Dear Editor,
The inaugural Africa-Caribbean Community CARICOM Heads of Government Summit of September 7, 2021, gave rise to the designation of September 7 as “Africa-CARICOM Day”.
The foundation of this historic 2021 Heads of Government Summit had been laid back in February 2020 at the 31st Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM held in Bridgetown, Barbados, when the CARICOM leaders accepted the offer of Kenya’s then-President, His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, to host the event.
Unfortunately, the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the staging of the Summit for some time, and also determined that it would be a virtual Summit rather than a face-to-face one when it was eventually held in September 2021.
However, none of those factors could in any way detract from the historic nature of the convocation that was staged , for it was literally the very first time that the Heads of Government of Africa and the Caribbean Community were coming together in a specifically designed CARICOM/AU Summit.
It is useful to place this Summit within the context of African and Caribbean decolonisation and regional integration milestones. The September 7, 2021, Summit took place:
* 76 years after the seminal 5th Pan-African Congress in Manchester, England, that brought together the nationalist leaders of colonial Africa and the Caribbean to conceive the critical plans and strategies for our decolonization;
* 58 years after the launch of Africa’s integration mechanism in the form of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) – later to become the African Union (AU) in the year 2000; and
* 56 years after the conceptualization of our own Caribbean integration mechanism in the form of the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) – subsequently to evolve into the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in 1973.
Finally, the leaders of Africa and the Caribbean were sitting down together; discussing their common history, concerns and objectives; and planning a bright future of collaboration and solidarity.
History was being made!
It is appropriate to record for posterity that this historic Summit was addressed by the following Heads of State/Government and leaders of delegations:
* H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya – the Chairperson of the Summit and the President-in-Office of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS);
* H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa and immediate-former-Chairperson of the African Union (AU);
* H.E. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda and immediate-former-Chairperson of the East African Community (EAC);
* H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola and Chairperson of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR);
* H.E. Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi and Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC);
* H.E. Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe;
* Hon. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda and Chairperson of CARICOM;
* Dr. the Hon. Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and immediate-former-Chairperson of CARICOM;
* Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados and incoming Chairperson of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD);
* Hon. John Antonio Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize and incoming Chairperson of CARICOM;
* Dr. the Hon. Ralph E. Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Chairperson of the CARICOM sub-committee on the Africa-Brazil Caribbean Diaspora (ABCD) Commission;
* H.E. Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali, President of the Republic of Guyana;
* Most Hon Andrew Michael Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica;
* Hon. Philip Pierre, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia;
* Hon Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica;
* H.E. Dr. Philip Mpango, Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania; and
* H.E Patrick Rajoelina, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Madagascar (representing H.E. Andry Rajoelina, President of the Republic of Madagascar and Chairperson of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa – COMESA).
But what was even more significant about the Summit was the very concrete ground-breaking initiatives and projects that were agreed to by the assembled Heads of Government of Africa and the Caribbean Community, and that were outlined in the communique issued at the conclusion of the Summit.
A sample of these undertakings is as follows:
1. Establish a joint AU/CARICOM electronic mass media platform to facilitate the flow of information, news and artistic programming between our two regions;
2. Conclude an agreement to abolish double taxation, establish a Multilateral Air Services Agreement and regular weekly direct flights between Africa and the Caribbean, and to review whether there was any need to continue to require visas for our citizens to travel to each other’s countries;
3. Establish an African-CARICOM public-private partnership (PPP) that would be dedicated to mobilizing financial resources and deploying them to implement critical cutting-edge infrastructure development projects;
4. Utilize the newly established African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as the avenue for the flow of trade and investments across the two regions and make full use of the existing investment opportunities in health, tourism, creative industries, sports, culture and education for enhanced people-to-people connections;
5. Establish a Forum of African and Caribbean Territories and States (FACTS), that would be jointly coordinated by the AU and CARICOM Secretariats, and also establish an Africa-CARICOM Commission as a precursor to a wider “Africa/Brazil/Caribbean/Diaspora Commission”;
6. Take action to institutionalize the AU/CARICOM Partnership within six months , to adopt the relevant constitutive governance statutes at a second Summit in September 2022, and to also conclude and sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between CARICOM and the AU; and
7. Designate September 7 of every year as “Africa-CARICOM Day” and hold annual Africa-CARICOM Summits – virtual or in-person – every September 7.
