Monrovia, Liberia – Joining hundreds of Liberians, locals, and dignitaries in Bentol City on Saturday, May 10, 2025, President Joseph N. Boakai and Her Excellency Dame Sandra Mason, the president of Barbados, celebrated the 160th anniversary of Crozierville, a historic township renowned for its rich legacy and contributions to Liberia’s development.
Cultural performances, homages to the township’s ancestors, and discussions on its historical significance were all part of the day’s celebration. African-American pioneers founded Crozierville in 1865, and it continues to stand as a testament to tenacity and patriotism.
In his remarks, President Boakai praised the residents of Crozierville for conserving their culture and fostering national harmony, highlighting the importance of love and inclusivity in fostering a more resilient Liberia.
Amb. Joseph N. Boakai Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia
“Liberia is a proud and loving nation. All of us, regardless of our origins or history, are citizens of this country. Let’s keep treating each other with respect and work to create a Liberia that genuinely embodies unity in diversity.”
The Liberian leader emphasized his administration’s dedication to inclusive development, making sure that all communities, including historic townships like Crozierville, benefit from national progress, and urged citizens, particularly the youth, to embrace patriotism and defend the nation’s democratic gains.
President Mason highlighted the close links between Barbados and Liberia by describing Croziervilee as a historic hamlet established by emancipated Barbados and African American residents.
H. E. Dame Sandra Mason, President of Barbados
Crozierville was founded in 1860 by returned Barbados, and the president of Barbados celebrated its lasting history during the occasion.
She described the town as “a symbol of hope, resilience, and unity” and urged that the historical bond between Liberia and Barbados remain “strong and sacred.”
“The blood that binds us is not just ancestral, it is spiritual, cultural, and historic,” President Mason told a crowd of dignitaries, local leaders, and residents. “We must preserve this connection, not only in ceremony but in action, through education, diplomacy, and cultural exchange,” she narrated.
The presence of President Mason in Liberia marked a significant moment in rekindling bilateral relations between the Caribbean island nation and the West African republic, both of which share a legacy of resilience against colonialism and slavery.
Also, local leaders expressed gratitude for the President’s presence, noting it as a strong message of solidarity and national cohesion.
According to them, the visit by the Presidents adds great meaning to the celebration; stating that it reminds them that the story of Crozierville is part of the larger Liberian journey.
The event concluded with traditional dances and a tour of key historical landmarks in the area. Crozierville continues to stand as a testament to Liberia’s founding ideals and its enduring spirit of community.
Crozierville, located just outside Monrovia, is one of several settlements in Liberia founded by repatriated Africans from the Caribbean and United States. Its legacy continues to shape Liberia’s cultural and political landscape.
Photo credit: Office of the Vice President
