By J-Karba Williams
A popular Liberian musician made a song recently, “Liberia has a Cultural Ambassador but no cultural center,” moaning the demise of the National Cultural Center in Kendeja, outside Monrovia.
Veteran Liberian journalist Kenneth Y. Best says the sale of the Kendeja Culture Center to a foreign investor has created a serious setback for performing artists and culture in general.
Where Kendeja was now is the RLJ hotel built by American billionaire Bob Johnson. And the deal was done during the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
According to American media report, Mr. Johnson He was No. 480 on Forbes 2018 list of the world’s billionaires, with a net worth of US$4.4 billion.
Mr. Best, who is former Managing Director of the Daily Observer newspaper, also said that the loss of the kendeja Cultural Center undermines artistic works and prevents young folks from showcasing their artistic skills.
He was speaking on Wednesday August 14,2019 at the official launch of the Global Justice, Research Project & Liberia Visual Arts Academy (GJRP & LIVEARTS).
Speaking on the theme, ‘Cartooning for Justice’, Mr. Best praised organizers of the program and for creating a platform for students between 18 and 25 to create artistic works on events of the civil war and the quest for justice.
Best has meanwhile called on President George Weah to reestablish the national cultural center.
He believes this would enhance reconciliation in the country.
For his part, the Director of the Executive Director of the organization, Hassan Bility, said their program is designed to create an enabling environment for Liberians seeking to end impunity to have their voices heard.
“War ended 15 years ago, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendations of 2020 were never implemented,” Bility said.