The laying of a commemorative plaque in recognition of the moment when the Brig CORA sailed from Bridgetown to Monrovia, Liberia, on April 6, 1865, and a special Genealogy Marketplace are among the highlights of the Sankofa Pilgrimage to Barbados.
On Wednesday, May 8, scores of Barbadians are expected to turn up at the Department of Archives’ Genealogy Marketplace, at its Black Rock, St. Michael location, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
It will be a day of fun and fellowship with their Liberian brothers and sisters as they socialise and trace their Barbadian/Liberian connections while enjoying the best in local entertainment and a taste of Barbadian and Liberian cuisine.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture, Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, and Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, will deliver remarks during the official opening ceremony.
This will be followed by an entertainment package; a games area with Warri and Potta; workshops; a cultural exhibition by the Division of Culture, Prime Minister’s Office; clothing; handcrafted soaps; and more.
The following day, Thursday, May 9, a Plaque Laying Ceremony will be held at Bay Street, St. Michael, opposite Government Headquarters, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and head of the Liberian delegation, Ambassador Llewelyn Whitherspoon, will be among the speakers at the event. Prime Minister Mottley and former President of Liberia, Her Excellency Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, will unveil the commemorative plaque.
At 6:30 p.m. on the same day, Ms. Mottley and H.E. Johnson-Sirleaf will engage in a fireside chat at Hilton Barbados Resort, Needhams Point, St. Michael.
Other events on the cards are: film screenings and a reception hosted by the Sankofa team at the Barbados Museum and Historical Society, The Garrison, St. Michael, May 8, starting at 6:00 p.m.; on May 9, an Oral History Session: Gathering Narratives, Barbados-Liberia Connections Colloquy at The University of the West Indies, beginning at 9:00 a.m.; a Liberia-Business Roundtable and Exhibition at Hilton Resort on Friday, May 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and a reception at Ilaro Court hosted by Prime Minister Mottley, also on Friday from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
On Saturday, May 11, there will be a Barbados-Liberia night hosted by the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. in the Oistins Bay Gardens, Christ Church, starting at 6:00 p.m. It provides another opportunity for Barbadians to meet the Liberians in a fun setting.
The visit culminates with a special Sankofa Thanksgiving and Farewell Service at the James Street Methodist Church, on Sunday, May 12, beginning at 9:00 a.m.