Providence Island Re-Open

By R. Joyclyn Wea

The government of Liberia through the Ministry of Information Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) is expected to re-open the historic providence island to the public on world tourism day which will take place on September 27, 2018.

Providence Island the birthplace of Liberia was originally named perseverance Island, which indicates that the freed slaves who settled in Liberia at the time had determination to find a new home despite all the setbacks they allegedly encountered on Shebro Island, in the Republic of Sierra Leone.

The island was subsequently inaugurated in 1972 as a cultural entertainment and tourist reserve and enjoyed the performances of the National Cultural Troupe and all leading Liberian artists.

Liberia will on September 27 this year join other countries around the world in observance of the United Nations World Tourism day by the United Nations World Tourism Organization at which time the Liberian Government through the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism will re-opening the Island.

The year’s conference which will take place under the theme: “Tourism and Digital Transformation” will be held on providence island and to also be used to officially re-open the island to visitors.

The program will also serve as a fundraiser towards renovations and operations of the island through gate ticket sales and sponsorship opportunities for the world tourism day program.

Speaking at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT), Thursday, September 6, 2081 in Monrovia, Assistant Minister of Culture, Princess Turkolon said the goal is to Restore Providence Island and make it a showcase for entertainment, sporting, cultural and historical tourism at the same time ensuring Liberians and visitors are able to enjoy the sights and sounds of the island.

Turkolon emphasized that the key outcome for this year’s event is to rehabilitate the providence Island with innovations of damaged buildings, upgrading of the Amphitheatre, electrification, renovation of historical structures as the steps of return and the 197 years old well as well as the two hundred (200) old cotton tree on the island.

She explained that entertainment for the event will include the Liberia movie union re-enactment of the arrival of settlers on the island while METS Afrika 4D Kids will launch a tourism app live.

The assistant cultural minister said the fifteen county booths will be erected with cultural activities going on at each booth saying “there will be canoe competitions, horseback riding, and fun for the entire family.

She bewailed “our vision is to see a full transformation of providence island into a place where Liberians and visitors can go for fun and entertainment. We are engaging with investors towards the realization of our goals.