The Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs Celebrates Africa-CARICOM Day
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Employees Celebrating Africa-CARICOM Day
Today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas held a ceremony in observance of Africa-CARICOM Day.
An exuberant celebration of our shared heritage and history, Africa-CARICOM Day is observed every year on 7th September.
The first Africa-CARICOM day was declared three years ago on 7th September 2021 at the inaugural Africa-CARICOM summit hosted virtually by Kenya under the theme, “Uniting Across Continents, Opportunities for Deepening Integration”. On that historic day, the African Union and CARICOM member states united among multilateral lines to affirm our shared ancestry and commitment to deepening our economic, cultural, educational, and diplomatic ties.
Foreign Minister the Hon. Frederick A. Mitchell M.P. gave brief remarks at today’s ceremony, speaking to the longstanding bonds that the peoples of The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean share with Africa. Minister Mitchell also highlighted the works the Ministry has done under his leadership to strengthen cultural, economic and educational ties with the people of the African Continent and the work our Government is doing to push for reparations and reparatory justice for the descendants of victims of the transatlantic slave trade and the colonization of Africa and the Americas.
Minister Mitchell giving remarks for Africa-CARICOM
Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Jamahl Strachan, Ambassador of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the Kingdom of Morocco HE William Wong, and High Commissioner for Social and Reparatory Justice HE Phillip Smith and other senior Ministry officials were present to represent the Government of The Bahamas. Members of civil society were also present, including Bahamas Reparations Committee Chair Dr. Niambi Hall-Cambell Dean, and member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent Ms. Gaynell Curry.
There was also an exhibit featuring African and Caribbean artifacts on display in the Ministry’s lobby and offices.
(L-R) Minister Mitchell; Mr. Melvin Seymour, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mr. Jamahl Strachan, Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs viewing the art exhibit.
The Bahamas is perpetually seeking to strengthen and deepen connections with our partners in the Caribbean and in Africa. This Africa-CARICOM day will reflect our country’s commitment to unity among the African Diaspora.