Nathaniel Barnes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nathaniel Barnes
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Barnes in 2021
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| Minister of Finance | |
| In office 1999–2002 |
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| President | Charles Taylor |
| Preceded by | John G. Bestman |
| Succeeded by | Charles R. G. Bright |
| Liberian Ambassador to the United States | |
| In office 9 September 2008 – 2010 |
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| President | Ellen Johnson Sirleaf |
| Preceded by | Charles A. Minor |
| Succeeded by | Jeremiah Sulunteh |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 6 April 1954 (age 71) Monrovia, Liberia |
| Political party | Independent |
| Other political affiliations |
Liberia Destiny Party Free Democratic Party |
| Spouse | Dr. Dawn Cooper Barnes |
| Children | 6 |
| Alma mater | Rider University, B.SC., Pace University, MBA |
Milton Nathaniel Barnes, born in 1954, is a well-known Liberian diplomat and politician. He is a member of the Liberia Destiny Party (LDP). In early 2022, he announced his plan to run as an independent candidate in the 2023 Liberian presidential election.
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Early Life and Education
Barnes was born in Monrovia, Liberia. His parents were Roland T. and Eudora N. Barnes. He was the second of four children in his family. Milton grew up in the Liberian cities of Harper and Monrovia.
He finished high school at the College of West Africa. After that, he studied for a short time at the University of Liberia. Before going to college in the United States, he worked in Liberia's banking system.
In 1975, Barnes went to Rider University in New Jersey. He studied Finance there and earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in 1978. The next year, in 1979, he received his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Finance and Banking from Pace University in New York City.
Political Career
Minister of Finance
In September 1999, Barnes was chosen to be the Minister of Finance for Liberia. In this important role, he helped manage Liberia's money plans. He also helped create new tax rules for the country, working with experts from the International Monetary Fund. He held this position until mid-2002.
Presidential Candidate
In January 2004, Barnes started a new political group called the Liberia Destiny Party (LDP). He ran as the LDP's candidate for president in the 2005 Liberian general election. He finished 12th out of 22 candidates. Later, he supported Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who became the first woman to be fairly elected president in an African country.
Ambassador Roles
From May 2006 to 2008, Barnes was Liberia's main representative at the United Nations. During this time, he also served as Liberia's Ambassador to Cuba. He played a key role in making Liberia's relationship with Cuba strong again.
In 2008, President Johnson Sirleaf named Ambassador Milton Nathaniel Barnes as Liberia's top ambassador to the United States of America. He served in this role until 2010.
Later Political Activities
In December 2010, Barnes showed interest in running for president again in the 2011 election. However, in July 2011, he announced that his party, the LDP, would not be running for president.
By May 2014, the National Elections Commission tried to remove the LDP as a recognized party. Instead of fighting this, Barnes joined the Free Democratic Party by October 2015. This party was part of a larger group called the National Democratic Coalition.
In January 2022, Barnes announced his plan to run as an independent candidate in the 2023 Liberian presidential election. His campaign focused on ideas like "Reconciliation, Positive Change, Self-Reliance," and bringing in new Liberian leaders who show "Character, Competence and Courage."
Honors
In May 2009, Dr. Mordechai Rozanski, who was the president of Rider University, gave Barnes an honorary Doctorate of Laws degree. This is a special award given to people who have achieved great things.
Personal Life
Barnes is married to Dawn Cooper Barnes. Dawn's parents, Henry Nehemiah Cooper and Izetta Cooper, started the Cooper Clinic in Monrovia. Milton and Dawn grew up in the same community in Monrovia. Milton's mother was a teacher at Dawn's elementary school, and Dawn's father was the Barnes family doctor.
Dawn Barnes has created several films, including Cry of the Pepperbird: A Story of Liberia (2000), The Spiritual Nature of African Dance (2001), and Children of Gold (2002). She also produced a Liberian TV comedy show called WE ON IT! (2001–2003). Milton and Dawn have six children together.
In 2010, Barnes started a consulting company called Aurora Solutions, Inc. Since 2010, he has also often taught at the graduate schools of the University of Liberia and African Methodist Episcopal University.
He enjoys abstract painting as a hobby. In 2020, his artwork was featured in a book titled Left Brain Right Brain: Thoughts and Musings of a Servant.
