The Caribbean is experiencing a resurgence of African pride, particularly evident in cultural expressions such as cuisine and travel, igniting a strengthened connection with ancestral roots. This was highlighted recently in Trinidad and Tobago during Emancipation Day, commemorating the end of slavery throughout the British Empire, where the Afro-descendant community was honored.
One example of this revival is Dr. Augustine Ogbo, a Nigerian doctor living in St. Lucia, who operates a thriving Nigerian takeaway called Africana Chops. He has witnessed an increased enthusiasm for African food among local customers, who are eager to connect with their shared heritage. “They know that we all have the same ancestral origin,” Dr. Ogbo explains, noting a substantial cultural interest since his arrival in St Lucia in 2016.
This trend towards embracing African heritage is not isolated to St Lucia; it spans across the Caribbean. There is a notable shift as citizens explore African culture through food, fashion, and direct travel. Historically, the Caribbean population has deep roots tied to enslaved West and Central Africans, with present-day discussions surrounding cultural appreciation shifting focus towards broader economic ties and pan-Africanism.
Dorbrene O'Marde, head of the Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission, observes that the current wave of African pride is distinct from past movements in the 1930s and 1960s due to newly established transcontinental links. “We are in a different phase now of pan-Africanism,” he states, emphasizing the economic aspects of current connections.
The influence of social media and the global rise of Afrobeats have transformed perceptions, particularly in places like Jamaica, where younger generations engage with African culture. Dennis Howard, an academic at the University of the West Indies, notes that many Jamaicans are discovering a richer history that extends beyond slavery, fostering positive images of Africa.
This cultural exchange is materializing into travel, with more Caribbean nationals visiting African countries like Ghana and South Africa. The tourism authority in Ghana reported a rise in visitors from the Caribbean, reflecting a desire among islanders to experience their heritage firsthand. The growing interest is not limited to popular destinations but includes less known countries, showing a broadening curiosity in Africa.
To facilitate stronger connections, regional leaders like Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley have called for improved transportation links between Africa and the Caribbean, suggesting that increased travel options would benefit ordinary citizens and those looking to establish business ties.
Institutions like the African Union and Afreximbank are actively pursuing economic relationships through conferences and trade agreements, aiming to increase trade from approximately $730 million to $1.8 billion by 2028. However, logistical challenges remain significant, with the World Bank highlighting poor transport infrastructures as a barrier to collaboration.
Efforts to create a shared currency among Caribbean nations have been advocated by leaders like Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis, who argued that a common digital currency could reinforce the shared identity and economic partnership between the regions.
Dr. Ogbo represents this connection through his culinary business, aspiring to further enhance cultural exchange. With a commitment to fostering relations between Africa and the Caribbean, he is excited about the possibilities this renewed bond could inspire, not just personally, but for the communities on both sides of the Atlantic.
