Dominica’s Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, was among regional heads attending a special joint sitting of St Lucia’s Parliament on Monday. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Tinubu, the first African head of government to address St Lucia’s Parliament, emphasised shared heritage and future collaboration during his official visit.
The historic event, held at Sandals Grande Resort, brought together members of St Lucia’s Upper and Lower Houses, government officials, opposition leaders, OECS representatives, Nigerian parliamentarians, and other distinguished guests.
The Nigerian leader also proposed educational and cultural exchange programmes between Nigeria and the OECS, along with visa waivers for diplomatic and official passport holders to facilitate smoother travel and institutional cooperation. “I respectfully urge a reciprocal gesture,” he said.
Reflecting on the deep historical and cultural ties between Africa and the Caribbean, Tinubu stated: “As one who feels a profound kinship with our shared African heritage, I am fully aware of the historic current that has bound us together, currents shaped by transatlantic slavery, the slave trade and colonial subjugation, but out of which emerged a shared cultural identity, resilience and a legacy of aspiration.”
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to pan-African unity, declaring the OECS a “cherished partner” and calling for enhanced collaboration in trade, investment, health, and climate resilience. “If you want to go fast, you go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” he said, quoting an African proverb.
