Income for 2022: $10,494.51
Summary of Inccome Statement as of October 31, 2023
Total Cash App Deposit: $6,832.00
Total Zelle Deposit $10,028.00
Other Deposits 4,527.00
Total Bank Deposit 2023 $: 23,067.00
Deposits from Journal Entries $23,014.00
Differences (Overage) 53.00
Total Income for year 2023: $25,067.00
Total Expenses for the year 2023 $: 16,228.86
Net Income for 2023: $6,838.14
The Auditors found immaterial differences between income and expense journal records compared to the bank statements. There was a shortage of $95.58 in 2022 and an overage/surplus of $53.00 in 2023, respectively. The shortage was attributed to funds in the CashApp account pending bank deposit at the time of the audit. The auditors observed the journal entries did not show the previous and current years' beginning and ending balances. Therefore, they queried these record management processes and recommended improvement in digital record keeping, double entries, receipting, clear narrative explanations of all transactions, and separate journal entries for cash inflows and outflows regarding charitable fundraising events.
(Editor's Note. This story has been edited from its original post).
Knoxville, TN, to Host NASUA AGM & Reunion in July 2024
North America Sukuta Association, NASUA, announced Knoxville, TN, as the host city for the 2024 Annual General Meeting and Sukuta Family Reunion. In a release accessed by this medium, the Executive Committee said it received bids from six states, including Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Washington, Texas, and California.
It appreciated the intent of members to host the NASUAA fraternity but stated that Knoxville fared well on its selection decision criteria. These include the state's active participation, membership base, ideal location, fundraising revenue prospects, and inexpensive living cost among others.
NASUA Presented the State of The Association's Reports
Silver Spring, MD: The Sukuta diaspora in the United States wrapped up the third edition of the NASUA-organized Annual General Meeting (AGM) & Family Reunion in Silver Spring, Maryland, from July 21st to 23rd, 2023. The festive occasion offered the opportunity for the Executive Committee to present its operational and financial reports over the last two years and strategic plans for the future.
In presenting the State of the Association’s Address (SOA), NASUA President Mrs. Oumie Cham-Touray emphasized the great strides made by the Association, including the launch of member welfare programs, social and philanthropic programs, and collaborative partnerships at the international level.
Regarding members welfare programs, Mrs. Touray noted the Association had established three separate funds: administrative fund, development fund, and hardship fund. The hardship fund supported members during extreme circumstances such as sickness, death, or other extenuating situations. In addition to the generous donations made to members, Mrs. Touray further stated that an interest-free soft loan facility of up to US$1,000, which is repayable over six months, is available to members. Regarding finances, Mrs. Touray revealed a cumulative amount of US$115,045.10 based on income receipts to date. She observed the critical revenue drivers as membership fees and subscriptions, sales, and charitable donations. The Association disbursed over US$45,000 of this income to philanthropic causes in the United States and The Gambia.
These charitable programs included:
Bereavement and funerals for Sukuta diaspora residents.
Health Care Support for members.
Immigration and Legal Support for Members.
Rent and Eviction Support for members.
Sukuta Central Mosque Carpeting Project.
Sukuta Fire and Flood Victims Support.
Covid-19 Food Bank for Sukuta.
Sukuta Housing Renovation for a Widow.
Sukuta Youth and Sports Development Project.
Sukuta Multi-Purpose Center Project.
Sukuta Health Center Supplies Project.
On the strategic plans, Madam Touray noted the continued linkages and collaborations with diverse global partners for the mutual benefit of our respective communities.
She hailed the partnership with our sister organizations, the North America Gunjur Association (NAGUA), and the Sukuta Diaspora Community in the United Kingdom, as well as networking engagements with the Sukuta VDC, NASUA Local Agents, and Sukuta-based organizations in Germany, Norway, Sweden, and at large.
Beyond the speeches, some fun moments characterized the event. The AGM was preceded by two outdoor lunches at the Haja Ndey Fatou Cham and Aja Sanyang residences on Friday and Saturday. Mr. Sanna Cham (aka Alasanna Cham) used his presence to grace both occasions with splendid scriptures from the Holy Qur'an.
