According to the culture minister, Dr. Shantal Munro Knight, visiting Liberian pilgrims at the Archives Genealogy Marketplace offered more than just a spiritual journey; it was also a chance to explore investment opportunities and delve into the rich research and genealogy work led by the Department of Archives and the University of the West Indies (The UWI), documenting the Barbados/Liberia connection.
This week, Liberia’s deep ties to its historical roots intersect with ongoing efforts to reconnect with a country integral to its heritage.
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Liberians participated in a series of educational and cultural events, including a Heritage and Island Tour hosted by the Division of Culture and The UWI’s Faculty of History and Humanities; an Archives Genealogy Marketplace, organized by the Department of Archives and the Prime Minister’s Office; and a Liberia-Barbados Business Roundtable and Exhibition.
The pinnacle of the pilgrimage is the commemoration of the 159th Anniversary of the Departure to Liberia, marked by the Sankofa Moment Commemorative Plaque Laying Ceremony. This event, held opposite Government Headquarters on Bay Street, pays homage to the historic voyage of the ship Brig CORA from Bridgetown to Monrovia, Liberia, on April 6, 1865.
Prime Minister Mottley has emphasized the pilgrimage as a family reunion, symbolizing the enduring bond between Barbados and Liberia. As both nations embark on a new era of connection, they also honor their shared past.
The pilgrimage offered an invaluable chance for Barbadians to deepen their understanding of Liberia and explore avenues for cultural collaboration and knowledge exchange. Moreover, it opened doors for investment and business ventures.
A significant moment of the pilgrimage was the unveiling of a Commemorative Plaque on Bay Street, underscoring the enduring friendship between the two countries. Notably, Barbados has contributed two presidents to Liberia’s history: Arthur Barclay, the 15th president (1904-1912), and Edwin Barclay, the 18th president (1943-1944), who penned the Liberian National Anthem, “The Lone Star Forever,” at age 19.
Dr. Munro Knight regarded this pilgrimage as a pivotal moment in history, urging participants to reflect on the impacts of colonialism and the shared journey towards healing. She emphasizes that framing history is essential for collective healing.
Addressing the visitors, she said, “So, if we are not careful, if we don’t pass on those stories, if we don’t pass on the legacy of resilience, for our children, we have to be careful, least it is repeated. And again, that is a part of this journey that three and four generations have passed that and it means that we have fundamental responsibility from this pilgrimage that we are true to that mantle.”
She highlighted the significance of this pilgrimage coinciding with Barbados’ emancipation celebrations, underscoring the importance of remembering past struggles while embracing the future. This theme encourages citizens of both nations to acknowledge the past while forging a path towards a brighter tomorrow.