The entirety of the decisions taken at the Summit were recorded in a communique that was issued upon conclusion of the event. The said communique may be accessed at
https://shridathramphalcentre.com/final-communique-from-the-africa-caricom-summit/.
As noted above, our African and Caribbean Heads of Government determined that there should be follow-up “AFRICA-CARICOM Summits” in every succeeding year. Unfortunately, this has not happened, and efforts are now currently underway to arrange for the staging of a Second AFRICA-CARICOM Summit.
However, the good news is that even though CARICOM and AU have not yet been able to stage a follow-up Summit since September 2021, the relationship between these two multi-lateral integration organizations continues to develop at a rapid pace.
Perhaps the most tangible evidence of that development is the presence and contributions of the African Export – Import Bank (Afreximbank) in our Caribbean Community over the past two years. Indeed, that relationship was consummated on August 4, 2023, with the official opening of Afreximbank’s Caribbean Headquarters in Barbados.
There is also the fact that the Government of Kenya made office space available in Nairobi for the establishment of CARICOM diplomatic missions, and that this offer has been taken up and acted upon.
There have also been such encouraging developments as Barbados’ establishment of embassies in Ghana and Kenya, and the recent African Union-Economic Social and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSOCC) Reparations Study Tour to the Caribbean.
Furthermore, CARICOM – acting through a proclamation made by its Chairman on September 7, 2022 – honoured the commitment to officially recognize September 7 as “AFRICA-CARICOM Day”. Thus, this 2023 celebration/commemoration of “AFRICA-CARICOM Day” is our second such celebration/ commemoration.
The task that must now be undertaken by the CARICOM Secretariat, the African Union Commission, and all of the member states of both CARICOM and the AU is to design appropriate people-based annual commemorative activities for this special day.
Indeed, the annual “AFRICA-CARICOM Day” must be primarily used as a mechanism to bring the people of Africa and the Caribbean together!
It is expected that the celebration of this year’s “AFRICA-CARICOM Day” will feature such activities as:
* The making of official Africa-CARICOM Day statements by the Chairpersons of both CARICOM and the African Union (AU) and by the Heads of Government of the member states of CARICOM and the AU – to be broadcast and published in every AU and CARICOM nation on September 7, 2023;
* The staging of official AU/CARICOM flag-raising ceremonies at the Government Headquarters of all AU and CARICOM member states on September 7, 2023; and
* The undertaking of popular national reflections on outstanding aspects of our nations’ engagement with Africa/the Caribbean – as the case may be – on September 7, 2023.
This is just the beginning of what must become a massive annual Pan-African Celebration/commemoration. Indeed, let us all pledge to work together to build upon the wonderful foundation that was established on September 7, 2021, and to bring all of the visionary Pan-African initiatives and projects to fruition.
And let us now prepare ourselves to celebrate this year’s “AFRICA-CARICOM Day” in a truly meaningful and impactful manner.
David Comissiong
Barbados’ Ambassador to CARICOM
Wow! Oh my god! Justice Minister Honourable Ann Richardson, why do citizens of St. Maarten have to stay almost two years to get a police report?
Cuthbert Bannis
Dear Editor,
It has been almost a year since I got the new connection and ’til now there has been no readings/bill sent out to me, but I have been making estimated payment every month to lessen my burden. Every time I send them the message about my bill, if I am lucky I get the reply as, “After the hack some meters have issues with being billed.” I think this is just a lame excuse, as it is a brand-new building and all the four of the apartment owners applied/got connected on the same day. Three of them are getting the regular bills but not me.
