Delta North Senator and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriations, Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, recently welcomed Her Excellency, Ambassador Rosalyn Hazelle of St. Kitts and Nevis, to a private meeting in his Abuja office at the National Assembly.
Saint Kitts and Nevis is a country in the Caribbean with a population of over 400, 000 people. She got her independence on September 19, 1983, with the capital in Basseterre.
The meeting focused on critical issues around reparations for Africa and the African diaspora, as well as building economic ties between Nigeria and the Caribbean.
Senator Nwoko, known for his passionate advocacy for justice and equity for Africa, maintained his stance on reparations, calling it “long overdue and non-negotiable.”
Speaking during the meeting, Senator Nwoko reiterated his belief that Africa deserves a tangible apology backed by action from nations that profited from the transatlantic slave trade.
Ambassador Hazelle, a seasoned diplomat and former CEO of the St. Kitts Investment Promotion Agency, expressed her full support for Senator Nwoko’s position, describing reparations as a shared struggle.
She said that St. Kitts and Nevis share similar sentiments, having benefitted from such global discussions.
The meeting also delved into economic opportunities between Nigeria and the Caribbean nation.
Senator Nwoko emphasized the potential for partnerships in tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy, noting that such collaboration could create wealth and opportunities on both sides.
The reparations agenda, however, remained the central theme of the discussion, with both leaders agreeing that African nations and their diaspora counterparts must present a united front.
Senator Nwoko commended the Caribbean countries for their proactive stance on reparations and called for stronger synergy.
The meeting, which marked a significant diplomatic exchange between Saint Kitts and Nevis and Nigeria, focused on several key issues, including collaboration in various sectors, and opportunities for mutual growth.
Amb. Hazelle emphasized the need for continued dialogue on reparations, saying that Saint Kitts and Nevis has long been a vocal advocate for the redress of historical wrongs, especially about the transatlantic slave trade.
She highlighted the necessity of a united approach to addressing the legacies of colonialism and slavery, underscoring that such conversations were integral to global justice and healing.
She said, “I believe that cooperation between African nations and the Caribbean, particularly in matters of reparations, is essential to repairing past injustices.
She said: “Saint Kitts and Nevis is committed to supporting initiatives that bring awareness and solutions to this critical issue, and we are eager to collaborate with like-minded leaders such as Senator Nwoko in advancing these efforts.
The Former High Commissioner of Saint Kitts and Nevis to the United Kingdom also shared details about the growing opportunities in Saint Kitts and Nevis, particularly in relation to the country’s Citizenship by Investment Program.
She informed Senator Nwoko that Saint Kitts and Nevis offers visa-free access to over 160 countries, including the United Kingdom, making it an attractive destination for global investors and travellers.
She also highlighted her country’s success in education with 98% of the population and healthcare, noting that Saint Kitts and Nevis has trained numerous young Nigerians in medicine.
Many of these graduates she said have returned to Nigeria to practice, contributing to the development of Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
