Tinubu’s visit to Saint Lucia rekindles Africa-Caribbean ties — Presidency

By Kunle Sanni –

The Presidency has described President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Saint Lucia as a reaffirmation of democracy as a shared value and a bridge between Africa and the Caribbean.

In response to criticism about the purpose of the trip, the Presidency emphasised its strategic, cultural, and historical significance.

“Saint Lucia is a stable parliamentary democracy, making it a natural ally for Nigeria, which has enjoyed 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance,” a presidential statement noted.

Saint Lucia, home to many citizens of African descent, shares deep historical ties with Nigeria dating back to the 19th century when migrants from present-day Nigeria settled on the island, bringing cultural and religious practices that endure.

The trip is a diplomatic milestone, marking the first visit by an African Head of State to Saint Lucia since Nelson Mandela’s visit in 1998 and one of fewer than 10 state visits the island has hosted since its independence in 1979. Tinubu’s arrival has been warmly received as a rekindling of ancestral bonds and a step towards stronger economic and cultural partnerships.

President Tinubu is scheduled to address a joint session of Saint Lucia’s Parliament at the Sandals Grande Conference Hall and visit Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, highlighting Nigeria’s commitment to youth development, education, and diaspora engagement.

The visit aligns with Nigeria’s foreign policy focus on the “Four D’s”: Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography. It also supports the African Union’s Sixth Region agenda, which recognises the diaspora as a key development partner.

Ties between both countries run deep. Saint Lucian-born Sir Darnley Alexander served as Nigeria’s Chief Justice from 1975 to 1979. Others like architect Neville Skeete and Michael Alexander, Darnley’s son, also contributed significantly to Nigeria’s development.