The strength of Bermuda’s connection with Africa and the Caribbean, and the memory of a “shared struggle,” was highlighted by the Minister of Home Affairs at a global summit.

Alexa Lightbourne also noted the possibility of a “shared future” as she leads a Bermudian delegation at the second Africa-Caricom Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which concludes today.

The event, which is hosted by the African Union Commission, was “pivotal” in the Government’s strategic pursuit of full membership in Caricom, a spokeswoman said.

Ms Lightbourne said: “As descendants of Africa, dispersed across oceans by history, our gathering in Addis Ababa carries profound meaning.

“The voices we carry from home, and the voices of the diaspora in places such as Shashemene, call Bermuda to build a future anchored in justice, equity, and solidarity, with our Caribbean and African brothers and sisters.

“The strength of this moment lies in connection. Connection between our island and the wider Caribbean family.

“Connection between the Caribbean and Africa. And connection between all the diaspora communities who keep alive the memory of our shared struggle and the possibility of our shared future.”

Ms Lightbourne was accompanied on the trip by Pandora Glasford, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The event brought together a distinguished gathering of global leaders which includes UN Secretary-General António Guterres and João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, the President of Angola and chairman of the African Union, among other African and Caribbean leaders.

A government spokeswoman said Ms Lightbourne’s presence at the event underscores Bermuda’s commitment to “not only strengthening its ties within the Caribbean family but also to engaging with Africa on a broader, more impactful scale”.

She said activities at the event included discussions with Phillip Davis, the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Ralph Gonsalves, the Prime Minister of St Vincent & the Grenadines, and Gaston Browne, the Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda.

This year’s summit is being held under the theme “Transcontinental Partnership in Pursuit of Reparatory Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”.

It is the first in-person gathering of the event following the first edition, a virtual summit, was held in 2021.

The spokeswoman said the forum provides a crucial platform for Africa-Caribbean leaders to discuss shared challenges and forge a common agenda on issues ranging from debt sustainability and climate change to food security and the establishment of a transatlantic air route.

She added that, while Bermuda's status as an observer limits formal participation in all plenary sessions, Ms Lightbourne is attending key events to advocate on behalf of the island, demonstrating the value of a direct voice for Bermuda on the world stage.