Hands Across the Ocean, from Liberia to Rhode Island

RWU was recently honored by a very special visitor, the Honorable M. Nathaniel Barnes, Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary from the Republic of Liberia.  Many people know that Liberia was founded by freed American slaves, and as a result the people of this West African country share an especially close relationship with the United States.  People may also know that the country was convulsed by civil war on and off for almost two decades.  What is less well known is that Rhode Island has a large number of Liberian refugees, and that under the auspices of our Pro Bono Collaborative, RWU Law students last year participated in the work of the Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission by taking statements from expatriates about their wartime experiences.  Read the Providence Journal article to learn more about this project.

Based on that fledgling relationship, contact was made with Ambassador Barnes, who came to campus to discuss with University President Roy Nirschel and the School of Law community the possibility of additional cooperative ventures.  As just one example, Liberia is the flag flown by many ships that ply the worlds oceans, and the expertise across our campus in Marine Sciences and Marine Law and Admiralty could be a terrific resource. 

Ambassador Barnes also addressed an overflow crowd of students and faculty at the law school, acknowledging both the historical ties that bind our countries as well as the enormous challenges that face an impoverished country, further damaged by civil war.  It was an inspiring talk, and all concerned hope that it is but the first step in more substantial sharing of expertise.  Here are some pictures from that fascinating day.

Ambassador Barnes and myself

Angela Alexander (2L) with Ambassador Barnes