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PJ Patterson Institute for Africa Caribbean Advocacy hosts inaugural symposium

Published:Thursday | April 4, 2024 | 12:07 AM
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PJ Patterson (left), Statesman in Residence, PJ Patterson Institute for Africa-Caribbean Public Advocacy, greets H.E. Fermin Quinones Sanchez, Cuban Ambassador to Jamaica, at The UWI PJ Patterson Institute for Africa-Caribbean Public Advocacy Symposium und
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PJ Patterson (left), Statesman in Residence, PJ Patterson Institute for Africa-Caribbean Public Advocacy, greets H.E. Fermin Quinones Sanchez, Cuban Ambassador to Jamaica, at The UWI PJ Patterson Institute for Africa-Caribbean Public Advocacy Symposium under the theme, ‘Strengthening Cooperation Between African & Caribbean States: Facing The Challenges, Creating Solutions’, at the UWI Regional Headquarters on Wednesday, March 20.
From right: Prof Sir Hilary Beckles, vice-chancellor, The UWI; Prof Anthony Bougues, Asa Messar professor and director, Centre of Slavery and Justice, Brown University; PJ Patterson, Statesman in Residence, PJ Patterson Institute for Africa-Caribbean Publ
Contributed
From right: Prof Sir Hilary Beckles, vice-chancellor, The UWI; Prof Anthony Bougues, Asa Messar professor and director, Centre of Slavery and Justice, Brown University; PJ Patterson, Statesman in Residence, PJ Patterson Institute for Africa-Caribbean Public Advocacy; Sandrea Maynard, pro vice chancellor, Global Affairs, UWI; Sir Kenneth Hall; Prof Aldrie Henry Lee, pro vice chancellor, Graduate Studies & Research; and Prof Michael Taylor, dean, Faculty of Science & Technology, UWI, at The UWI PJ Patterson Institute for Africa-Caribbean Public Advocacy Symposium under the theme, ‘Strengthening Cooperation Between African & Caribbean States: Facing The Challenges, Creating Solutions’, at the UWI Regional Headquarters on Wednesday, March 20.
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The PJ Patterson Institute for Africa-Caribbean Advocacy hosted its inaugural symposium at the UWI Regional Headquarters on Wednesday, March 20.

Addressing the gathering, PJ Patterson, patron of the institute, underscored the importance of the symposium in charting a course towards enhanced cooperation, noting: “This inaugural symposium seeks to face the challenges and find creative solutions as we move forward to strengthen cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean.” Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley shared that: “The pursuit of reparative justice demands we stand together as partners and allies, amplifying our voice and advancing our common interests on the global stage.”

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former president of Nigeria, extolling the historical bonds between the two regions, said: “The ties between the Caribbean and Africa run deep,” he affirmed, “forged by a shared history, culture, oppression, and identity.” He expressed concern that both regions have not invested enough in critical areas to improve development and improve the lives of the citizens significantly.

Pro Vice-Chancellor of UWI Sir Hilary Beckles spoke of the pivotal role of the PJ Patterson Institute for Africa-Caribbean Advocacy as it collaborates with the university in advancing collective interests, emphasising the commitment to nurturing a synergistic partnership at this crucial time for Global Africa. “This 21st century will be the century of reparatory justice, African diaspora solidarity and institution building. This is now the moment!”

The symposium addressed several themes including skill and digital transformation, advancing Africa Caribbean cooperation, climate mitigation, policy perspectives and the impact of artificial intelligence.

The event was attended by a distinguished cohort comprising current and former heads of state from both the Caribbean and Africa, alongside eminent academic luminaries.