The Government of Liberia, through its Diaspora Office at the Ministry of State and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has constituted National Steering Committees to organize the first-ever Diaspora Liberians Annual Return 2024 (D-LAR24), scheduled to take place from December 1 to 31, 2024.
Under the theme: “Liberia, the Destination of African Diaspora,” the event invites Liberians and individuals of Liberian heritage from around the world to return home, celebrate their cultural roots, and contribute to the country’s socio-economic development. This initiative is in line with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, which emphasizes the growth of sectors such as tourism and infrastructure.
The Diaspora Office is headed by Mr. Erasmus T. Williams, in the President’s office at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, and co-chaired by Mr. Charles Blake at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It has established a National Steering Committee comprising of members of both private and public sectors to organize, plan and host this year’s D-LAR24.
The Steering Committee is chaired by the Ministry of State Diaspora Office and Co-chaired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Diaspora Office. The Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism and the Ministry of Finance shall serve in the Secretariat alongside three (3) members of the civil society group(s), including the Chairperson of the Planning Committee.
Full Membership of the Steering Committee is as follows: Ministry of State Diaspora Office–Chair, Ministry Foreign Affairs Diaspora Office -Co-Chair, Members of the Secretarial include Ministry of Finance, MICAT, LRRRC, National Investment Commission, and Ministry of Commerce.
The Liberia Chamber of Commerce, Bureau of Immigration, Liberia National Police, Liberia Airport Authority, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Federation of Liberian Youth, Liberia national Student Union, House of Senate, House of Representatives, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Liberia Business Association LIBA, DIASPORA Organizations, ULAA, and the European Federation of Liberian Associations (EFLA) are also classified as members.
For the civil Society Organizations —- Dr. Clarice Ford Kulah, Emmanuel S. Wettee, Robena Lewis Vincent, Amb. Edwin Yarngo, Hesta Baker, Kambleh Russ, Mai Urey, Joyce Seyon, Rep Naquetta Ricks, and IOM are members.
Additionally, the Diaspora Office has appointed Dr. Clarice Ford-Kulah and Mr. Emmanuel Wettee as Chairperson and Co-chair of D-LAR24 Sub-committee on Planning.
Dr. Ford-Kulah comes with a wealth of experience in event planning, cultural education and diaspora engagement. Furthermore, Co-chairman Mr. Emmanuel Wettee is an esteemed leader with impeccable record and experience in the Diaspora engagement.
As the first of its kind, this annual initiative will focus on helping to build a sustainable future for Liberia by revitalizing the tourism sector, reconnecting people with Liberian heritage and attracting investment in Liberia’s rich cultural, historical natural landscapes. The D-LAR24 highlights the Diaspora Investment Forum – a platform for investors to explore opportunities in tourism infrastructure, hospitality and cultural tourism.
A vibrant exhibition of Liberian art, music, fashion, and cuisine, highlighting the unique culture that sets Liberia apart in West Africa is to showcase Liberian Cultural. This unique event will bring together Liberians home and abroad who have impacted the musical and art industry.
Exclusive guided tours of Liberia’s most beautiful destinations, including Robertsport for surfing, Libassa Ecolodge, Providence Island, the historical city of Edina, Nimba Mountains, etc are high priority of tourism sites to visit
Also, there will be opportunities for Liberians in the diaspora and international investors to network with local businesses and government officials to foster partnerships and investment in all sectors, while youth engagement and skills development will be focused on by empowering young Liberians through training in tourism, hospitality and the arts. Street jamborees, D-LAR24 Nationwide Heritage Match, ports events including soccer games, track and field etc. are part of the event.
As stated by President Boakai, “Other countries in Africa could be the gateway, but Liberia is the Destination”, the President has reiterated that Liberia is open for business and development in all sectors including tourism that could easily shape the economic direction and strengthen national unity.
The D-LAR24 will reconnect people with Liberia Heritage to their roots, celebrate Liberia’s cultural wealth, and partner with fellow Liberians to build a prosperous future. This new future offers investment opportunities such as Eco-tourism and Adventure Tourism, Hospitality, Cultural Tourism, Infrastructure Development, just to name a few. Courtesy By Sylvester Choloplay
