PM Drew Calls for ‘Atlantic Bridge’ at CARICOM-Africa Summit

Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis and Incoming Chairman of CARICOM, Hon Dr Terrance Drew, has urged leaders of the Caribbean and Africa to transform the painful legacy of the Atlantic Slave Trade into a new “Atlantic Bridge” of cooperation, opportunity and shared progress.

Speaking at the opening of the Second CARICOM-Africa Summit, held in the Nelson Mandela Hall at the African Union Commission Headquarters, Dr Drew described the renewed engagement between the regions as a pivotal moment. He stressed that this first in-person gathering since the 2021 virtual summit provides a unique platform to deepen historic bonds and expand strategic partnerships.

“This renewed engagement will strengthen South-South cooperation, foster shared prosperity, and amplify a unified voice on global platforms,” Dr Drew told delegates, citing common priorities such as peace, security, climate change and multilateral reform.

The Prime Minister called for action to advance the 2024 AU-CARICOM Memorandum of Understanding, linking it to key areas including reparations, education, health, global financial reform, trade, cultural exchange and climate resilience. He also praised Afreximbank, led by Professor Benedict Oramah, for driving initiatives that have already boosted trade, investment and cultural ties.

Highlighting the need for better transport links and stronger investment channels, Dr Drew said the free and consistent movement of people and goods was critical for success.

“What was once a devastating tragedy for our people – the Atlantic Slave Trade – should now be translated into the Atlantic Bridge,” he said. “A bridge of hope, a bridge of advancement, a bridge that will ensure that our people take their rightful place in this world.”

The summit, themed “Transcontinental Partnership in Pursuit of Reparatory Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,” brought together heads of government to discuss economic cooperation, reparatory justice and deepening people-to-people connections.