The president of the Saint Lucian Senate, Alvina Reynolds, highlighted the historical ties between Nigeria and Saint Lucia during a joint session of the Lucian bicameral parliament on Monday, welcoming Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.

She referenced a British census from 1815 that revealed the origins of many enslaved people on the island, noting that a significant portion were from Nigeria.

Reynolds stated that out of 16,282 enslaved individuals recorded that year, 3,488 were born in Africa, with 34 percent originating from Nigeria, 11 percent from Nigeria-Cameroon, and 22 percent from the Congo.

The remaining enslaved population was born in Saint Lucia, largely descended from ancestors from Senegambia and Nigeria.
She emphasized that the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, which lasted more than 350 years, created enduring cultural and historical connections between Africa and the Caribbean.

According to Reynolds, President Tinubu’s visit symbolizes a renewed effort to strengthen these ties and encourage cooperation between the peoples.

Reynolds also paid homage to Sir Darnley Alexander, a prominent Saint Lucian who moved to Nigeria in 1957 and later became Nigeria’s Chief Justice from 1975 to 1979, the only non-Nigerian to hold that position after the country’s independence.

She added that this ongoing mission includes Nigerian Catholic priests who have come to Saint Lucia to serve, highlighting Father Festus, who was present as a special guest. Reynolds noted the significance of Tinubu’s address coinciding with World Parliament Day, an occasion to reflect on the role of parliamentary service and representation.