Monrovia, Liberia – The Government of Liberia’s efforts to preserve the nation’s history and turn one of its most significant heritage sites into a competitive tourism destination have been taken with the groundbreaking ceremony of Providence Island by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. As part of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, the groundbreaking marks a key turning point in the government’s tourism development agenda and a move toward intentional investment in Liberia’s cultural and heritage assets.
Speaking during the event, President Boakai emphasized the importance of Providence Island to Liberia’s historical identity and reiterated the administration’s dedication to preserving, developing, and showcasing the nation’s heritage. “We stated that tourism would play a significant role in the ARREST Agenda; we have begun today. Liberia has a significant historical record that merits more international respect,” the president stressed.
“We want Liberians to know that we have all of Africa’s history. We are going to show the world that this historic island, which marks the start of Liberia’s history, was not forgotten,” the president noted.
One of Liberia’s most important cultural assets, Providence Island has a unique place in the nation’s history. In order to create a destination that can draw Liberians, people of the diaspora, and tourists overseas while preserving the island’s historical relevance for future generations, its development seeks to bring together historical preservation, tourism infrastructure, and visitor experience. Although the groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of a new chapter, President Boakai acknowledged that development of the historic site had been anticipated for years.
According to Princess Eva Cooper, Director General of the Liberia National Tourism Authority, the event is significant for Liberians who have long wished to see Providence Island properly developed and conserved. She commended President Boakai for making the financial and political choice to move the project forward, pointing out that its importance goes beyond the present generation.
Photo credit: Liberia National Tourism Authority
