"The Bulk Challenge Experience" is a story of a dreadful journey and near catastrophe on a leaking ship, during the fracas of the Liberian Civil War in 1996. Bound for Ghana, the 1500-capacity fishing vessel was over-loaded with nearly 4000 passengers and several tons of cargo. The anticipated 3 days journey turned to 10 unforgettable and miserable days on the Atlantic Ocean, with no food, water or medication. How did the passengers make it? The author tells of his personal experience on this voyage and the lessons learned despite the challenges faced. It is a story of how a people can turn destitution into determination, and fear into strength. It tells of the will power, resilience and survival skills that surface amidst indifference and divisiveness. Written in a plain, simple and understanding style for all levels of readers, it is filled with factual historical insights that open the reader's mind to some of the dark moments of the Liberian Civil War, and shows the complexities, yet caring nature of the Liberian people.
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I. Ezax Smith. The Bulk Challenge Experience
REVIEW
APPRAISAL
DEDICATION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
GLOSSARY
FORWARD
PRELUDE
THE APRIL 6, 1996 FRACAS
“We approached the ‘Junction’ and joined the larger crowd heading west toward the Red Light area. It was apparent we could not go West toward the city,so we just kept going with the crowd”
THE FREEPORT
“After many daysof waiting,the fear of uncertaintywas reduced as the crew began loading luggageinto the ship.”
LUGGAGE ON BOARD
THE SUDDEN TAKE-OFF
A HORRIFIC SAIL
SAN-P´EDRO: A BREADTH OF RELIEF
SURVIVING WITHOUT FOOD & WATER
DEATH ON HIGH SEA
ONE STORMY NIGHT: A NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE
A VISION OR WHAT?
LAST LEG OF THE JOURNEY
“….And we formed lines, as directed,to be registered.Several registration tableswere clearly marked.Volunteers fromRed Crossand governmentagencies assisted withthe registration process”
“Emergency reliefPackets were distributed to us according to the registration done in Takoradi. Each packet included a tent with all itspitching fixtures, and two wool sheets. We constructed tents and filled the area of the field, as our new dwelling place.”
LEAVING TAKORADI
BUDUBURAM, ACCRA
JOURNEY BACK HOME
MEMORABLE MOMENTS & LESSONS LEARNED
Uninvited Guests at a Wedding
Riding on the Bus
Shocking Pulpit Outrage
Getting Direction
Lessons Learned: A National Focus
1) Unity Works: We need one another to survive
2) Adversity does not discriminate
TESTIMONIAL
Eric Collins
WEEDOR FAMILY EXPERIENCE:
Kadiatu Konteh-Borajhe
Karmanieh Charlene Reeves
Rev. J. Edwin Lloyd, Sr
Tieh Charles Bropleh
Michel Dioubate, MD
Claudia Spiller-Jargbah
Prince Jemel-Yarmah Jallabah
Alston Wolo
Feona Muabon Johnson-Togba
C. Wilfred Williams
Grant Martin
Fatu Barduae
References / Bibliography
About the Author
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“I fled Liberia during the fracas of the April 6, 1996 warring fictions conflict in Monrovia because, in my mind, it was one of the most fearful moments of the Liberian Civil War. I have mentally overcome the occurrences of this episode, but I find it difficult to ignore or dismiss the memories of the journey on the Bulk Challenge.
Fleeing the danger ashore, the journey to safety became a nightmare at sea that threatened the survival of evacuees. Nights of torrential rainfall flooded and worsened the condition of the already ill-fated vessel. Fear of disaster heightened with every new day that we were rejected by neighboring countries. But as fearful and uncertain as the entire journey was, our faith in God to see us through increased even more – day after day.
.....
For most of us who grew up in the church, and particularly in the choir, music has always been a source of comfort and relief in our down moments. When you feel all alone and weary; when you think your world is falling in on you; when friends, families and foes forsake you; and you have no one to turn to, just begin to sing and meditate on the words of a song—a gospel song or hymn. Soon, you will begin to see the problem from a whole different perspective. So, my family and Cedrick Reeves’ family walked and sang and laughed and talked, and looked out for the kids, as we journeyed on.
By the time of the April 6th outbreak of hostilities, it had been almost seven years since the war began and still there seemed to be no resolution in sight. Peace accords and attempts by the international community and other mediation groups to resolve the conflict had failed time after time. From the outset of the conflict, the African sub regional body, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), undertook several initiatives to bring about a peaceful settlement. Its efforts were supported by the United Nations. The efforts included establishing, in 1990, an ECOWAS observer force, the Economic Community Military Observer Group (ECOMOG). Ceasefires after ceasefires were broken over the years.
