“Our Hearts Yearn for Africa, Our Ancestors Traced to Nigerian Roots” – Saint Lucia Senate President

In a moving session steeped in emotion, history, and unity, President of the Saint Lucian Senate, Alvina Reynolds, on Monday declared that many Saint Lucians trace their ancestry directly to Nigeria.

Her remarks came during a joint session of Saint Lucia’s bicameral parliament to welcome Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his state visit to the island nation.

Reynolds, drawing on archival British census data from 1815, revealed that a significant portion of the African-born enslaved population in Saint Lucia originated from Nigeria.

“Of the 16,282 enslaved people in Saint Lucia that year, 3,488 were born in Africa,” Reynolds said.

“Of these, 34 per cent were from Nigeria, 11 per cent from Nigeria-Cameroon, and 22 per cent from the Congo. The remaining 12,794 were born in Saint Lucia, with most of their forefathers coming from Sene-Gambia and Nigeria.”

Describing the visit as “historic,” Reynolds said it marks a symbolic reconnection with Africa, a continent whose people and culture are deeply woven into Saint Lucia’s identity.

“This mission to reunite us with our homeland and for our people to work together continues today. Your Excellency, Catholic priests from Nigeria have answered the call and come to Saint Lucia to serve, one of whom is our special guest this morning—Father Festus.”

She also paid tribute to Sir Darnley Alexander, a Saint Lucian who served as Nigeria’s Chief Justice between 1975 and 1979, highlighting yet another powerful link between the two nations.

Reynolds noted the significance of the date, adding: “Your address to this Parliament today could not have occurred at a more auspicious time, for today is World Parliament Day—an occasion to reflect on the essential role of Parliament and the service we provide as representatives to our people.”

In his response, Prime Minister Philip Pierre hailed President Tinubu’s visit as “a moment of freedom and celebration.” He echoed the emotional and cultural ties that bind Saint Lucia to West Africa.

“Our people have been separated, but nothing has ever been able to separate us spiritually and culturally from West Africa, where some of our ancestors came from and for whom our hearts continually yearn,” Pierre said.

He emphasized the pride of Saint Lucians in their African roots, stating: “We are African people who have made permanent homes for ourselves on this side of the Atlantic, on the hills and valleys of the plantations on which we were enslaved. But we have built these homes… in the service of all humanity, especially Africa, in whose direction we continually watch, wait, hope and pray for our future redemption.”

With characteristic humour, Pierre noted, “Our population is even smaller than Eti-Osa Local Government in Lagos,” but affirmed that Saint Lucia remains “a sovereign nation deeply connected to the world, Nigeria, and West Africa.”

He also lauded the contributions of the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia across various sectors, “We warmly welcome every Nigerian hand of support and embrace with gratitude their contributions to Saint Lucia’s cultural, social, and economic development. We are the richer for it.”

Looking ahead, Pierre referenced growing momentum in Africa-Caribbean ties following the 2021 Africa-CARICOM Summit. He listed potential areas for collaboration including fintech, tourism, renewable energy, medical services, sports, and cultural exchange.

Despite Saint Lucia attracting over a million tourists annually, Pierre noted that direct traffic from Nigeria remains minimal due to limited air connectivity. He proposed expanded partnerships, especially in sports like football and cricket, as well as medical and financial sectors.

The joint session was attended by regional leaders, diplomats, and top officials from across the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), reinforcing the growing significance of Africa-Caribbean diplomacy.

President Tinubu’s visit to Saint Lucia is part of his broader outreach to deepen ties between Nigeria and the Caribbean—a connection now rekindled with historical resonance and modern purpose.