If all the connections were made at the same time, how would they be installing the meters that had problem. Just does not make sense why someone would be doing what would be more laborious and complicated in coming days.
Anyways, my concern is that once the reading is done, will I be charged one reading instead of 12 readings? Remember that GEBE charges higher rates when your consumption per billing cycle is high. For clarifications I have sent emails to all the officials/departments that I have been footballed from one person/department to another but all in vain as I don’t think they have any basic knowledge of customer service or acknowledging the customer/problem. As long as they get their deep pockets filled the public does not exist for them.
Is this GEBE’s new way of scamming us to pay off the loss from hack? Is there any authority from Government or Ombudsman to investigate it, as one day GEBE is going to wake up and print the obnoxious-amounted bill and put the notification in media for disconnection.
H.R,
Initials used at author’s request.
Dear Editor,
It is with satisfaction I express my deepest sentiments of gratitude to the Minister of Education, Rodolphe Samuel; the interim head of the Department of Public Education; Mr. Daison Marks.
In his introductory address to educators at the commencement of the 202I-2022 academic year, Mr. Daison Marks articulated the overarching theme for the school year as “We Do Different” and delineated a series of objectives, with technology assuming precedence as the foremost priority. He pledged to provide educators with the necessary support and resources to implement innovative teaching and learning methodologies supporting technology within the classroom.
Regrettably, not all the outlined objectives were fully achieved within the stipulated timeframe. Nonetheless, to the benefit of recollection, it is evident that Mr. Marks’ commitments were not mere rhetoric, but rather, a pledge faithfully upheld.
At the conclusion of the 2022-2023 school year, a significant modernization initiative was executed within the public education system. This comprehensive transformation entailed the complete removal of traditional chalkboards from every classroom, which were subsequently replaced with state-of-the-art Promethean interactive boards. Furthermore, as part of this endeavor, all school managers, assistant managers, teachers, and support staff members were furnished with brand-new laptop computers. These cutting-edge devices have become instrumental tools in the execution of our professional duties, facilitating enhanced productivity and efficiency across various facets of our roles.
I thank Marks and the entire technology team for their remarkable efforts in equipping us with the essential technological tools required to function effectively and efficiently in the 21st-century classroom.
In recent years, we have witnessed an unprecedented transformation in the field of education, driven primarily by advancements in technology. The demands placed on educators have evolved significantly, and it is imperative that we are adequately equipped to deal with the challenges head-on. The provision of Promethean boards and laptop computers to our public education teachers is a monumental step towards achieving this goal, and I believe it is deserving of the highest praise and recognition.
First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Honorable Rodolphe Samuel for his vision and leadership in prioritizing the technological advancement of our education system. His commitment to ensuring that our students receive a modern and dynamic education is truly commendable. Under his guidance, the Department of Public Education has made remarkable strides in embracing technology as an integral part of the learning process.
I would also like to express my appreciation to Mr. Daison Marks, whose dedication and tireless efforts have been instrumental in implementing this technology initiative. His ability to navigate the complexities of modernizing our educational infrastructure has been nothing short of impressive. It is leaders like Mr. Marks who ensure that our educational system remains adaptable and responsive to the needs of our students and teachers.
The contributions of the technology team cannot be understated either. Their expertise and hard work behind the scenes have made it possible for teachers to seamlessly integrate technology into our classrooms. Prior to the implementation of the Promethean boards and laptop computers, they have provided invaluable training and support through the ISTEP program to ensure that educators are not only equipped with these tools but also proficient in their use.
The benefits of providing Promethean boards and laptop computers to educators are already evident. We no longer must “chalk and talk” in the classrooms. The tools have enhanced the quality of instruction, making learning more interactive and engaging for our students. They have also improved teachers’ ability to access resources, plan lessons, and stay connected in an increasingly digital world.
As an experienced teacher for more than two decades, I firmly believe that investing in our educators and empowering them with the tools they need is an investment in our future. The knowledge and skills imparted to students will shape them to become leaders, innovators, and problem solvers of tomorrow. Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to ensure they have every resource at their disposal.
