Aims to Strengthen Cultural and Economic Ties.
Monrovia, Liberia – The president of Barbados, H.E. Dame Sandra Prunella Mason, and a high-level Barbados delegation are scheduled to arrive in Liberia this week for a three-day visit with the goal of strengthening cultural, heritage, and economic ties between the two nations, marking a significant milestone in the two countries’ relationship.
Liberia-Barbados connections began on May 10, 1865, when Liberia’s third president, Daniel B. Warner (1846-1848), invited 50 families, totaling 346 Barbados, to embark aboard the Brig Cora and live in the town of Crozierville.
Under the leadership of Foreign Minister H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, the two nations established diplomatic ties more than a year before to President Mason’s visit to Liberia. The Bajan Ambassador to Ghana and Liberia, Madam Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland, presented a letters of visitation on April 29, 2025.
Liberia’s foreign policy objectives of increasing interaction with Caribbean countries and pursuing trade, investment, and tourist prospects are in line with the new diplomatic relationship. Additionally, it aims to promote tourist cooperation, including cultural exchanges including festivals and event planning, as well as human resources training in collaboration with Bajan educational institutions.
The Bajan President and her delegation will arrive in Liberia on May 8, 2025. The three-day visit will include signing bilateral agreements between the two countries, a luncheon at the Monrovia City Hall, and a visit to the Providence Island on May 9. On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the Bajan delegation and President Boikai will travel to Crozierville for a series of programs including the dedication of a Presidential Monument honoring three Liberia Presidents of Bajan decent: Arthur Barclay ( 1904 to 1912), Edwin Barclay ( 1930-1944) and Gyude Bryant (October 14, 2023-January 16, 2006).
The 346 families that made Crozierville their home made significant contributions to the growth, government, media, communication, and law of Liberia. The Portes, Padmores, Goodridges, Eastmans, Weeks, Carrs, and Thorpes are a few prominent families.
The three-day gathering will focus on economic collaborations, namely in the fishing industry, Liberia’s potential for rum production, and prospects for establishing Crozierville as a top historical tourism destination. These programs have a lot of potential and fit with both governments’ goals of promoting investment, commerce, and cultural preservation.
According to Minister Nyanti, “this bilateral relationship will bear fruit. We extend a warm welcome to our Bajan brothers and sisters and look forward to strengthening our relationships with one another, enhancing our cultures, and collaborating economically. As we commemorate our common history and work toward a bright future, the Liberian government extends an invitation to all citizens to greet the president of Barbados and the delegation.”
