Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, CARICOM Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett, High-level representatives of the AU, CARICOM and Barbados, Brothers and sisters, as we stand united on this Africa-CARICOM Day, we must remember that our history is not just one of struggle, but also of triumph. Today, we the youth of Africa and the Caribbean have an unprecedented opportunity to take the mantle of leadership and shape a future grounded in liberation, innovation, and unity.
Former President of Ghana Kwame Ncrewmah once said, “Africa is a paradox which illustrates and highlights neo-colonialism. Her earth is rich, yet the products that come from above and below the soil continue to enrich, not Africans predominantly, but groups and individuals who operate to Africa’s impoverishment.” And today, this call for justice rings loud not only in Africa but across the Caribbean. We must continue to build bridges between our regions, not just in words, but in concrete actions.
In this regard, I must commend Prime Minister Mia Mottley for her visionary leadership in championing the Africa-CARICOM partnership and spearheading critical initiatives like the Multilateral Air Services Agreement. This bold move to establish regular weekly direct flights between Africa and the Caribbean is a game-changer for us, especially the youth. For far too long, our regions have been separated by distance and limited by connectivity. Now, with the implementation of these potential direct flights, young people will have unprecedented access to each other’s cultures, knowledge, and opportunities. We are no longer divided by oceans; instead, we are connected by common purpose and shared aspirations.
However, there is an urgent and pressing need to truly involve youth from Africa and across CARICOM in matters of development and decision-making under the AU- CARICOM Partnership. Where will our young people stand in these discussions? We cannot afford to be mere observers of our future. and today as we celebrate the 3rd Africa Caricom Day The time has come for us to establish sub-groups under this partnership and I am proposing the establishment of a Youth Africa-CARICOM Task Force, which would provide young people with a formal role in shaping policies, initiatives, and collaboration between our regions.
Through this Youth Africa Caricom Task Force
- We must lead the way in crafting bold, fresh solutions to critical issues like climate change, trade, health, technology and reparations, offering insights that break free from the shackles of outdated approaches of the past.
- I propose that we establish more robust programs for educational exchanges and leadership training especially in sports, where young people from Africa and the Caribbean can collaborate, learn, and build skills that will empower them to be the leaders of tomorrow. We should create the CARICOM and Africa Games as a way of continuing and deepening the relationship between Africa and Caricom.
- It is imperative that we secure a permanent youth presence in international forums like COP and G20, amplifying our voices on the global stage and ensuring our concerns are not just heard, but acted upon.
- We can foster entrepreneurship and youth-led businesses by leveraging opportunities
like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), creating real economic impact and opportunities for young people to thrive in their own communities.
This task force is not just a proposal; it is a necessary step in unleashing the full potential of Africa and the Caribbean’s youth. Together, we can create a future that is driven by innovation, unity, and purpose.
Our future is ours to reclaim. Initiatives like the HEY Campaign which I started at age 19 have already set a foundation for empowering young people across Africa and the Caribbean by supporting projects in renewable energy and sustainable farming. In Nairobi, I had the pleasure through my partners to fund a young innovator project who has pioneered Solar Freeze, bringing renewable-powered cold storage to farmers, reducing post-harvest losses by 80%. Similarly, young leaders in the Caribbean, like the youth we’ve supported in Barbados, are transforming agriculture through hydroponics, ensuring our regions can feed themselves while fighting the impacts of climate change.
These stories are not isolated. They are proof of what is possible when we the youth are empowered with the tools and resources to lead. We stand on the shoulders of giants. The late great Marcus Garvey reminded us that “a people without knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without its roots.” Today, as we celebrate our shared heritage, we must look beyond the past and envision the prosperous future we can build together.
To you, our leaders present here today, I say this: Our generation must be at the forefront of this partnership. We must take ownership of this shared mission and lead with confidence. We can and must secure our rightful place at international decision- making tables, where we will bring fresh perspectives to the global challenges of climate change, energy transition, and sustainable development. We are not just the future; we are the present, and the time for action and our true and meaningful inclusion is now.
My brothers and sisters, the legacy of this day will not be defined by speeches, but by the revolutionary steps we take together to unify our regions. Today, I call upon each of you to continue to commit to building stronger connections, fostering youth-led solutions, and creating a world where Africa and the Caribbean rise together in solidarity and power. Amandla Ahweftwo Power to the people! Power to our Youth! Power to us!
The future is ours thank you!
