ACCRA, Ghana – The Republic of Liberia and Barbados have solidified diplomatic relations through a historic signing ceremony held in Accra, Ghana on Tuesday. The event, presided over by Liberia’s Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, and Madam Juliette Babb-Riley, Head of Mission of the High Commission of Barbados, marked a significant milestone in the diplomatic landscape of both nations.
By Lennart Dodoo, [email protected]
The signing ceremony, the culmination of extensive engagements between the Embassy of Liberia in Accra and the High Commission of Barbados accredited to Ghana, underscores a shared commitment to fostering fruitful and mutually beneficial South-South relationships. Spearheaded by Minister Nyanti, these engagements have laid the groundwork for collaborative efforts across various sectors.
Over the past fortnight, discussions led by Minister Nyanti have centered on exploring avenues for cooperation between Liberia and Barbados. Key areas of focus include leveraging Barbados’s expertise in the National Training Initiative (NTI) to bolster Liberia’s workforce capabilities through knowledge exchange and technology transfer in skills development.
Furthermore, cooperation in the tourism sector is expected to flourish, with plans to establish a human resource capacity-building model involving institutions such as the Barbados Community College Hospitality Institute. According to the agreement, Liberians stand to benefit from training opportunities in hospitality and tourism, while also drawing insights from Barbadian expertise in organizing festivals and cultural events to invigorate Liberia’s tourism landscape.
Cultural heritage is another realm ripe for collaboration, with proposed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at fostering cultural exchange and enhancing museum management skills in Liberia.
There would also be an annual legal lecture series honoring Louis Arthur Grimes, offering a platform for sharing legal insights and expertise. Additionally, both nations have committed to exploring synergistic approaches to marine resource management to advance Liberia’s blue economy, alongside initiatives to bolster trade relations and develop a green energy economy.
In her remarks preceding the signing ceremony, Minister Nyanti underscored the historical ties between Barbados and Liberia, dating back to the arrival of Barbadians aboard the Brig Cora in 1865. Notable figures of Bajan descent, including former presidents and political activists, have left an indelible mark on Liberian society, further cementing the historical and cultural bonds between the two nations.
Accompanying Minister Nyanti to the signing ceremony were Hon. Boima Kamara, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, and Hon. Luther Tarpeh, Chairperson of the Board of the National Ports Authority of Liberia.
In a related development, during a working visit to Ghana, Minister Nyanti and the Liberian delegation engaged in discussions with Her Excellency Ingrid Mollestad, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Norway accredited to Liberia with residence in Ghana. The discussions, spanning a range of topics, reflect Liberia’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations with Norway and fostering closer ties between the two nations.
Historical Background
The bond between Liberia and Barbados is deeply rooted, with two former Presidents of Liberia tracing their ancestry to Barbados – Arthur Barclay and his nephew, Edwin Barclay. This connection dates back to President Daniel Bashiel Warner’s invitation, issued 159 years ago, urging individuals of African descent from the West Indies to settle in Liberia. This rich historical tapestry sets the stage for a momentous heritage event slated for May 6-16 in Barbados, where descendants of the original families who migrated to Liberia in 1865 will converge.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley has endorsed this event, which will witness the participation of Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, marking a pivotal moment not only for political, cultural, and developmental cooperation but also for fostering business opportunities between the two nations.
Senator John Andrew King, a Barbadian politician and one of the event’s organizers, envisions this gathering as a long-awaited opportunity. He highlights the historical significance of Barbadians returning to Africa to establish a free state during the colonial era, emphasizing Liberia’s role as a beacon of resilience and self-governance.
President Arthur Barclay, born in Barbados in 1854, played a pivotal role in reconciling conflicts between mulattoes and black emigrants during his presidency from 1904 to 1912. His tenure witnessed constitutional amendments granting citizenship to tribal peoples and the introduction of ‘indirect rule’ systems.
The genesis of the heritage event traces back to 2021 when Prime Minister Mottley expressed her aspiration to Ambassador Lorenzo Llewellyn Witherspoon during a meeting in Bridgetown. This vision evolved into the Sankofa Pilgrimage, aiming to reunite Liberian Barbadians with their ancestral homeland and vice versa.
Ambassador Witherspoon, a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience, spearheaded efforts to realize this vision, culminating in collaborations with global teams and discussions with President Sirleaf. The event, featuring President Sirleaf as a prominent figure, serves to strengthen the historical ties between Liberia and Barbados.
Prime Minister Mottley’s advocacy for integration, underscored during the CARICOM-Africa Summit, reflects a broader push for connectivity between Africa and the Caribbean. Initiatives such as establishing direct flights, fostering media exchanges, and collaborative approaches to global issues underscore the shared aspirations of both regions.
