By By: Staff Writer
A long-standing national debate over the November 29 holiday—set aside to commemorate the birthday of former President William Vacanarat Shadrach Tubman—has resurfaced with renewed intensity, as former Minister Wilmot Paye publicly questioned the moral and historical basis for preserving the day as a national holiday.
In a strongly worded statement, Mr. Paye argued that Liberia must reevaluate its tradition of celebrating Tubman, highlighting what he termed “serious historical failures” under the late president. He accused Tubman of abolishing presidential term limits to perpetuate his rule, suppressing dissent with “absolute ferocity,” and squandering economic opportunities that could have pushed Liberia toward first-world development.
According to Paye, Tubman’s nearly three-decade rule entrenched fear, bred inequality, and created the political tensions that later erupted into the 1979 Rice Riot, the 1980 coup, and the civil war.
“Having a holiday dedicated to him makes no sense when we reflect on the enormous opportunities he refused to utilize,” the former minister wrote.
Similarly with the Boss of the Civil Service Agency Josiah Joekai who also noted that the celebration of the past Liberian leader’s isn’t relivent. And that there’s a need to establish an art title President’s day instead of the current act.
Citizens Voice Frustration Over “Insignificant” Holiday
While Paye’s critique adds historical fuel to the discussion, ordinary Liberians are already expressing discontent over the economic burden posed by the November 29 observance.
Over the weekend, Liberian Investigator Newspaper toured the bustling Red Light Market to gather public reactions. Many marketers described the holiday as “insignificant,” “economically useless,” and a “waste of time” for struggling citizens.
“If I were in leadership, this day would not be a holiday,” said Alocius T. Bawea, who believes the idea was imposed by Western influences and no longer reflects Liberia’s realities.
Businesswoman Cynthia Roberts questioned the logic of celebrating a former president when the country still grapples with poor roads, inadequate schools, and weak healthcare. She argued that Liberia must also reconsider other historical holidays, including the March 15 observance of the nation’s first president.
Others voiced anger over the loss of income caused by mandated business closures.
“Liberia has too many holidays that bring no benefit,” said another marketer. “The country is already hard. Your reduce this holiday in this country.”
Freeman R. Garnet added: “If I had my way, we would cancel this day. It brings no economic dividend.”
However, not all citizens support abolishing the holiday. Businesswoman Comfort Armah suggested a compromise—keeping the day but observing it as a working holiday to minimize economic loss.
A Holiday Rooted in Legislative Action and Historical Sentiment
November 29 became an official national holiday in the early 1970s after the 42nd Legislature enacted a law honoring Tubman’s long service and sweeping reforms. At the time, Tubman had already been widely regarded as the “Father of Modern Liberia,” credited with expanding suffrage, promoting national unity, and driving early development efforts.
Presidents from Tolbert’s era to the present have reaffirmed the holiday through annual proclamations—citing Tubman’s role in shaping Liberia’s political and economic landscape.
A Growing Call for Reform
What began decades ago as a symbol of national admiration has now become one of Liberia’s most contentious holidays. With criticism emerging from historians, political figures like Paye, and everyday citizens, pressure is mounting on the Legislature to review the relevance of November 29 in today’s economic climate.
As the debate deepens, Liberia faces a crucial question:
Should Tubman’s birthday remain a national holiday—or is it time for change?
The nation’s lawmakers may soon be forced to decide.
