The Eminent Chairman of the All-Liberian Conference on Dual Citizenship (ALCOD), Mr. Emmanuel Sonnyboy Wettee, has again scooped another prestigious award. This time, from Liberian women, who reside in the diaspora and are under the banner, All-Liberian Diaspora Women Organization (ALDWO). The award ceremony was held on Saturday, March 22, and took place during ALDWO Leadership Conference, Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania (PA), USA. Gracing the occasion were the President of the Union of Liberian Associations in the America (ULAA), Mr. Mohammad “MSG1” Keita; Rev. James Barclay, First Vice Chairman, ULAA Board of Directors; Mr. Alfred Sieh, former Chairman ULAA Board of Directors; ULAA’s Eminent Person Gaye D. Sleh, Jr.; other diaspora organizations’ representatives and leaders.
Before His Eminence was presented with the accolade, Ms. Mamunie Dennis, Board Chairlady, All-Liberian Diaspora Women Organization (ALDWO), said back in 2018, when she and others started, they just had a vision of service to their communities. She further stated that they did not think about themselves but thought about others and what they could do to make the Liberian Community in the US better. “But somewhere along the way, we realized that there are people who have done well, and we needed to recognize those people,” she stated.
Among the various awards that were presented to different recipients, Eminent Wettee was conferred upon the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Liberian women. Ms. Dennis, who worked with Eminent Wettee when he led the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA) beginning in 2006, described him as standing for positivity and strong in advocacy. “We all enjoy dual citizenship today; he is one of the forces behind dual citizenship. Even when he left ULAA, he never stopped his advocacy.” Before His Eminence was gowned as part of his honor, he was also praised for his role in making the US Government grant hundreds of Liberians Temporary Protective Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). During Mr. Wettee’s inaugural address in December 2005, he promised no Liberian would be deported under his watch, when about 10,000 Liberians on TPS were supposed to be deported. As he said no Liberian on TPS was deported.
In 2007, President George W. Bush directed that DED be provided for 18 months to certain Liberians and others whose Temporary Protected Status (TPS) was expiring on Sept. 30, 2007.
Those on TPS/DED later benefited from the “Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness” thus getting the Permanent Residence (Green Card) and becoming citizens of the United States.
One of the ladies, who gowned the Eminent Chairman, beseeched God’s guidance upon him for the many sacrifices he made and continues to make for the Liberian Community in the USA.
The wordings on the plague read: “In recognition of a lifetime of unwavering dedication, exceptional service, and outstanding contributions to advocating [for] community issues; your tireless efforts have a profound and lasting impact, championing causes that have uplifted countless individuals and strengthened communities.
“Through your leadership and commitment, you have inspired positive change, fostering an environment of progress and unity. Your legacy of advocacy continues to guide and motivate others to follow in your footsteps, ensuring a brighter future for all.”
Responding, Eminent Wettee thanked everyone who thought about him. He specifically mentioned Mr. Alfred Sieh, whom he shared the award with.
“This is the man, who if you call me to go to Liberia to advocate for dual citizenship or out-of-country voting, he is willing to purchase his own ticket, at price of 2 to US$3,000 a trip to go with me. This man has stood with me throughout the advocacy. We have gone to Liberia on many occasions. Mr. Sieh, today, I want to share this honor with you, your wife and with the ULAA Family. I thank you for supporting me,” Eminent Wettee said as he concluded his statement of gratitude by pledging US$1,000 to ALDWO’s initiatives.
Eminent Emmanuel Sunnyboy Wettee praises Mr. Alfred Sieh as he shares his award with him for his services to the advocacy
Back in December 2024, President Joseph N. Boakai and his wife, Mrs. Kartumu Y. Boakai, also gowned and honored Eminent Wettee for uniting Liberians home and abroad.
The First Lady, specifically, at the end of her remarks, honored Eminent Wettee by gowning him on behalf of the President and nation and applauded his selflessness and patriotism.
“We are so proud of you. The idea that you came here, despite losing your mother, shows that Liberia is above all,” the First Lady said.
She continued: “Your love and passion for our country are evident. Please accept our sympathy on behalf of the President and the people of Liberia. Thank you for all your sacrifices.”
Flashback: First Lady Kartumu Y. Boakai gowning Eminent Wettee
Eminent Wettee is widely recognized as the foremost advocate for dual citizenship in Liberia. His continuous advocacy and contributions to the dual citizenship movement have earned him national and international accolades.
In 2022, Eminent Wettee was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Liberians in Columbus Incorporated (LICI), where his late mother was also a respected member. In 2023, he was named “The Father of Dual Citizenship” by the European Federation of Liberian Associations (ELFA). He has received countless awards and recognitions for his successful leadership roles in the diaspora and Liberia. Awards from New Kru Town Association in the Americas, The Sinoe County Associations in the Americas, The National Krao Association in the Americas, just to name a few.
His advocacy for dual citizenship made UNHCR to applaud Liberia for removing gender discrimination from its nationality law. Every child born by a Liberian mother is a citizen of Liberia at birth. Eminent Wettee is now championing the advocacy for out-of-country voting.