In conclusion, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude once again to the Honorable Rodolphe Samuel, Mr. Daison Marks, and the technology team for their unwavering commitment to the advancement of education on our island. Their dedication to keeping our schools up to date with the demands of the 21st century is truly praiseworthy. I hope that their efforts continue to inspire positive change in our educational system and benefit generations of students to come.
Sincerely,
Satisfied teacher
Dear Editor,
Or, “Haven’t you heard?” This is a question our Lord often asked the scribes and Pharisees who were not very knowledgeable about the Word of God, though they claimed to know it all. Especially the scribes who made copies of the holy writings and were professional religious scholars.
If Jesus were still physically on the earth today, He would be asking us the selfsame question. Even after having His Word available to us for thousands of years, we still don’t know our God as we ought to. Very sad!
Even Satan, our and God’s enemy, who came to kill, to steal, and to destroy, read and knows the Word. He quoted Scriptures to Jesus in the desert.
All the answers to the questions of the ancient scribes and Pharisees and the questions we often reflect on today are found in His Word, yet most of us don’t take time out to read it. There are Scriptures in the Bible that admonish us about what we have to do, and maybe more importantly not to do in order to inherit eternal life. However, those of us who don’t read them, don’t know them. What we don’t know can lead to us spending eternity in the wrong place.
Unfortunately, those who follow false teachers – and there are many – will also end up in the same place. Jesus said, “If the blind guide the blind, both will fall into a pit.”
We can easily find time to do everything else. We can watch TV or read books written by mere men for hours and engage in other useless activities every day of the week. All for our entertainment. One day – whether we believe it or not – we are all going to have to face Him and be judged for how we lived our brief lives here on this earth. This judgment will include what we did … and did not do. “He who knows how to do good and does it not, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17).
Those who know me well will say: Clive, you are not even a churchgoer. True! But I attend “church” every morning of the week on my front porch. I read His Word, pray for myself and others, make my petitions, but I mainly give Him thanks and praise. I not only read Scriptures; I highlight those that speak to my heart and write many of them down as well. That way they stay in my mind much longer.
So, why do I no longer attend church? Well, I have been reading my Bible practically every morning from the time I was 30 years old. I am 78 now. The Bible tells us: “The lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should desire instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the Lord of Armies.” (Malachi 2:7)
After attending church regularly for many years, both Catholic and Protestant, I eventually got tired of hearing both RC priests and Protestant pastors preach some things that are contrary to what I read in my Bible. Regardless of which denomination a preacher belongs to, if what they preach does not line up with the Bible, I confidently reject it. If you don’t read the Word, you will believe everything they and others say.
In addition to that, they never preach on such important topics as the reality of Hell, the truth that there are children of Satan living among us. Someone once asked Jesus: “Are only a few people going to be saved? Jesus replied: “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because I tell you, many will try to enter and won’t be able once the homeowner gets up and shuts the door.”
I have also heard many a Protestant preacher say at the end of the service: “Repeat this prayer after me and you will be saved.” Not much of an effort there.
I have also heard a Protestant preacher announce in a Christian TV programme that he teaches his aspirant preachers to stay away from certain topics. He tells them: “Don’t go there! You will only confuse the congregation.” Those are some of the reasons I attend my own home church.
You can be the most read, most educated person on the face of the earth, but if you don’t know the One who created you, the One who sacrificed His life for you in order to save us from God’s coming wrath, you know nothing at all!
So, I encourage all my readers to inform yourself of what your Maker expects, rather demands from you. On Judgment Day, you can’t say to Him: Sorry, Lord, I didn’t have time to read Your Word and to get to know You. I was too busy doing other things and time suddenly and unexpectedly ran out on me.”
I imagine that His answer to you might be: Even the man-made law states that “Ignorance of the law is no excuse.” And, had you read My Word, you would have known that your Master would come suddenly and unexpectedly.
Clive Hodge
