President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., has announced the initiation of an Annual National Diaspora Dialogue aimed at fostering a collective approach to national development.
Speaking to hundreds of Diaspora Liberians on Staten Island in New York on Saturday, September 21, 2024, the President highlighted the potential benefits of coordinated engagement between Liberians in the Diaspora and those at home. He expressed the government's desire to enhance the effectiveness and reach of the Diaspora Office in its interactions with Liberians abroad and acknowledged the significant role played by Liberians outside of Liberia in supporting the nation, especially during challenging times.
He further emphasized that a more focused administration of Diaspora relations with the Government and the country at large would yield substantial benefits in trade, tourism, education, business, and national harmony.
The gathering, hosted at Curtis High School, brought together Liberians from various parts of the United States, as well as state and municipal officials from New York and Staten Island.
Welcoming the attendees, Mr. Erasmus Williams, Coordinator of the Diaspora Affairs Office at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, announced the formation of a Steering Committee to oversee Diaspora affairs. The committee is co-chaired by Mr. Charles Blake of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Diaspora Office and includes representatives from several organizations such as the Liberian Legislature, Ministry of Information Cultural Affairs and Tourism, Liberian Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), Ministry of Youth and Sports, Liberia Chamber of Commerce, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Union of Liberian Associations in America (ULAA), European Federation of Liberian Associations (EFLA), among others.
Coordinator Williams also disclosed plans for a Planning Committee for the Diaspora Liberians Annual Return 2024 (D-LAR24). Dr. Clarice F. Kulah from Georgia will serve as Chairperson while Mr. Emmanuel S. Wettee from Ohio will be Co-chair. Other members include Ms. Robena L. Vincent; Ambassador Edwin Yarngo; Ms. Hesta Baker; Ms. Kambleh Russ; Ms. Mai Urey; Ms. Joyce Seyon; and Colorado State Representative Naquetta Ricks.
Mr. Williams stated that D-LAR24 aims to showcase Liberia’s potential as a world-class destination while reconnecting people with their heritage through activities such as investment forums, cultural showcases, tours and site visits, business networking events youth engagement programs skills development sessions nationwide heritage matches sports events including soccer matches track field competitions.
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