The President of the Saint Lucian Senate, Alvina Reynolds, has spotlighted the deep-rooted ancestral links between her country and Nigeria, citing historical data to affirm a shared heritage.
Speaking at a special joint session of Saint Lucia’s bicameral parliament on Monday, Reynolds welcomed Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and reflected on the historical connections shaped by the transatlantic slave trade.
Referencing findings from an 1815 British census, Reynolds revealed that a significant portion of Saint Lucia’s population can trace their lineage to Nigeria.
“Of the 16,282 enslaved people in Saint Lucia that year, 3,488 were born in Africa,” she noted.
“Of these, 34 per cent were from Nigeria, 11 per cent from Nigeria-Cameroon, and 22 per cent from the Congo.”
“The remaining 12,794 were born in Saint Lucia, with most of their forefathers coming from Sene-Gambia and Nigeria,” she added.
Describing President Tinubu’s state visit as a landmark moment for the island nation, Reynolds called it “a mission to reunite us with our homeland and for our people to work together.”
She emphasized the enduring cultural legacy left by centuries of forced migration and praised the growing bonds between Africa and the Caribbean.
Reynolds also paid homage to Sir Darnley Alexander, a distinguished Saint Lucian who served as Nigeria’s Chief Justice between 1975 and 1979.
“This mission, Your Excellency, continues with Catholic priests from Nigeria who have answered the call and come to Saint Lucia to serve, one of whom is our special guest this morning—Father Festus,” she said.
Noting the significance of the occasion, Reynolds added, “Your address to this Parliament today could not have occurred at a more auspicious time, for today is World Parliament Day, an occasion to reflect on the essential role of Parliament and the service we provide as representatives to our people.”
In his remarks, Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip Pierre, celebrated Tinubu’s presence, calling the state visit a moment of “freedom and celebration.”
He acknowledged the emotional and ancestral connection between Saint Lucia and West Africa, saying, “Our people have been separated, but nothing has ever been able to separate us spiritually and culturally from West Africa, where some of our ancestors came from and for whom our hearts continually yearn.”
“We are African people who have made permanent homes for ourselves on this side of the Atlantic, on the hills and valleys of the plantations on which we were enslaved.
“But, we have built these homes, Mr President, not for ourselves but in the service of all humanity, especially Africa, in whose direction we continually watch, wait, hope and pray for our future redemption,” Pierre added.
With a touch of humor, Pierre pointed out that Saint Lucia’s population is smaller than that of Eti-Osa Local Government in Lagos.
Nonetheless, he reaffirmed the island’s dignity as a sovereign nation with strong ties to Nigeria and West Africa.
He commended the Nigerian diaspora for their roles in advancing various sectors of Saint Lucian life.
“We warmly welcome every Nigerian hand of support and embrace with gratitude their contributions to Saint Lucia’s cultural, social, and economic development,” he said.
“We are the richer for it,” Pierre remarked.
On the broader Africa-Caribbean relationship, the Prime Minister welcomed the ongoing engagement since the inaugural Africa-CARICOM Summit in 2021 and expressed optimism ahead of the next summit scheduled for Addis Ababa.
He highlighted potential avenues for collaboration including tourism, fintech, sports, creative industries, healthcare, air travel, and renewable energy.
Pierre expressed a desire to boost connectivity, pointing out that although Saint Lucia draws over a million tourists each year, few arrive from Nigeria due to limited direct flight options.
He also encouraged Nigerian expertise to find opportunities in Saint Lucia’s expanding industries.
The joint parliamentary session was graced by regional leaders, dignitaries, and diplomats from across the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.
