The Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission (ABRSC) recalls that in 2021 leaders of Africa and CARICOM countries committed to institutionalise cooperation between them and designated September 7 of every year as Africa CARICOM Day.
In 2023 ABRSC staged various programmes in celebration of the day to include a panel discussion ‘YOUTH and Reparations in the context of AFRICA-CARICOM unity’; a cultural programme ‘CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS’ featuring spoken word poets; and working in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, a Schools ‘get-to-know-Africa’ programme.
ABRSC has declared SEPTEMBER as AFRICA CARICOM Month and has issued its programme schedule. It includes
- a televised flag raising ceremony and remarks by Prime Minister Gaston Browne on Friday September 06th;
- Media interviews and statements from African and CARICOM leaders and organizations on September 07th;
- A panel discussion ‘Africa and the Caribbean: Building a Common Future’ on Wednesday September 18th with panelists Hon E.P. Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antigua and Barbuda, H.E Dr. Barbara Stewart, Deputy Sec. General, AU 6th Region Global, Steven Golding, Chair UNIA/Jamaica and Eric Philips, Vice Chair, International Affairs, CARICOM Reparations Commission.
- The SCHOOLS ‘get-to-know-Africa/CARICOM’ programme and presentations on Friday September 26th where schools – primary, secondary (public and private) will demonstrate knowledge about an African or CARICOM country to possible include its location, population, national flag, official language(s), political leadership, cultural expressions etc.
- A fund raising ‘AfricaCaribbean Dress’ dinner on Saturday 27th September.
ABRSC will issue details on each of its programmes. Special focus will be made on the AFRICAN UNION (AU) support of the CARICOM reparations claim and the emerging range of Pan-African developmental initiatives and projects. ABRSC calls for on the public to support its activities and ‘to recognize the potential social and economic benefits that can accrue from solidifying the relationship between us and the mother continent’.
