Minister Lightbourne At Africa-CARICOM Summit
Home Affairs Minister Alexa Lightbourne is currently attending the Africa-CARICOM Summit in Ethiopia, with the Government stating that “the Summit is a pivotal event in the Government’s strategic pursuit of full membership in the Caribbean Community [CARICOM].”
A Government spokesperson said, “The Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Alexa Lightbourne JP, MP, is leading Bermuda’s delegation at the 2nd Africa-CARICOM Summit, taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from September 6 – 8, 2025.
“Hosted by the African Union Commission, the Summit is a pivotal event in the Government’s strategic pursuit of full membership in the Caribbean Community [CARICOM].
“The event has brought together a distinguished gathering of global leaders, that includes UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the President of Angola and Chairperson of the African Union, H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, among other African and Caribbean Heads of Government/State.
“And Minister Lightbourne’s presence in Addis Ababa underscores Bermuda’s commitment to not only strengthening its ties within the Caribbean family but also to engaging with Africa on a broader, more impactful scale. These include discussions with the Bahamas Prime Minister the Hon. Philip “Brave” Davis, K.C., Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. the Hon. Ralph Everard Gonsalves and Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Hon. Gaston Browne.
About the 2nd Africa-CARICOM Summit:
“This year’s Summit, under the theme “Transcontinental Partnership in Pursuit of Reparatory Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” is the first in-person gathering of its kind.
“It follows the inaugural virtual summit held in 2021, and provides a crucial platform for Afri-Caribbean leaders to discuss shared challenges and forge a common agenda on issues ranging from debt sustainability and climate change to food security and the establishment of a transatlantic air route.
“While Bermuda’s current status as an observer limits formal participation in all plenary sessions, the Minister is attending key events to advocate on behalf of the island, demonstrating the value of a direct voice for Bermuda on the world stage.”
Minister Lightbourne said, “As descendants of Africa, dispersed across oceans by history, our gathering in Addis Ababa carries profound meaning.
“The voices we carry from home, and the voices of the diaspora in places such as Shashemene, call Bermuda to build a future anchored in justice, equity, and solidarity, with our Caribbean and African brothers and sisters.
“The strength of this moment lies in connection. Connection between our island and the wider Caribbean family. Connection between the Caribbean and Africa. And connection between all the diaspora communities who keep alive the memory of our shared struggle and the possibility of our shared future.”
A Government spokesperson added, “Minister Lightbourne is accompanied on this visit by the Ministry of Home Affairs Permanent Secretary, Pandora Glasford.”
We await the action plan after such cordial meetings with heads of state.I feel confident she can get it done.
Have all the African elite historic tribal leaders and warlords who sold their own slaves and captured other tribes people and sold them for profit been identified? Was this discussed , or is this boondoggle an attempt to rewrite history?
We trust that the Minister will be producing a report very shortly listing the costs to the taxpayers for this expensive junket plus what benefits Bermuda will get from her travels besides photo ops she gets from her travels.
How many potholes could have been filled for the cost of her and her tag-a-longs at public expense trip?
Attendance at these events keeps you up to date. Time to grow up. You don’t hear a word about British or American leadership and theircost. It comes with the job. Establishing relationships like this also helps Bermudians indirectly when Bermudians have an issue overseas. You can look at your profile list and make a contact to have it resolved or receive advice as to the best person to go to. In plain language it comes with the job.Bet you don’t say a word about the Governor’s travels.
So what did we get out of this or others? Be honest….
By “we” I assume you mean the PLP Government.
We got to go to Ethiopia and we continue our strategic pursuit of full membership in the Caribbean Community.
“You don’t hear a word about British or American leadership and their cost.”
You do if you read British or American news.
What is missing from all these tax payer paid holidays that apparently benefit Bermuda, is there is never any mention in Bermuda as to what was discussed and put forward to benefit Bermuda. Pretty photo ops for Ministers to justify the trip, but where does Bermuda and Bermudians benefit? Total silence.
Reminds me of a Yes Minister episode when a school girl asked the Prime Minister what he has actually achieved. Waffled about meetings and committees, but couldn’t say one actual achievement.
I am sure the Minister will offer the explanation you seek in the fullness of time, when the moment is ripe, when the necessary procedures have been completed. Nothing precipitate, of course.