Caribbean and African leaders convened at the African-Caribbean Community Summit this week, forging a united front to demand reparative justice for the enduring legacies of colonialism and slavery, while also pledging to significantly increase trade and investment between the two regions.
The summit, held under the theme "Transcontinental Partnership for Reparative Justice for Africans and Sub-Africans," underscored the growing collaboration between the continents.
Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), based at the CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana, emphasized the critical need for unity in seeking justice. "The African and Caribbean community should stand together to demand justice for the injustices suffered during colonialism," she asserted.
Barnett also highlighted the burgeoning relationship between the regions, advocating for South-South cooperation that reflects today's global dynamics.
She recommended focusing on private sector involvement to bolster economic ties. "Trade and investment between Africa and the Caribbean should be increased, and the participation of the private sector is crucial for this," she stated.
Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Terence Drew, addressing the summit from his office in Basseterre, underscored the potential for collaboration on shared agendas. "The discussion will allow for cooperation on common agendas between Africa and the Caribbean Community," Dr. Drew said.
He called for a united stance in reforming the international financial system to ensure equitable benefits for all nations. "Africa and the Caribbean should stand together to ensure that the international financial system is reformed so that countries can benefit from it."
Moreover, he highlighted opportunities for joint prosperity in sectors like artificial intelligence, trade, and investment.
Parfait Onanga Anyanga, Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the African Union and Head of the African Union to the United Nations, based in New York City, emphasized the summit's role in building a cohesive, people-centered coalition. "The African Caribbean Community Summit will help build an inclusive and people-based coalition," Anyanga stated.
He noted the growing recognition of the systematic violations suffered by the African-Caribbean community, leading to increased calls for structural change from international bodies like the United Nations Security Council. Anyanga expressed optimism for a future marked by peace, hope, and prosperity. "He wishes that the next era will be one of peace, hope and prosperity for everyone everywhere; he said that the African Caribbean Community is a platform to correct all injustices."
According to ENA, the summit concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening transcontinental partnerships, with concrete plans to facilitate increased trade, promote joint investment ventures, and advocate for meaningful reparative justice on the global stage.
Leaders expect to continue building upon momentum in the coming months.
