President Joseph N. Boakai and the President of Barbados, Her Excellency Dame Sandra Mason, on Saturday, May 10, 2025, joined hundreds of Liberians, residents and dignitaries in Bentol City, to celebrate the 160th anniversary of Crozierville, a historic township known for its rich legacy and contributions to Liberia’s development.
The commemoration of the day was marked by cultural performances, tributes to the township’s forebears, and reflections on its historical significance. Crozierville, established in 1865 by African-American settlers, remains a symbol of resilience and national identity.
Speaking, President Boakai lauded the people of Crozierville for preserving their heritage and contributing to national peace and unity; emphasizing the need for love and inclusion in building a stronger Liberia.
“Liberia is a country of love and pride. This nation belongs to all of us, regardless of our background or origin. Let us continue to treat one another with dignity and strive to build a Liberia that truly reflects unity in diversity,” he stated.
For her part, President Mason described Croziervilee as a historic settlement founded by freed Barbadian and African American settlers, emphasizing the deep-rooted ties between Barbados and Liberia.
During the ceremony, the President of Barbados hailed the enduring legacy of Crozierville, which was established in 1860 by repatriated Barbadians.
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 added.
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, it 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.