A spectacular red-carpet performance moderated by the Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Babucarr K Cha,m had attendees upbeat about the night. Mr. Cham acknowledged all and sundry for gracing the occasion and singled out Dr. Khalifa Manneh and his family for traveling from Ethiopia to partake in the events. A buffet and banquet of various Gambian, African, and American delicacies was provided.
The night wrapped up with recognition awards to several individuals and organizations. NASUA Secretary General Dr. Dawda M Touray presided over the award ceremony. He described award recipients as having demonstrated exemplary services by unselfishly giving themselves in the service of others. Two categories of awards, the Great Distinction to Service and Outstanding Citizenship Award were presented.
The following Great Distinction to Service Award recipients were presented with pristine mahogany plaques. The inscriptions read:
Tijan Cham: “Having Served as President of NASUA from 2016 to 2022, and in Recognition of Years of Unblemished Leadership and Service to the People of Sukuta”.
Binta Bojang: “Having Served as Asst. Secretary-General of NASUA from 2019 to 2022 and in Recognition of Years of Dedicated Service to the People of Sukuta”.
Omar Pea Bojang: “In Recognition of Exceptional Contributions to Education and Society and for Transforming Lives Every Day in Sukuta and Beyond.”
The following received Outstanding Citizenship Awards in the form of crystal glass trophies with inscriptions that read:
Mothers Club of Sukuta: “In Recognition of the Continued Legacy of Advancing Education, Health and Wellbeing of The People of Sukuta.
Afra King of America Restaurant: “In Sincere Recognition of Laudable Initiatives in Youth Employment and Income Generation for the People of Sukuta and The Gambia.”
Water Point, The Gambia: “In Recognition of Continued Legacy of Changing and Transforming Lives Through the Provision of Clean, Safe Drinking Water, and Improved Sanitation for Vulnerable Communities in The Gambia”..”
Mbama Care Foundation: “In Recognition of Continued Legacy of Supporting Health Services, Providing Postpartum Recovery, Home and Hope for Women and Orphans in The Gambia.”
Join Hands 2 Save a Baby Foundation: “In Recognition of Continued Legacy of Improving Health Care and Providing Hope for Mothers and Babies in The Gambia and Beyond.”
The highlights of the three-day events climaxed with an outdoor picnic at a local park. A NASUA elder statesman, Sulayman Darboe, addressed the gathering with a call to embrace one’s heritage and pass it on to future generations. He implored our immigrant community to be law-abiding and to avoid procrastination tendencies in establishing lawful status in the United States.
In his vote of thanks, NASUA Public Relations Officer, Mr. Modou Tala Jobe paid glowing tributes to the hosts, Ndey Fatou Cham, Fatou Deen (Onikeh), Ibrahim Samateh and wife, Aja Sanyang and husband, Sulayman and Banna Jagne-Darboe, Oumie Cham and Yusupha Touray, and the entire NASUA fraternity for putting their resources at our disposals in the successful hosting of the events. Similarly, Mr. Jobe thanked everyone for traveling from far and near, wishing them a safe journey back to their respective destinations.
As faithful believers, both events began and concluded with prayers offered by the venerable Sheikh Arona Bojang.
On the AGM's sidelines, a NASUA Executive Committee delegation traveled to Virginia to pay a condolence courtesy call on Mrs. Yama Cham-Manneh following the passing of her dear mother in The Gambia.
NASUA HONORS MEMBERS' PINNACLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION SUCCESS
Dr. Dawda M. Touray graduated in 2023 from the University of the Cumberlands, Kentucky, with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Business, Project Management specialization.
Dr. Alhagie Sainey Cham graduated 2022 from the Facultat de Agronomia (UANL) Mexico City with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Agronomy, Plant Science, and Genetics.
Dr. Aminata Cham (Mbaffie) graduated in 2021 from the United States with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Nursing Practice.
Dr. Pa Jatta graduated in 2010 from the University of Kentucky with a Doctor of Pharmacology (Pharm. D.).
OUTGOING EXECUTIVE DELIVERED AUDIT REPORT OF ACCOUNTS
NASUA's outgoing Executive presented the Association’s internal audit reports as part of activities for its Annual General Meeting held in Lexington, KY, on July 27th, 2019.
The Audit Report is a requirement by the Association’s Constitution to be conducted periodically and presented during its Annual General Meetings. The purpose is to ensure compliance and ascertain if proper internal control requirements and procedures have been followed. It is further designed to evaluate internal processes and procedures' adequacy, efficiency, and effectiveness.
