By Jerromie S. Walters
The Liberian Senate has concurred with the House of Representatives- HOR in establishing the National Tourism Authority, marking a significant step toward the development and promotion of Liberiaโs tourism sector.
The Senateโs decision will facilitate the separation of the tourism sector from the Ministry of Information, Culture Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) The move aims to provide focused oversight and development for Liberiaโs tourism industry.
The bill to establish the National Tourism Authority was unanimously enacted by the House of Representatives in September 2024.
The legislation was introduced by Montserrado County District 17 Representative and Chairman of the Houseโs Committee on Information, Broadcasting, Culture, and Tourism, Honorable Bernard Benson Jr.
The proposed authority will have the mandate to oversee and promote Liberia’s tourism sector, driving investments and creating opportunities for economic growth.
The instrument will now be forwarded to the President for signing and subsequent printing into handbills, formalizing the establishment of the National Tourism Authority.
Meanwhile, the Plenary of the Honorable House of Representatives has acknowledged receipt of a formal communication from the President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., informing the Legislature of his official travel to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to participate in the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit.
The Summit is scheduled to take place from January 27-29, 2025. In a communication to the House, the President noted: “Mr. Speaker, this is to inform you and, through you, the Honorable House of Representatives, that I will be traveling to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to attend the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit from January 27-29, 2025. I will depart the country on January 27, 2025. While I am away from the country, Hon. Sylvester M. Grigsby, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, will chair the Cabinet in consultation with the Vice President and by my directive via telephone.”
The communication was read in Plenary by the Deputy Chief Clerk, Mr. Comicks Chea, during the 5th day sitting of the 1st quarter of the 2nd session on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
The Plenary noted the communication and expressed its appreciation for the notification in adherence to constitutional protocols.
