Cameroonian King honoured in New Bedford

Central African royalty visited the city Friday, receiving a warm welcome and a flag raising ceremony that symbolized the forming of a bond that officials hope will result in lasting partnerships.

King Vincent Tchoua Kemajou, of Cameroon's Bazou Kingdom and Mayor Jon Mitchell exchanged gifts and talked of connecting youth program efforts and trade across the continents at a flag raising ceremony on the steps of city hall Friday afternoon.

"This is a great pleasure for Cameroon and the Cameroonian population to have our flag raised and we thank the Mayor for giving us this opportunity," King Kemajou said through a translator at the ceremony.

The Cameroonian king said he "spent two days roaming around the city" and made stops at various places including the Chamber of Commerce and the Custom House. He spoke of hopes that the talks would lead to "fruitful" partnerships in the future.

"It's been a pleasure to welcome King Vincent here today," Mitchell said. "We do share a French connection of sorts, New Bedford is a place where French and French Canadian immigrants came over many decades and worked in the city and the textile mills."

The tour of the city also included a meeting with members of Youth Build New Bedford and the Cameroonian king said he shared a vision for improving the lives of youth with members of the city's youth organizations.

"It’s very exciting, we met with his majesty earlier and I think he sees Youth Build as a model to bring back to Cameroon," said Lisa Mello-Frost, program manager for Youth Build New Bedford.

Mello-Frost added that she hopes to plan Skype conversations with youth groups in Cameroon and share ideas about agriculture, gardening, and construction programs.