MONROVIA – The ago old saying which speaks to giving someone their flower or due recognition when they are alive became manifest on Thursday, February 6, 2024, when the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Jerolinmek Piah showered praises on Madam Juli Endee, former Cultural Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia, for her immense contributions to the upliftment of Liberia’s cultural heritage.
Making remarks at the auspicious occasion which showcased an array of cultural displays marked by traditional dances, folk singing and renditions of the country’s rich cultural history, Minister Piah said the unveiling of the Arts and Culture Gallery signified the re-opening of the forgotten Cultural Promotion Chapter within the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, noting that such feat would not have been achieved without the immense contributions of former Culture Ambassador Juli Endee.
“The unveiling of the rich Liberian arts and culture gallery is one the first steps towards the promotion of our cultural heritage. Cultural Promotion was given serious attention at MICAT from 1951 to 1990. Adequate budgetary support was given to the National Cultural Center and Troupe, a well-stocked National Museum and vibrant Tubman Center for Arts and Culture in Robertsports. The war and post war eras neglect seriously affected this important responsibility of MICAT.
“Since the ascendency of me and my team in 2024, we continue to maintain and direct equal focus not only on government information dissemination, but also tourism development and cultural heritage promotion.
“Throughout the years and before today when one entered MICAT, there was visibly nothing to indicate that MICAT is also the sector lead for cultural promotion.
“For this reason and with an excellent concept and breath-taking creativity of former Cultural Ambassador Queen Juli Endee, we embarked upon and now see this impressive display of our Liberia’s rich cultural artefacts,” Minister Piah said.
Continuing, Minister Piah said the gallery gives one the feeling about how diverse and rich Liberia’s cultural heritage is. MICAT is not only stopping here; We will ensure the reactivation of the National Cultural Center; reorient the National Cultural Troupe with the help of our county leaderships to recruit new talents across the country to replace those who have advanced in age.
“Already, MICAT has pitched to UNESCO Headquarters in Paris through inter-ministerial collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the revamping, restocking and repositioning of our National Museum where students and the public will visit to learn more about the country’s cultural heritage.
“These are the tasks we are embarking upon and with full and adequate support, the lost glory of this entity can and will be restored. As you can see, the process of completely re-making MICAT is well on course – New roof that will last for decades, refurbished offices, reconditioned walls and ceilings, improved electrical system etc.
“Phase II will see the replacements of windows, doors, ceiling, reconditioning/building of restrooms, offices, floors, the fence, landscaping among others. Together, we can think, love and build our cultural diversities and richness to foster national unity and economic prosperity,” Minister Piah said.
Former Cultural Ambassador Juli Endee for her part praised authorities at the Ministry of Information for always providing the platform for her involvement in promoting the country’s rich arts and culture heritage.
“It’s always a pleasure to be here at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism. I’ve worked with past and present leaders of this Ministry.
“As a traditional queen of the republic of Liberia, I am leaving within this Ministry very important artifacts of arts, culture and tourism. Creativity and imagination equal innovation. So, today we are here to unveil a dream. I want to thank my father Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., who has given me the opportunity to serve as Commissioner General of the World Expo in Japan. I am also on the International World Expo Committee for Exhibition, and I will be taking Liberia to Japan,” Ambassador Endee said.
Speaking in his capacity as Liberia’s new Cultural Ambassador, Mr. Kekura Kamara promised to use his platform to bring the government to the people. He used the occasion to inform of a new cultural roadshow planned for the first week in every February where Liberian culture will be displayed and the ARREST Agenda showcased through cultural performances. The Western Region Culture Show held recently in Besao is the precursor to this national cultural event.
Special Presidential Envoy on Tourism Ambassador Christopher Onanuga also used the occasion to express elation for being part of such a unique occasion.
“I am overjoyed because tourism is the embodiment of growth in every sector of the economy in every nation. And when we pursue it, it shines the light. Ninety percent of tourists come to Africa. This time around for the next 200 years they will be coming only because of heritage purposes,” Ambassador Onanuga said.
