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Liberia: From Cemetery to Nat’l Memorial Site?

todayOctober 3, 2024 2

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In a bid to breathe new life into one of Liberia’s most historic landmarks, Ambassador for Tourism Christopher Hays Onanuga has announced plans to redevelop the iconic Palm Grove Cemetery–known locally as Center Street Graveyard–into a national memorial site.

The bold initiative, aimed at both honoring Liberia’s past and boosting its future tourism potential, is set to restore dignity to a place that has long fallen into disrepair.

In a recent interview, Onanuga spoke passionately about the current state of the cemetery, which has become a symbol of neglect. Broken tombstones, exposed graves, and reports of missing remains tell a tragic story of a site that was once a focal point for national reflection.

But for Onanuga, this is not the end of the cemetery’s legacy–it’s the beginning of its rebirth.

“People should be genuinely concerned about the Palm Grove Cemetery right now,” he said during the interview. “It’s time for citizens to take action, to think about relocating their loved ones’ remains, because we are on the cusp of a transformation. We’re turning this sacred ground into a national memorial–one that will preserve and honor Liberia’s rich history.”

The cemetery, located in the heart of Monrovia, holds immense historical significance. It was designated as the national burial ground during the presidency of William R. Tolbert Jr., who was later laid to rest there following his assassination in the 1980 military coup.

For decades, the Palm Grove Cemetery has served as a gathering place for Decoration Day–a cherished tradition in Liberia where families pay tribute to their deceased relatives. Despite its importance, the cemetery has been marred by years of neglect and dilapidation.

“Look, this is not just about tourism,” Onanuga explained, his voice reflecting the gravity of the situation. “This is about respecting the memory of those buried there and preserving a key piece of our national identity. Palm Grove Cemetery is more than just a graveyard–it’s a testament to our history. We owe it to future generations to protect that legacy.”

The challenges facing Palm Grove Cemetery have been numerous. As early as 1982, local authorities raised concerns about the site being misused as a dumping ground and requested permission to relocate it.

However, despite the growing decay, the cemetery remained untouched, its condition continuing to worsen. Over the years, proposals to relocate or revitalize the site were met with resistance, including during the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.