SVG PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has renewed his call for stronger ties between Africa and the Caribbean, urging the establishment of visa-free travel across the two regions.
Speaking in Shashemene, Ethiopia, before Caribbean leaders, Ethiopian officials and members of the Rastafari community, Dr. Gonsalves said the initiative would build on earlier efforts between St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Ethiopia. He first raised the issue during a 2005 visit, when both countries agreed to work toward abolishing visa requirements.
“This policy should be elaborated and extended across the Africa and the Caribbean,” Gonsalves told the gathering.
The Vincentian leader also used the occasion to press the case for reparatory justice, insisting that despite the challenges, success is inevitable. “As sure as the sun rises, we will succeed with reparatory justice,” he declared.
Gonsalves described the meeting as historic, noting that it was the first time so many Caribbean leaders had come together in Ethiopia at once, particularly in Shashemene, which has long held symbolic importance for the Rastafari movement.
Ethiopia, he added, has maintained its commitment to that movement, pointing out that the government previously allocated 500 acres of land in Shashemene for members of the Rastafari community who wish to repatriate.
Visa free travel and weekly direct flights
I support that request fully
Imagine the tourism and business opportunities this could unlock very exciting!
This is a good idea but it wont happen
As a Rastafarian, I welcome this call. Shashemene has always symbolized a bridge between Africa and the Caribbean. It’s time governments finally remove the barriers that keep us apart
These speeches are inspiring, but will they translate into real policies? We’ve heard similar calls before. The Caribbean needs concrete agreements, not just words.
Yes! Visa-free travel would open doors for trade, culture, education and so much more. Long overdue.
Imagine students, entrepreneurs, and artists freely moving between Africa and the Caribbean. That’s the future.
Prime Minister Gonsalves is right to keep reparatory justice at the forefront. Europe and the former colonizers must be held accountable for the generational harm caused by slavery and colonialism