ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada — THE African continent is increasingly being viewed as the next frontier for the Caribbean Community’s economic growth, but Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew says political will is essential to removing longstanding barriers to free movement and trade.
Speaking at the 4th Africa-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum, Dr. Drew called on leaders across the Caribbean to dismantle the obstacles hindering cooperation between the two regions, pointing to building open skies, seas, and systems that allow for seamless travel, trade, and exchange between Africa and the Caribbean.
“What we need now is the political courage and the operational know-how to transform that potential into shared prosperity," Dr Drew stated.
He stressed that trade between Africa and the Caribbean remains at an unsatisfactorily low level, despite the shared historical and cultural ties.
Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), echoed Drew’s sentiments, noting that the two regions have significant untapped potential—particularly in the global food sector.
Dr. Jules noted that the Caribbean imports 80 percent of its food while Africa holds 60 percent of the world’s available arable land. “We have the opportunity to reshape global food systems if the right investments and opportunities are created.”
He also highlighted the need for more robust institutional trade frameworks, pointing to a recent agreement to establish an Africa-Caribbean Commission as a step in the right direction.
For Dr. Drew, the vision forward rests not only on infrastructure but also leadership and strategy with a view to building the bridge that will lead us to economic prosperity.
