Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley reiterated the Caribbean region’s determination to reverse the past middle passage and highlighted opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) in creating trade linkages and creating African led solutions especially for the youth.
Historically, the Middle Passage was the stage of the Atlantic slave trade in which millions of enslaved Africans were transported to the Americas as part of the triangular slave trade.
The Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) convened the 2023 Global Africa People-to-People forum on 21 July 2023 under the theme: “This year’s forum was convened under the theme, “Propelling Major Pan-African Breakthroughs in 2023.”
In its press release sent to ENA, the African Union said the forum was convened with support of Caribbean Pan African Network (CPAN), Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and Tobago (ESCTT) and Reform Initiatives.
Moreover, the forum had high-level participation from the Caribbean region and across Africa including, Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of Vincent & Grenadines, Epsy Campbell Bar, Chairperson and Central America Representative of Costa Rica.
In his Keynote address to the forum, Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados reiterated the region’s determination to reverse the past middle passage
“We are determined to reconnect with our African heart and outstanding Pan-Africanism. The Afrexim Bank-CARICOM relationship, among other things, is helping with that,” the premier said.
She also highlighted opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) in creating trade linkages and creating African led solutions especially for the youth.
Khalid Boudali ECOSOCC Presiding Officer called for focus on actionable solutions especially for the issues around Haiti and Africa.
“The primary aim of this forum is to elevate consciousness and motivate African youth to partake in endeavours that transform the African continent. This is a crucial platform fostering collective solutions, sustainable for years to come. Instead of just talking, let’s move towards action,” he advised.
On his part, Dr. Carla Barnett, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General called for more teamwork between key stakeholders in the Caribbean and those in Africa.
“Let’s not lose momentum on our strategic alliances between CARICOM and Africa because therein lie lessons that we can learn from each other,” she emphasized.
Barnett added that the partnership between CARICOM and Africa was making progress on some matters committed at the first CARICOM-Africa Summit held in 2021.
Epsy Campbell Bar, Chairperson and Central America Representative of Costa Rica shared insights and lessons learned around reparative justice and racism.
“We have engaged on the necessity of reparative justice. I make a call for everyone to join the fight against systemic racism and a similar fight to get reparative justice. Together we can make a difference and achieve a racism-free world,” she said.
In closing, ECOSOCC Head of Secretariat, William Carew said, “Let us continue working together, bridging divides and harnessing our collective strength, as we propel breakthroughs in 2023 and beyond.”
“Together, we can build a future where people of African descent thrive, where justice and equality prevail, and where our shared heritage is celebrated and cherished,” he stated.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency