The Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell, has called for stronger economic, cultural and diplomatic ties between Africa and the Caribbean while commending Nigerians living in Grenada for their contributions to the country’s development.

Mitchell made the call during the African Liberation Day celebration themed “African Rooted, Diaspora Rising, Identity Reclaiming”.

Speaking at the event, the Grenadian leader said Africa and the Caribbean shared a common history and destiny, adding that the relationship between both regions must translate into practical cooperation in trade, investment and cultural exchange.

“We are descendants of Africa and we must reclaim that,” Mitchell said.

According to a statement, he described the presence of Nigerians and other Africans at the gathering as symbolic of renewed connections between both regions.

“The Atlantic that was used for forced separation is now a deliberate bridge for reconnection,” Mitchell stated.

The Prime Minister said Grenada remained committed to strengthening partnerships with African nations for the benefit of people of African descent globally.

“We welcome you as brothers and sisters in a shared history, in a shared identity and in a shared destiny, bonded by history and united by purpose,” he said.

Mitchell also praised Nigerians residing and working in Grenada, noting that they continued to play important roles in the country’s economy and national life.

“We value your contribution to our national life, and this gathering is testimony to the role that Nigerians play in the economy of Grenada,” he said.

The Prime Minister stressed the need for deeper collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean in commerce and investment.

“We must deepen cooperation in trade and investment by expanding economic partnerships between our nations and creating opportunities for businesses and innovation,” Mitchell said.

He added that Grenada, despite its size, remained committed to building stronger ties with Africa.

“Though Grenada may be small in size, we are not small in identity, courage and commitment to building a modern nation with Africa,” he stated.

Reflecting on the significance of African Liberation Day, Mitchell said the May 25 celebration commemorated the formation of the African Union in Addis Ababa and symbolised the struggle against colonialism across Africa and the Caribbean.

He noted that while political independence had been achieved in many countries, Africans and people of African descent still faced challenges such as economic inequality, political instability and underdevelopment.

“For too long, our history was written by others. Our systems only received us as labour and not as people, as subjects and not agents of civilisation,” Mitchell said.

He also urged Africans and the diaspora to reclaim their identity and historical narratives.

“One step at a time, we must build the bridge between Africa and the Caribbean — one trade partnership at a time, one investment opportunity at a time, one diplomatic initiative at a time,” he added.

Mitchell further called for stronger people-to-people engagement between Africa and the Caribbean.

“We long for the day our brothers and sisters will visit regularly without feeling that Africa is distant or unreachable,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, the Founder of the Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation, Dcn. Dr Esther Tonlagha, said stronger cooperation between Africa and Caribbean nations would help drive development and create opportunities for citizens across both regions.

“At EMT Foundation, we have consistently prioritised three pillars: empowerment, access and sustainability,” Tonlagha said.

She added that modern leadership must focus on inclusive and sustainable impact beyond titles and positions.

“As Africans, we are first of all brothers irrespective of the part of the world we find ourselves. We must remain committed to building a united front,” she said.

Tonlagha also urged Africans to take ownership of their narratives and work collectively towards progress.

“It is our responsibility to tell our own story. No one can do that better than us,” she added.