The Association of Firestone Residents in the Americas, (AFIRA) has elected its first female president to steer the affairs of the body for the next two years.
Mrs. Cecelia Kukor Brown Badio was elected at AFIRA’s 10th Reunion and National Convention held in Richmond, Virginia, the United States, from Friday, July 11th to Sunday, July 13th, 2025. Mrs. Cecelia Kukor Badio previously served as deputy to outgoing president Sam S. S. Kieh who served in the position for two terms.
Those elected alongside Cecelia Kukor Brown Badio are Sam Gawo, vice President, Beseman Sando, Secretary, and Vera Sinue, Treasurer. Others elected at AFIRA’s 10th convention are Bernelia Kunmeh Goll, financial secretary, and Ma Sally Lapia, Chaplain.
AFIRA also instituted a new advisory Board. The officials include, Diana Sinue Flemister Chairman, Bleh Hare Warner Co-chairman, Sarah Momo Lawrence SG. Cecelia Wilson Kokuloku, and Emmanuel Wilmot Jackson are also members.
Cecelia Kukor Brown Badio expressed her gratitude to members of AFIRA, Region I for the support and thanked the entire members of AFIRA for electing her as president. She also expressed appreciation to the past leadership in which she served for keeping the spirit of AFIRA alive.
She reserved special praise for the electoral body for what she termed as the smooth transfer of power. Madam Brown Badio presented her plan of actions for the next two years, in her acceptance speech. “We will complete the construction of the Cotton Tree Public School annex in Lower Margibi County before the start of academic 2025/2026 and continuing plans for existing projects.
The construction of the Cotton Tree Public School annex in Lower Margibi County was started by her predecessor Sam S. S. Kieh Sr. and his team. She also promised to maintain the cordial working relationship AFIRA has with the other local organizations in Margibi County.
The newly elected AFIRA president called on the many Liberians in the United States who are members of AFIRA to continuously see the need to reach out and help other Liberians at home. She reminded them, “The needs in our country Liberia are many, but the laborers are few. We cannot be all things to all people, but we can mean something to some people. There is always room for opportunities and improvements.”
Outgoing president, Sam S.S. Kieh Sr., thanked the members of AFIRA for the support during his four years of leadership. He was praised for the completion of several projects and the initiation of new ones. He reminded the team about the many things they must achieve together and pledged to fully support the new leadership in whatever ways possible.
In 2024, AFIRA completed a modern library that it estimates at over $250,00 USD, equipped with 24 hours solar power, computer labs, and study rooms for use by the local community.
The principal of the Cotton Tree Public School, Mr. Mark Saysaw, expressed gratitude to the new leadership for pledging to continue the annex project. In an interview with this paper, he said all he awaits is the building keys. “The annex will impact all of us, holding to the fact that we have challenges with inadequate space and classrooms. The annex that is being constructed has a science lab in addition to the classroom, so the students will have the same quality service as anywhere else across the country.
AFIRA comprises people who were born or raised in and around Firestone but are now residing in the United States. The association which has existed for 17 years has been involved in philanthropic work, “Giving back to the community we love.”, as their 2025 convention theme states.
