Prime Minister Drew Proposes Trans-Atlantic Partnership Between Africa and the Caribbean

A Call for Unity and Shared Prosperity: Forging a Trans-Atlantic Bridge of Hope

The historical narrative of the transatlantic slave trade is one of immense suffering, exploitation, and forced migration. For centuries, millions of Africans were forcibly removed from their homeland, transported across the Atlantic, and subjected to brutal conditions in the Caribbean and the Americas. This dark chapter in human history has left an indelible mark on the social, economic, and cultural landscapes of the affected regions. However, amidst the pain and trauma, a new vision is emerging – a vision of hope, collaboration, and shared prosperity.

During the 4th Intra-Africa Trade Fair held in Algiers, Algeria, from September 4th to 10th, 2025, St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Terrance M. Drew, delivered a powerful message that resonated deeply with the audience. He called for the transformation of the painful legacy of the transatlantic slave trade into a “Trans-Atlantic Bridge of Hope,” connecting Africa and the Caribbean in a spirit of unity and mutual benefit. This call to action signifies a paradigm shift, moving away from dwelling on the past injustices and focusing on building a future of shared prosperity.

Dr. Drew’s proposal recognizes the Caribbean as the sixth region of the African Union, emphasizing the deep historical and cultural ties that bind the two regions. He acknowledged the atrocities of the slave trade, highlighting how African ancestors were exploited for the economic gain of European powers. However, instead of allowing this tragic history to define the present and future, he urged for its transformation into a catalyst for positive change. The “Trans-Atlantic Bridge of Hope” envisions a future where the historical connection between Africa and the Caribbean serves as a foundation for collaborative growth and development.

This bridge of hope is envisioned as a multifaceted initiative encompassing various sectors crucial for sustainable development. Dr. Drew highlighted opportunities for partnership in trade, investment, education, renewable energy, tourism, health, sports, and the creation of new industries. These areas represent key drivers of economic growth and social progress, offering immense potential for mutual benefit. By fostering collaboration in these sectors, Africa and the Caribbean can leverage their respective strengths and resources to achieve common goals.

One of the most promising areas for collaboration is trade. Currently, trade between Africa and the Caribbean represents a mere fraction of their total trade volume, standing at less than 1%. This starkly contrasts with the enormous potential for growth, given the complementary nature of their economies and the historical and cultural affinities between the two regions. The “Trans-Atlantic Bridge of Hope” seeks to unlock this untapped potential by promoting increased trade and investment flows.

Beyond trade, the proposed bridge of hope encompasses broader collaboration in various sectors. In education, partnerships can facilitate knowledge sharing, student exchange programs, and collaborative research initiatives. In renewable energy, the two regions can share best practices and technologies to transition towards sustainable energy sources. In tourism, joint marketing efforts can promote cultural exchange and boost tourism revenues. In health, collaboration can focus on addressing shared health challenges and improving healthcare systems. In sports, partnerships can foster athletic development and promote cultural exchange through sporting events.

The “Trans-Atlantic Bridge of Hope” is not merely a symbolic gesture; it is a concrete call to action. It calls for the establishment of institutional mechanisms to facilitate collaboration, the development of joint projects, and the mobilization of resources to support these initiatives. It requires a concerted effort from governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and individuals in both regions to work together towards a shared vision of prosperity and development.

The Intra-Africa Trade Fair, where Dr. Drew made his impassioned plea, provided the perfect platform to launch this transformative vision. With delegations from 140 countries and over 2,000 companies participating, the event showcased the immense potential for trade and investment within Africa and beyond. Dr. Drew’s call for a “Trans-Atlantic Bridge of Hope” resonated deeply with attendees, generating resounding applause and sparking a much-needed conversation about the future of Africa-Caribbean relations.

In conclusion, the “Trans-Atlantic Bridge of Hope” represents a powerful vision for the future of Africa and the Caribbean. It is a call to move beyond the painful legacy of the past and embrace a future of shared prosperity, built on the foundations of mutual respect, collaboration, and sustainable development. By forging stronger ties in trade, investment, education, renewable energy, tourism, health, and sports, Africa and the Caribbean can unlock their immense potential and create a brighter future for their people. The journey towards building this bridge will undoubtedly require significant effort and commitment, but the potential rewards are immeasurable. It is a journey worth undertaking, a journey towards healing, reconciliation, and shared prosperity.