To initiate consideration of the reconstruction of Liberian cultural traditions is a worthwhile enterprise. The view there is need for cultural renaissance in Liberia must be welcomed by the marginalised, indigenous and economically disadvantaged. It is interesting to note that this enterprise requires rigorous and sustained efforts imbued with dedication and commitment.

The arrival of the settlers from 1821-1822 to the present day on to these shores has been over a considerable period of time. Let it be noted that during this period, much has happened that can not be easily undone. The devastation of our traditional culture, which once cohesively held us together prior to the advent of the freed slaves, has been massive.

The settlers have calculatedly manipulated the environment, thereby giving them advantage to firmly hold on to their power base. They are too economically potent; they are well educated; they cooperate mightily; and they are firmly united, disallowing penetration by any outside force.

Persons like us who have been in the country since, and have witnessed many unfolding events: political as well as military have endeavoured to identify the attendant dynamics. The natives failed to consolidate the power they obtained by staging the 1980 coup which brought Samuel Doe from Grand Gedeh County to power. We failed to entrench ourselves.

The settlers 'divide and rule' tactics disintegrated the government. They bounced back in December 1989 by using ourselves against one another in full scale rebel unconventional warfare. Their resolve was to totally disorganise, disintegrate, neutralise; in fact to politically, economically, socially and inhumanely vaporise us.

The settlers, through their strongman Charles Taylor, made children murder their own parents; and brothers fought and killed one another. The by-product of the over 14 years' conflict is a whole wasted generation, trained only to understand ruthlessness, crime, quick-fixed financial gains and drug addiction. They lack interest in education of any kind. Above all, there is a void in the ability to reason by logical analysis.

To mention the worst, our sacred ancestral shrines have been ruined and desecrated, therefore exposing our traditional heritage and beliefs. The settlers have made significant gains.

The Pambuzuka movement must endeavour to undo this by challenging what has been established. It must begin now. The many of you in the diaspora must begin to establish the movement at home. You who have acquired such a level of education from amongst the grassroots have resided among the white man and learnt his culture. If you return to your people, they will definitely respect your views. You must come, and have an impact on their lives by establishing institutions, building capacities and empowering them.

The presence of the indigenous brothers in the diaspora on the ground will reinvigorate the masses with new ideas, experiences and professionalism. The return of qualified indigenous Liberian professionals to contribute to the reconstruction of the country will buttress the success of the culture renaissance.

The movement to re-establish indigenous traditions must empower and engage communities, especially the poor and vulnerable within the villages and towns of our country. The recognition and embracing of the movement will be predicated upon investment in human capital, human development focusing on health education, and poverty reduction. These will guarantee food security by facilitating the expansion of food production and distribution; making food accessible and affordable; and improving food absorption.

Some of us have been here, watching and waiting to exert our full potentialities in a peaceful and normal environment. We want to see a very competitive society: native versus settlers. We can win, only if we trust and believe in ourselves and cooperate in unity and oneness in purpose. Our number is more than theirs. We have the numerical strength as well as the geographical advantage. The cultural renaissance must begin now. The change we desire to see must be ourselves.