ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – 28th August 2023…. The Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission is proud to announce its commemorative activities for Africa-CARICOM Day 2023. This special occasion will be marked by a series of events aimed at celebrating the building of strong ties between Africa and CARICOM. At the heart of these celebrations is the Africa-CARICOM Summit scheduled for September 7th, which seeks to foster enhanced social and economic connections between these two global communities.
During the inaugural Africa/CARICOM Summit held on September 7th, 2021, CARICOM Heads made a momentous decision to institutionalize collaboration between Africa, CARICOM, and the diaspora. This was achieved through the establishment of Africa-CARICOM Day on September 7th each year, the creation of a dedicated Secretariat/Structure, and the organization of annual Africa-CARICOM Summits. Member States were strongly encouraged to support this initiative.
In line with this important initiative, the Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission (ABRSC) is honored to host Ms. Cyndi Marshall, known by her stage name Cyndi Celeste, a prominent Barbadian reparations activist. Ms. Marshall will participate in a compelling panel discussion titled ‘YOUTH AND REPARATIONS,’ set to be held on September 7th, 2023. This dynamic conversation will feature youth leaders engaging in a discourse on reparations and reparatory justice, aligning with CARICOM’s efforts to deepen relations with the African Union.
Ms. Cyndi Marshall is a distinguished spoken word poet, writer, and creative entrepreneur, recognized for her commitment to arts activism and language advocacy. Through her performance poetry and literary contributions, she fosters vital discussions on matters of identity and societal issues. An acclaimed poet, Ms. Marshall has garnered accolades, including the NIFCA award, and has represented Barbados on international platforms such as the Women of the World Poetry Slam in Texas, the 40th Poetry Market in France, and the Vrystaat Arts Festival in South Africa. Her literary works are featured in esteemed publications like the Caribbean Writer literary journal and the ArtsEtc NIFCA Winning Words Anthology.
Following the panel discussion, an engaging evening of Creative Activism awaits, where Ms. Marshall will collaborate with a collective of poets, artists, and musicians. This event will illuminate the power of creative arts as a tool for driving positive change.
Culminating the commemorative festivities is the debut of “Creative Voices,” an evening dedicated to poetry, spoken word, songs, and jazz music. The lineup includes outstanding performers such as Kadeem Joseph, Khadijah Simon, Zahra Airall, Glen Toussaint, Aisha Fayola, Michelle Toussaint, Kiyode Erasto, and more. Notably, the acclaimed poet Cyndi Celeste from Barbados will also grace the stage. This captivating event is set to take place on Friday, September 8th, 2023, at JULIE’S on Cross and Tanner Streets, commencing at 8pm.
We extend a warm invitation to the general public to join us in commemorating Africa-CARICOM Day 2023 through both the enlightening Youth Panel discussion and the vibrant Creative Voices event. Let us come together as Antigua and Barbuda celebrates the enduring bonds between Africa and CARICOM.
