The Deputy Minister for Culture and Tourism of the Ministry of Information, Elizabeth E.Hoff, says culture and tourism have not been generated ample support and attention in Liberia.

Speaking Tuesday at the official opening of a two-day workshop on culture and tourism held at the Charles Gbenyon Press Hall of the Ministry of Information, Hoff said that the country is still lags behind and man citizens are not sensitized about the importance of the culture and tourism industry.

Deputy Minister Hoff said that there is a need to create a platform for debate, adding, “We need to start raising the awareness because whenever one talks and thinks about MICAT, what comes to mind is the information component of the Ministry. But there are two other main important areas, culture and tourism rarely heard of.”

She indicated that the culture and tourism section of the Ministry has been under-funded. “That’s why we have called this meeting to make a way forward and to bring out some good recommendations that will improve the culture and tourism sector in Liberia.”

Madam Hoff further noted that culture is not only about music, dance or the way how we dress; there are so many aspects of our culture that Liberians and the country must promote.

She observed that some Liberians think they are westerners and act or behave like westerners; as a result many people easily forget their own culture.

She called on participants at the forum to use the opportunity to brainstorm and bring out some ideas that will enhance the work of the culture sector of Liberia.

The two-day forum was organized by the Culture and Tourism Section and with funding support from the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT). It also brought together over 200 participants from the Music, Arts and Crafts and Culture industry of Liberia.