Speaking further, President Boakai’s special tourism envoy underscored the importance of the media in promoting tourism and called on the Fourth Estate to put up the plate for his national duty call.
“The Fourth Estate has a critical role to play in selling tourism. Talk about it, let everybody know what’s going on. When you look at the newspapers, the online TV, the websites, the TV, nothing is dedicated to tourism, the arts and culture,” he said.
As for Representative Bernard Blue Benson who also Chairs the House Committee on Information, Broadcasting Culture and Tourism, tourism cannot strive without an organized and functioning culture.
“We support the reestablishment of Kendeja. If we are serious about tourism, the re-establishment of Kendeja must be prioritized. Kendeja serves as our cultural identity. Mr. Vice President, Senator Dillon, all members of this high table, we must put our hands together to reestablish Kendeja. If you are to be serious to boost Liberia to the world, the engine that serves as our cultural identity that has been destroyed must be reestablished,” Representative Benson said.
Also making remarks, the Senate Chairman on Information, Broadcasting, Culture and Tourism, Senator Abraham Darius Dillon said the Liberian Senate in recent times concurred with the House of Representatives to pass into law the Tourism Act to give autonomy to the tourism industry.
“As we speak the endorsed bill is on its way to the Executive Mansion for approval and printing into handbill. We did that on purpose because it is a legacy agenda of the Joseph Nyuma Boakai administration. We go to other countries; we see their tourism sectors booming. They are booming not because of magic but because deliberate concrete steps are taken towards achieving this goal.
“Creation of the Tourism Commission is not sufficient. We must fund it. We will do everything to ensure there is budgetary support. We look forward to the Executive considering the latest action of the United States government when it comes to USAID,” Senator Dillon said, while calling on all government ministries and agencies to use the Liberia Broadcasting System to break all government news.
Making remarks, Dr. Augustine Konneh, Advisor to the President, said the unveiling of the arts and culture galleries is a true manifestation of Liberian culture, its inheritance, and heritage. “If you do not write about your own culture, your history; someone will write it for you. And if they write it for you, you will not like it,” Dr. Konneh said.
Commenting also, Justice Minister Oswald Tweh said the occasion was a milestone that all Liberians must be proud of. “Our cultural heritage is very important. When people come to your country, they don’t come to see what they have, but what they don’t have,” Cllr. Tweh said.
VP Koung Underlines importance of arts and culture
Climaxing and launching the Arts and Culture Gallery at MICAT, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung emphasized the importance of cultural preservation and tourism.
VP Koung used the occasion to reaffirm the significance of preserving Liberia’s cultural heritage, characterizing it as a foundational pillar of the nation’s identity and development, noting, “culture cannot be overlooked” and called for concerted efforts to safeguard and promote Liberia’s cultural traditions.
Vice President Koung specifically noted the necessity of enhancing Liberian colloquialisms and integrating them into the national education system.
VP Koung also spoke glowingly on the issue of tourism, urging the government to prioritize investments in the tourism sector. He especially called for the restoration of the iconic yet neglected Hotel Africa, observing that its revitalization could serve as a symbol of Liberia’s tourism potential and generate significant revenue for the country.
While commending the Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism for conceptualizing the Arts and Culture Galleries, Vice President Koung also expressed gratitude to the legislature for the recent passage of the Tourism Bill, which facilitates the establishment of the National Tourism Commission.
Speaking further, Vice President Koung underscored the importance of investing in media, highlighting that effective information dissemination is vital to the nation’s progress, stating, “Information dissemination remains crucial to the development process”.
He then called for enhanced government support to strengthen media infrastructure and its role in promoting Liberia’s cultural and economic initiatives.
The event brought together numerous dignitaries, including members of the legislature, cabinet ministers, presidential advisors, and ambassadors, among others. The program was interspersed with eye-feasting cultural performances.