CARICOM Secretariat Welcomes African Royal Delegation
A symbolic reconnection between Africa and the Caribbean diaspora occurred at the CARICOM Secretariat when Deputy Secretary-General, Dr Armstrong Alexis, welcomed a Royal Delegation from South Africa, Uganda and the Kingdom of Lesotho.
2022-08-05 18:12:52 - VI News Staff
The delegation included the Founding President of AIDO, His Highness Paul Jones Eganda; His Royal Highness King Pape Sande; Her Royal Majesty Queen Cynthia Khamulo Mzilikazi III; Her Royal Highness Queen Ameenata Asaleh II; Her Royal Highness Princess Precious Lindiwe Nthibogelang; Her Royal Highness Princess Tshepi Motloung, AiDO representative in the Caribbean, Mr Samson Esudu, and Lady Mpho Dindi.
The visit resulted from the collaboration between the CARICOM Reparations Commission and (AIDO) Network International of African Kings, Queens, and Chiefs in observance of Emancipation Day 2022 in Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda.
Deputy Secretary-General Armstrong who was deputizing for the CARICOM Secretary-General, told the delegation that the CARICOM Secretariat was privileged to participate in a “tremendous symbolic moment of reconnection between Africa and the Caribbean diaspora,” noting that was fitting its visit coincided with Emancipation celebrations in CARICOM Member States.
He said Emancipation is a poignant moment for recollecting “the triumph of our unrelenting resistance as a people over that dehumanizing crime against humanity of chattel enslavement, which our ancestors endured for over 300 years.”
“The observance is an opportunity to assert and remind that freedom is a fundamental human right of all people that should never again be compromised,” Deputy Secretary-General Armstrong added.
He relied on the words of reggae legend Bob Marley, to make the point that psychological emancipation is as important as physical freedom.
“Mental slavery continues to hold us back as a people from appreciating the greatness of our African and Caribbean civilisations and our remarkable contributions to humanity in every sphere of endeavour.”
“This is a time for emotional and psychological healing, for promoting pride in our African roots, and taking meaningful steps to bridge the divide among our people which was instigated and orchestrated over 400 years ago. We welcome your presence in our midst to continue this process of healing and rebirth,” Secretary-General Armstrong stated.