ACCRA, Ghana, November 16, 2023 – In the vibrant tapestry of the African diaspora, there are stories that resonate with strength, resilience, and the undying spirit of community embodied by Jamaica’s motto ‘Out of Many, One People,’ Naa Boafoyena Hoyen Mpese Tsuru, born Vivalee Lilieth Hoyen and affectionately known as Moy, now living in the Asebu Pan-African Village along the Cape Coast is one such story.
A tale that begins in the heart of Kingston, Jamaica, and finds its triumphant chapter in Ghana, where she was enstooled as the Queen Mother of the Diaspora. Her journey is a testament to the Jamaican adage that in every corner of the world, an influential Jamaican can be found.
Moy’s story is not just about geographical movement; it’s a narrative of cultural fusion, entrepreneurial spirit, and unyielding commitment to her roots and her people. This article aims to celebrate her life, her achievements, and her vision as a bridge between the Caribbean and Africa, inspiring the diaspora across the globe.
From Kingston to the World: Moy’s Early Life and Jamaican Roots
Moy’s story begins in Jonestown, Kingston, where she was raised in a multicultural family, a blend of Chinese, with her father Wilbert Hoyen, a first Generation Chinese and her mother’s Jamaican heritage.
Her upbringing in Jamaica, under the guidance of her mother, Norma May Kelly, and her stepfather, Lloyd Hunt, her uncle Oscar Hoyen and his wife Muriel Hoyen, the principal of the school which instilled in her the values of hard work, resilience, and a deep sense of community.
From her school days in Kingston and Irish Town to her early entrepreneurial ventures, Moy’s Jamaican roots laid the foundation for her future achievements.
Moy’s entrepreneurial journey is a narrative of determination and innovation. From her first job as a cashier to her rise as a supervisor and eventually a business owner, she showcased a remarkable aptitude for business.
Her venture into supplying baby pillows and children’s clothes to prominent Jamaican stores like R Hannah and Sons,Town and Country, Woolworth, Joseph’s and all the Time store in Jamaica, was not just a business; it was a bridge connecting local creativity with wider markets.
This venture took her to the United States, where she expanded her horizons and continued her entrepreneurial spirit. While in the US, she furthered her education in college. After graduation she continued her entrepreneurial lifestyle, by opening a catering business.
Embracing a New Home: Moy’s Journey to Ghana
Moy’s arrival in Ghana from Atlanta, Georgia, was a moment of destiny. Her decision to travel there, initially for a visit, opened the doors to a profound connection with the land and its people. Her spontaneous choice to purchase land in the Asebu Pan African Village along Ghana’s Cape Coast, and eventually build a home there is a testament to her adventurous spirit and her ability to find home in a new land.
“As i settled, I would encourage people to come and give Ghana a chance, from there people started to reach out to me, and I started getting involved in purchasing land for them, and helping them with the necessary resources to settle in Ghana, and this was at no cost, so a lot of people embarked on the offer,” Moy said.
This move was not just a change of residence; it was an embrace of her African roots and a step towards a greater purpose. Despite the fact that she is mother to six children of her own, she has legally adopted a Ghanian son Raphael Hoyen, on whom she constantly dotes and loves equally as her own.
Ascension to Leadership: Becoming the Diaspora Queen
Moy’s enstoolment by the Ga King, as the Queen Mother of the Diaspora in Ghana is a symbol of her deep connection to her African heritage and her commitment to the diaspora community. Her enstoolment was witnessed by her sisters Joan and Elaine MacMaster, her niece Lisa McMaster from Jamaica; her nephew, Teron Fraser from England; William Eloka and Monica Shakespeare from Atlanta as well as longtime friend from Jamaica Paul Burke and his wife Angela, who were in Ghana for the wedding of their son.
Her role is not merely ceremonial; it’s a charge to unite, to build, and to make a difference. Her vision is clear: to help build Ghana, to change lives, and to ensure the diaspora enjoys the same rights as native Ghanaians.
Naa Boafoyena’s vision extends beyond her immediate community. She believes in educating every child about their heritage, in uniting as one nation, and in making Ghana a beacon of hope and prosperity.
Her story and her leadership are a rallying call to the diaspora in the Caribbean, the United States, and around the world: to unite, to contribute, and to build a shared future of prosperity and recognition.
Naa Boafoyena: A Symbol of Hope and Unity
Naa Boafoyena Hoyen Mpese Tsuru, or Moy, embodies the spirit of the African diaspora: resilient, diverse, and profoundly connected to her roots. Her life is a bridge between Jamaica and Ghana, between the Caribbean and Africa, inspiring generations to embrace their heritage and contribute to their communities.
Let her story be a beacon of hope and a call to action for the diaspora worldwide to unite and build a future where our shared history and aspirations lead us to greater heights.
In her words, “Let’s unite as one nation and make Ghana great!” This is not just a dream for Ghana; it’s a vision for the entire African diaspora. Let’s walk this path together, led by the inspiring example of Naa Boafoyena, our Diaspora Queen.
The following is an interview with Queen Moy at her home along the Cape Coast. (WiredJA)
