Monrovia, Liberia – July 24, 2024 – The Government of Liberia and the Liberia Film Awards welcomed Diamond Turay home in grand style this past Saturday, July 20th, after her return from Thailand where she represented Liberia well at the Teen Star International 2024 Competition. Miss Diamond, who was partly sponsored by the Government of Liberia, the Journey Home Film Festival/Liberia Film Awards, family members and others won big at the competition. Diamond nabbed 4 trophies and 2 crowns including Best Talent, Best Catwalk, the coveted People’s Choice Award, 5th Place Runner up, just to name a few.
On Saturday, July 20th, Diamond Turay received a treat as the Government of Libera, the Liberia Film Awards, the Journey Home Film Festival, family, friends, and well-wishers gathered at the Roberts International Airport to receive the young dancer and celebrate her wins. As an initiative of the Office of the President, the Diaspora Office, MICAT, and the Liberia Film Awards, the welcome was planned by Min. Erasmus Williams, Amb. At Large for Tourism Chris Hayes Onanuga, Dr. Clarice Ford-Kulah, and Min. Kadiatu D. Konteh-Brohiri, whom all contributed immensely. This auspicious occasion began with stellar performances from the Liberia National Culture Troop, followed by arrival of Miss Diamond Turay and another winner from the competition, Miss Carislyn H. Robertson (Liberian), along with their director, Mrs. Patricia Hamelbert (DACTI). They were greeted with claps, smiles, hugs, and lots of excitement. Diamond and her 11-year old colleague were then interviewed by SpoonTV’s Executive Mansion Reporter, Sylvester Choloplay, KMTV’s Mac Eric Garmoyou Freeman, and KoolTV’s Daniel T. Cole.
Diamond Turay, the 13-year-old ballerina, who was discovered by Min. Erasmus Williams (Deputy Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Diaspora Office) on June 22 at the Liberia Film Awards, when Dr. Kulah, one of the festival Executive Directors announced that they were raising funds to send her to Thailand, attends the Spiritan Academy (A Catholic Demonstration School). She was born on January 10, 2011. She’s been passionate about dancing since she was 2 years old, watching cartoons. She dreams of becoming a professional ballerina. Diamond has performed on popular stages including MTN y’ello star, MTN Liberian Music Awards, The Liberia Film Awards, etc. Her passion and flawless techniques have captivated her audience on every stage. Her captivating performances are what led to her participation in the Teen Star International Award.
Diamond’s goal with this competition was to promote culture and tourism (The “T” in President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda) through youth talent. Diamond is an inspiration to many young children, making them believe they can be whoever and whatever they want to be, regardless of where they come from. Diamond is an uprising star who’s raising Liberia’s ‘flag……..DIAMOND TO THE WORLD!
Liberia is extremely proud of Diamond and all of her accomplishments. Again, special thank you to Dr. Jarso Jallah (Min. of Education), US-based festival judge Anthony Hunter, Diamond’s family and friends for their contributions. Most importantly, Liberia thanks Diamond and her mother for letting us be a part of her journey.
About Journey Home Film Festival
The Journey Home Film Festival is an annual event led by ASAP Africa and Providence Preservation Foundation, dedicated to promoting Liberia and its rich cultural heritage. The Mission of the Journey Home Festival is to encourage investment, promote tourism, and showcase Liberia as the Jewel of Africa. The festival and awards were sponsored by LINTA, Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (MICAT), Ministry of State Without Portfolio, MTN, and Liberia Movie Union in Collaboration with Razzouk Brothers Inc, Ush Productions, Divine Entertainment Intl, DSTV, Daily Observer, Front Page Africa, and Aqualife.
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