Alexa Lightbourne, the Minister of Home Affairs, represented Bermuda this month at the second Africa-Caricom Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. As her junior minister, I have reflected on what that participation means for the country and why the theme of “Connectivity” must guide how we approach both our history and our future.

The summit was convened by the African Union Commission and brought together leaders from across Africa and the Caribbean, alongside the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres and the President of Angola, João Lourenço, who chairs the African Union.

Yet what made this meeting so significant was not simply the presence of world leaders, but the added symbolism of Africans and Caribbeans aligned on a common objective. As descendants of the same story, it was an impactful message as they stood together in Ethiopia.

The AU-Caricom Summit was a reminder that the violence of slavery and the exploitation of colonialism are proof of resilience. The summit affirmed that we are not divided people but rather united across oceans and across centuries.

Bermuda’s participation in the summit advanced three core priorities that guide this government’s work:

Unity

Strengthening our ties with Caricom and Africa ensures that Bermuda is part of a global family rather than isolated on the margins

Equity

Placing issues of justice and fairness at the centre of dialogue allows us to address the affordability challenges faced by workers, families and seniors

Opportunity

Building bridges with diaspora communities opens pathways for trade, investment and collaboration that can directly benefit Bermudians

This government is moving beyond the abstract, but rather using opportunities such as this summit as a tool for lowering the cost of living, for building resilience into our supply chains, and for ensuring that Bermudians have access to opportunity in a rapidly changing world.

As junior minister, I am proud to support the leadership of the Minister of Home Affairs and the Government in ensuring Bermuda is represented on the world stage. The voices that Ms Lightbourne carried were the voices of Bermudian workers facing high prices, families striving for stability and seniors seeking dignity.

This truth we know: that Bermuda’s greatest strength lies in connection.

Connection with the Caribbean, connection with Africa and connection with our diaspora communities wherever they may be.

This recent summit engagement is evidence of the thoughtful work of this government on behalf of every Bermudian.

Bermudians should see ourselves as part of this global family, embrace the undeniable shared history that unites us, and support the strengthening of ties with Caricom and Africa. When we do so, we open doors to trade, investment, education and cultural exchange that have the rich potential to transform lives on our island.

We are not limited by our size or isolation on the map. We must remember that we are part of a powerful, enduring diaspora with the capacity to shape our destiny. As we embrace international business, we must also welcome the business of our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean and in Africa. If we choose connection, Bermuda can truly build a fairer, more affordable and more sustainable future for generations to come.

Our future depends on the connections we choose to honour today.

• Lindsay Simmons is a government senator and the Junior Minister of Social Development, Youth and Seniors, and Home Affairs