Barbados outline plans to celebrate Africa-CARICOM Day September 7, 2024

Bridgetown, Barbados, September 2, 2024 - In just a few days, on Saturday, September 7, 2024, the nations and people of Africa and the African Diaspora in the english speaking Caribbean, will come together to celebrate the 3rd edition of Africa-CARICOM Day. 

This day, which symbolizes the deepening ties between Africa and the 15 member Caribbean Community (CARICOM), marks the continuation of a significant partnership that was formally recognized at the First Africa/CARICOM Heads of Government Summit on September 7, 2021. 

That historic summit laid the groundwork for a new era of collaboration, one that bridges the Atlantic and unites the African Union (AU) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in common purpose.

Africa-CARICOM Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a powerful reminder of the shared history, culture, and aspirations of the people of Africa and the Caribbean. 

The decisions made at the inaugural summit, from establishing joint media platforms to enhancing economic and social ties, reflect a bold vision for the future. The leaders of both regions committed to actions that would strengthen multilateralism, promote economic development, and ensure that the voices of Africa and the Caribbean are heard on the global stage.

A statement from the Barbadian Ambassador to CARICOM, HE David Comissiong, said Barbados had embraced Africa-CARICOM Day with a passion, making it a significant annual event. This year, the Government and people of Barbados are once again leading the way in commemorating this important day. 

The celebration will feature an official flag-raising ceremony at Government Headquarters on Bay Street, where the flags of the African Union, CARICOM, and Barbados will be raised to the sounds of their respective anthems. 

High-level representatives will deliver remarks, and the event will be enriched by performances from some of Barbados' most talented cultural artists.

Following the official flag-raising ceremony, the celebrations on September 7th will continue into the evening with a special live television broadcast by the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). This program is set to highlight the ongoing and upcoming developmental initiatives that have emerged from the strengthened ties between Africa and the Caribbean. It promises to be an enlightening discussion, featuring prominent figures who are at the forefront of these collaborations.

Among the distinguished speakers and participants in the program will be Barbados' own Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Kerrie Symmonds, and Professor David Akombo, Dean of the Faculty of Culture, Creative and Performing Arts at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus. 

They will be joined by H.E. Juliette Babb-Riley, Charge d’Affaires of the Barbados Embassy in Ghana, and Mr. Okey Ihejirika, Manager of the Afreximbank’s Caribbean Office, among others. Their discussions will provide valuable insights into the progress being made in areas such as health, tourism, creative industries, and education—sectors that are pivotal to the future of both regions.

As the program unfolds, viewers will be reminded of the shared mission that unites Africa and the Caribbean. This day serves as a call to action for all people of African descent across the Caribbean to rekindle their connections with the African continent. 

The historic decisions made at the first Africa-CARICOM Summit must not only be remembered but acted upon. The bold vision laid out by our leaders three years ago must continue to inspire us as we work towards realizing the full potential of this transatlantic partnership.

The celebration of Africa-CARICOM Day is more than just a ceremonial observance; it is a vibrant affirmation of the enduring bonds that link Africa and the Caribbean. 

As we approach this significant day, we are reminded of the profound connections that span across the Atlantic, rooted in our shared history and culture. These connections are not just historical artifacts but living ties that continue to shape our identities and our futures.

Barbados, with its deep commitment to this cause, has once again set an example for the rest of the Caribbean. The events planned for September 7th are a reflection of our collective resolve to keep the spirit of Africa-CARICOM Day alive. 

From the official ceremonies to the televised discussions, every aspect of the day’s celebrations serves as a reminder of the progress we have made and the work that still lies ahead. 

The establishment of regular direct flights, the discussions on trade and investment opportunities, and the ongoing efforts to institutionalize the AU-CARICOM partnership are all testaments to the growing momentum behind this collaboration.

As we conclude this year's celebration, let us carry forward the spirit of unity and cooperation that Africa-CARICOM Day embodies.

 Let us reaffirm our commitment to the goals set forth at the 2021 summit and continue to build on the foundation that has been laid. 

The future of Africa and the Caribbean is intertwined, and together, we can achieve a future of shared prosperity, cultural enrichment, and lasting solidarity. 

Africa-CARICOM Day is not just a day of reflection; it is a day of action, a day to renew our dedication to forging a brighter, more connected future for all our people.

-30-