Saint Lucia’s Senate President, Alvina Reynolds, highlighted the strong ancestral connections between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, stating that most of Saint Lucia’s residents have Nigerian roots. According to a British census conducted in 1815, out of 16,282 enslaved people in Saint Lucia, 3,488 were born in Africa, with:
34% from Nigeria: A significant portion of the enslaved population
11% from Nigeria-Cameroon Further emphasizing the Nigerian connection
-22% from the Congo Highlighting the diverse African roots
Reynolds emphasized the deep ancestral ties between the two nations, describing Saint Lucia as “a small fragment of Africa” where the “genetic Nigerian connection cannot be erased, and a shared cultural chord cannot be broken”. The Saint Lucian leader also acknowledged the contributions of Nigerians living in Saint Lucia, particularly in:
-Healthcare: Nigerian doctors and medical professionals
– Religion: Catholic priests from Nigeria serving in Saint Lucia
– Cuisine: Nigerian food influencing Saint Lucian culture
– Tourism: Potential for increased tourism with better air connectivity
– Social Development: Nigerians contributing to Saint Lucia’s society
The President of Saint Lucia, Philip J. Pierre, also noted the influence of Nigerian culture in Saint Lucia, citing the popularity of:
– Afrobeats music: A favorite among Saint Lucian youth
– Nollywood films: Saint Lucians enjoy Nigerian movies
– Nigerian literature: Works of authors like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie are appreciated
The two leaders discussed potential cooperation areas, including ¹ ² ³:
– Tourism: Improving air connectivity to boost tourism
– Sports: Partnerships in sports development, especially football and cricket
– Fintech and Healthcare; Exploring opportunities in Saint Lucia’s growing sectors
– Renewable Energy: Collaborating on renewable energy initiatives
– Creative Arts: Promoting cultural exchange and cooperation
The historic visit marked the first official state visit of a Nigerian president to Saint Lucia, symbolizing a mission to reunite the two nations and strengthen their bond .
