As the continent of Africa’s sixth region, CARICOM has received official recognition. At the University of the West Indies (UWI) regional headquarters in Jamaica, the announcement was made on September 7 during the second annual Africa-Caricom Day.
The event, which was a discussion on cultural exchange, underlined the dedication to fostering closer ties between Africa and the Caribbean.
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Former Jamaican Prime Minister PJ Patterson and Caricom Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett attended the event, which was arranged by Prof. Sir Hilary Beckles, chair of the Caricom Reparations Commission and vice-chancellor of the University of the Virgin Islands.
Beckles calls the accolade a “tremendous honor” and mentions UWI’s role in fostering cooperation and unity between Africa and the Caribbean. Additionally, he underscored UWI’s ongoing dedication to advancing common values via lobbying and education.
In stressing the connections to the past and the significance of the African Union’s acknowledgment, Patterson stated, “The ethnic origins and commonality of our colonial experience are beyond dispute. It is in recognition of this irrefutable reality that the African Union declared the existence of six regions.”
In her speech, Barnett praised young people for actively creating future engagements and emphasized the importance of new viewpoints and ideas.
Sandrea Maynard, vice chancellor of global affairs, reaffirmed her office’s commitment to promoting regional identity and global awareness as the event ended. This commitment is in line with UWI’s goal of being recognized as an “excellent global university rooted in the Caribbean.”
