By Laurina B. Lormia
President Joseph Boakai has received a Letter of Credence from the newly accredited Ambassador of Barbados to Liberia Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland, in a ceremony held at the Executive Mansion.
The event underscored both nations’ commitment to deepening diplomatic cooperation and exploring mutually beneficial opportunities in trade, culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges.
President Boakai welcomed the Ambassador with high regard, emphasizing the significance of her assignment.
“This moment represents more than formality; it is a reaffirmation of the historic and enduring relationship between Liberia and Barbados,” he said.
Liberia and Barbados share centuries-old ties rooted in the African diaspora. During the 19th century, Barbados was one of several Caribbean nations whose freed Black citizens migrated to Liberia.
Many of them contributed to the country’s foundational institutions especially in education, governance, and religion bringing with them a legacy of discipline, learning, and faith that helped shape Liberia’s early development.
Ambassador Bynoe-Sutherland’s credential presentation marks the formal start of her diplomatic service in Liberia and opens a new chapter in the historical relationship between the two nations.
She was however escorted to the President’s office by Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, who has been spearheading efforts to expand Liberia’s global partnerships.
Foreign Minister Nyanti hailed the moment as a stride toward consolidating Liberia’s diplomatic presence in the Caribbean and fostering unity within the African diaspora.
Ambassador Bynoe-Sutherland’s arrival symbolizes a reinvigoration of longstanding bonds, with the promise of meaningful engagement in the years ahead.
Meanwhile, as Ambassador Bynoe-Sutherland begins her diplomatic mission, both countries aim to harness their shared history to build new bridges of cooperation. Areas such as climate change, tourism, cultural preservation, and regional integration are expected to be focal points of collaboration.
