MONROVIA – Jefferson T. Koijee, the Mayor of Monrovia, has underscored the need for the promotion of tourism in Liberia as the country observes its bicentennial celebrations to commemorate the return of free men and women of color from the United States to Africa and their decision to settle on the Providence Island.
Their settlement on the Providence Island in 1822 led to the establishment of Monrovia, now the capital of Liberia.
Speaking at the official launch of the Bicentennial celebration, Mayor Koijee said, Liberia, too, has so much to offer, especially in the tourism sector and therefore placed open invitation to potential investors to consider coming to Liberia for business opportunities.
“Liberia’s Bicentennial is also set up as a gateway for Tourism and Investment for our country. We have so much to offer and for us we believe that we are a hidden gem, yet to be fully discovered for it’s true worth in the eyes of the world. From our verdant green forests of Sasstown to our gold mines in Bookonjaylay; from our lofty mountain tops to our diamond mines; from the Freeport of Monrovia to the iron ore range in the southeast; from Lake Piso to the Wologisi and Putu Mountains – yes, we have so much to offer! So, therefore, please consider this as an open offer to you all, our very own Liberians sisters and brothers, and to you, our Friends of Liberia – please feel free to come and invest, come and live, come and enjoy our clean air and good food!” Mayor Koijee said.
Speaking on the significance of the Bicentennial, Mayor Koijee said it was important that as a nation, we revisit the words of the founder father, Joseph Jekins Roberts who said he dreamt of building a nation “where they might establish for themselves and their children, and peradventure for future generations, a home, under governmental institutions, free from all the trammels of unequal law and unholy prejudices.” President Roberts further stated that, “These were true men, stout of heart and firm of purpose, and in the sequel proved themselves equal to the responsibilities they had assumed, and fulfilled the most sanguine expectations of their patrons and friends”.
According to Mayor Koijee, Liberia as a country has successfully fulfilled the dream of J.J. Roberts by being “The Land of the Return” and a “A home that shelters the descendants of the African American settlers and their indigenous brothers as children of one Mama Liberia. A home that welcomes all Liberians from the diaspora. A home that beckons our African-American compatriots to join us on our sojourn.
“A home that invites all African Nations, friendly nations of the world and development partners to hold hands with us as we are move forward. A home, of free of unequal laws and unholy prejudices”.