MONROVIA, LIBERIA -The National Steering Committee set up by President George Weah to plan activities leading to the bicentennial celebration of Liberia will hold a major meeting Thursday, October 7, 2021, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The year 2022 marks the 200th years since the first batch of freed slaves, who came to be known as Americo-Liberians, arrived at the Providence Island in Monrovia.

The event is meant to reclaim and Liberia’s leadership role in Pan-Africanism, rebrand the country after its recent history, while also celebrating Liberia’s rich cultural heritage and showcasing the vast tourism attractions.

The bicentennial commemoration will also seek to deepen U.S.-Liberia historic ties and forge stronger economic and social bonds between both peoples and especially, the wider diaspora.

A MICAT release said Thursday’s meeting will be a pacesetter that begins the government’s preparation for the bicentennial celebrations.