Reviving memories of its battle for independence from the American 200 years ago and from the time the first batch of Settlers arrived on the land that is now defined as the Republic of Liberia.
The oldest African Republic Liberia celebrates its bicentennial celebrations on Monday February 14, 2022 Valentine day, with hopes marking a turning point after a very difficult decades.
Delivering his special statement, President George Manneh Weah, resounded the message of “Peace, Reconciliation and Unity as a way of building a new Liberia of Prosperity.
President Weah said the theme of the National Bicentennial of National reconciliation and Unity is a foundation in which we a new Liberia.
The President said unity and reconciliation are critical to the development of Liberia, noting that 200 years of existence of the country could not have been possible had the fore-bearers failed to play their part in uniting the country.
President Weah, who has been sermonizing the importance of peace and reconciliation since ascendency, used the launch of the Bicentennial Celebrations to rally Liberians at home and abroad to embrace national unity and peace.
The Liberian Chief Executive further noted that peace, unity and reconciliation are imperative for national development policies to work unhindered now and in the future.
He stressed that one effective way to realize this herculean task of national development is to eliminate all forms of discrimination and exclusion in the country.
“We are all citizens of Liberia, with a common national identity. This commemoration must therefore bring us closer together, and strengthen our national unity, even as we recognize and celebrate our diversity,” the President said.
“I believe that our Founding Fathers were in search of a Land of Liberty and Freedom, which would serve as a home and a safe haven for all its citizens, regardless of tribe or creed or religion.”
He said redefining Liberia’s identity and building a shared sense of nationalism should be at the center of continued reconciliation in Liberia.
President Weah noted that the model for genuine National Unity and Reconciliation in Liberia is inspired and founded on positive cultural values, citizenship building, good governance, economic empowerment, and the rule of law.
He urged the people of Liberia to embrace the tenets of national unity as they move towards becoming a reconciled and democratic nation, whose citizens are at peace with themselves, their neighbors, and the world.
“As Liberians from diverse ethnic groups, religious beliefs and regions, we must continue to co-exist peacefully as one united Liberian Nation in accordance with our Constitution,” Dr. Weah said further.
“We, as Liberians, can only promote National Unity and Reconciliation by living together in peace and harmony.”
‘Vigorous fight against corruption’
Also speaking Special statement on behalf of the United States Delegation to Liberia the Special Assistant to the President of the United States of America and head of the National Security council of the United States Dana Banks urged Liberia to be more vigorous in the fight against corruption.
Banks pledge the USA commitment to helping Liberia in the fight to eliminate corruption.
” We are ready to help Liberia in said direction”, she said.
Emphasing the effects of corruption in the Country, Madam Banks said it hamper the people of good health care , education and several disadvantages and as such it needs to be tackle effectively by the Government.
She further lamented that even though the government have established strong anti-grab institutions in the fight against corruption but the government has also failed to support those institutions to ensure that it is effective to implement its respective tasks.
The occasion also brought together foreign Leaders, International Delegations & Liberian population at large to celebrate its 200 Years of National Existence.
Spotted on camera were the Presidents of Niger H.E. Mohamed Bazoum, President Adama Barrow and first lady Sarjo Mballow Barrow of Gambia, Sierra Leonen President Julius Maada Bio and his fiance Fatima Jabbe-Bio, Togo President Faure Gnassingbé, as well as the Prime Minister of Gabon Rose Christiane Ossouka Raponda.
Others were the United State of America USA Presidential Delegation, which includes: the United States Ambassador to Liberia Hon. Michael A. McCarthy, Dana Banks, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Africa, National Security Council as well as Mr. Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian among others.
The Ceremony was also colorize by live performances of both Liberian and International Artists, famous Nigerian duo Peter and Paul Okoye, famously known as P- Square rock the open-air Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville, outside Monrovia.
Thousands of Liberian brandishing the national colors – the red, white, and blue at the interior of the SKD Sports complex while a variety of traditional mask dancers, cultural performers and skilled acrobats stationed outside the stadium, added immense flavor to the festivity which is intended to observe 200 years of Liberia’s existence.
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