ACANS April 2025 General Assembly: A Spectacular Display of Unity, Vision & Fun The Cameroonian Way
Halifax, April 26, 2025 – The air buzzed with anticipation as over 30 members of the Association of Cameroonians in Nova Scotia (ACANS) gathered at a member’s residence for a monthly general Assembly Meeting. What unfolded was not just a meeting but a festival of ideas, a tapestry of laughter, debate, and the unmistakable warmth and fun, you know, the Cameroonian way.
A Cultural Overture
As members arrived, the room erupted in a symphony of greetings, handshakes and embraces. The scent of ndolé , eru and fish from the refreshment table mingled with lively debates in Pidgin, French, and English. The communication officer and events and outreach officers darted around helping setting up projectors and testing settings getting ready to kick of the General Assembly.
The host welcome every member personally as they came in and delivered a warm welcome message to everyone. He did not need to ask the members to feel at home because they already were.
The Transformation of ACANS: A Digital Revolution
Sylva, the Communication Officer, took the floor next recounting history. “In 2019, our Facebook page was a ghost town—110 followers, no updates!” he lamented, pausing for dramatic effect. “But today? We’re trending!” The crowd cheered as he revealed the stats: 134 followers, a sleek new website, and Google search results that finally do justice to ACANS’ vibrancy online.
Then came the rallying cry: “We need $230 more for banners and flags!” Boniface Asua, ever the pragmatist, waved a printout of the budget. “Imagine our National Day with no banners? Wahala!” Laughter filled the room, but the message was clear: every donation counts and the link is still up at https://acans.ca/donate
The Debt Debate: A Call to Arms
The mood turned earnest as Boniface A presented the financial report. “People, RPN dues are not chop money!” he declared raising his voice for emphasis as the members nodded in agreement. He proposed “10$ debt limit” rule which sparked passionate debate until Carine N. cut through: “Let’s email defaulters with love… and a deadline.” The room finally agreed to a 2 week grace period for debtors before their RPN Accounts are deactivated.
Cameroon National Day: A Spectacle in the Making
Then, the pièce de résistance: Perauld Wamba’s vision for May 24th. “Football at dawn, dances at dusk and our kids will steal the show!” he proclaimed. The committee’s plan traditional attire, sizzling grilled fish, and a women’s football match had members volunteering on the spot. Mireille’s voice rose above the chatter: “This is how we show Nova Scotia our joie de vivre!”
Welcome Home, Brother Gerard!
The room erupted again as President Blaise introduced Gerard Fotie, newly arrived from Cameroon. Gerard’s wide smile said it all: “ACANS na ma new family!” The tradition continues, no Cameroonian lands in Halifax alone.
A Night to Remember
There was enough to eat and drink facilitated by small talk and chatter until the clock struck 7 PM, the meeting closed with a chorus of “Long Live ACANS!”—but the energy lingered. Members lingered over foléré juice, swapping stories of Bamenda and Douala, while the Event Committee sought ideas for the upcoming warm Nova Scotia summer season. There sure will be a lot of fun activities and games in the summer. Now may be the perfect time to join ACANS.
📜 Read the full minutes of this meeting (login required): ACANS Meeting Minutes – April 26, 2025
Coming Up: Cameroon National Day 2025—“Where Culture Roars!”
