Barbados President to Visit Liberia to Strengthen Historic Ties

Monrovia, Liberia: The President of Barbados, H.E. Dame Sandra Prunella Mason, will arrive in Liberia on May 8, 2025, for a three-day state visit aimed at deepening cultural, heritage, and economic relations between the two nations.

The high-level Barbadian delegation’s visit marks a significant moment in the long-standing Liberia–Barbados relationship, which dates back to May 10, 1865, when 346 Barbadians settled in Crozierville at the invitation of Liberia’s third president, Daniel B. Warner.

This historic visit comes more than a year after formal diplomatic relations were established under the leadership of Liberia’s Foreign Minister, H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti. On April 29, 2025, Barbados’ Ambassador to Liberia and Ghana, Madam Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland, presented her letters of credence to President Joseph Nyumah Boakai.

The new diplomatic engagement is part of Liberia’s foreign policy push to deepen ties with Caribbean nations, focusing on tourism, trade, and investment. Discussions during the visit will also cover fisheries cooperation, rum production potential, and heritage tourism especially in Crozierville, home to many descendants of the original Barbadian settlers.

President Mason’s itinerary includes a luncheon at Monrovia City Hall, a visit to

 Providence Island, and a major event in Crozierville on May 10 to honor three Liberian presidents of Barbadian descent: Arthur Barclay (1904–1912), Edwin Barclay (1930–1944), and Charles Gyude Bryant (2003–2006). A Presidential Monument will be unveiled during the ceremony.

“These initiatives align with our shared vision to strengthen trade, investment, and cultural preservation,” said Minister Nyanti. “We welcome our Bajan brothers and sisters with open arms.”

The Government of Liberia calls on all citizens to join in welcoming the Barbadian delegation as the two nations celebrate their shared heritage and build toward a prosperous future.