The audit exercise was conducted on September 13th, 2018, and July 13th, 2019, respectively. The tasks for both periods focused on cash inflows and outflows, journal and ledger entries, documentation, and supporting receipts to validate the accuracy of transactions and compliance with standard operating procedures.
The audit methodology included a meeting involving the Treasurer, the Secretary-General, and the Auditor, during which data was collected, examined, and analyzed from October 2016 to July 13th, 2019.
In terms of compliance with State and Federal Regulations, the audit evaluated Annual Filing obligations and compliances with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the State of Georgia, where the Association is incorporated.
The audit observations and findings were as follows:
1. Registered Members:
There are currently 72 registered members across the length and breadth of the United States. Membership to the Association is predicated upon payment of $20.00 registration Fees. It is open to citizens of Sukuta and their spouses, friends, and people of goodwill to Sukuta.
2. Financial Receipts: 10/2016 to 07/13/2019
There was a total income of $24,219.14. Some key drivers of the income are as follows:
Registration Fees $1,520.00
Annual Subscriptions $7,030.00
Donations by Members $10,945.00
Sales (T-Shirts) 1,878.00
AGM Contributions 2,955.00
There was a total expenditure of US$17,289.89. Of this amount, US$11,518.57 was provided to support our charitable programs in Sukuta and to our community here in the United States.
Both the inflows and outflows are effectively documented with supporting receipts on file.
3. Compliance
The Association is in full compliance with Federal and State regulatory requirements. It has submitted promptly (shreds of evidence on file) its Form 990 – Tax Returns for Exempt Organizations with the IRS for the last two years. It is also in full compliance with the State of Georgia for its annual non-profit corporation renewal and filing of Tax Returns.
4. Payment Processes
There has been a great improvement since the last audit with payment processes. Previously, members were limited with options when facilitating payments to the Association. With banking hurdles along the way, several members either put off payments or do so through another member. The problem was, this process was inherently disorganized, and created reporting issues for the Treasury. The Executive acted swiftly with the introductions of Cash App, GoFundMe and PayPal as additional options. These are linked to the Association’s bank accounts and have since added value to the Association and the experiences of our great members.
NASUA HELD A MAIDEN AGM & FAMILY REUNION IN ATLANTA, GA
"Our model of Association is unique in that members of a single town or village came together to form an Association in the United States.” Tijan Cham, NASUA President.
Atlanta: We wrapped up our first Annual General Meeting (AGM) & Sukuta Family Reunion in Atlanta, Georgia from, July 27th to 29th, 2018. The occasion brought together members of the Sukuta diaspora across the United States.
The highlights of the programs were a pool lunch & get-together on day one, an AGM & reception on day two, and an outdoor reunion picnic at a park on day three.
Delegates paid glowing tributes to the host for a successful organization, the Local Organizing Committee (LOCOM 2018) for the adequate logistical arrangements, and the women for the food that was prepared and served. The Executive Committee was recognized for its stewardship during the past two years. They similarly applauded the Regional Coordinators, the Council of Elders, and the general membership for their enduring commitment to the mission and vision of the Association. Members urged all and sundry to further deepen our bonds by engaging and checking on each other outside the Association.
Several individuals and groups were presented Certificates of Recognition. The recipients included:
Sukuta Nkolu: “In recognition of the finest and outstanding social media and networking experience provided to the community and people of Sukuta”;
Estrellita Poblana Mexican Restaurant: “In appreciation of the generous donations of $1,000.00 USD towards the school infrastructural development at the Sukuta Lower Basic School in The Gambia”;
Sukuta Diaspora Community, UK: “In recognition of the extraordinary accomplishments over the years and the continued generous gestures to the people and community of Sukuta in a manner that exemplifies the finest of our citizens”.
The highlights of the three days events came to a close at a park where members, families and friends had memorable fun evening. In our colorful NASUA blue T-Shirts with vivid displays of NASUA Logo in the front and large prints of “Sukuta Family Reunion” on the back, indeed we all felt proud as great Sukutarians.
The next AGM & Reunion is scheduled to take place in Lexington, KY in July 2019. We see you all there!