The President of the Saint Lucian Senate, Alvina Reynolds, has revealed that a significant number of the island’s enslaved ancestors were Nigerians, reaffirming the deep historical ties between Saint Lucia and Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, following President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Saint Lucia on Monday.
Speaking during a joint session of the Lucian bicameral parliament, Reynolds quoted the outcome of a British census conducted on the island in 1815, which showed that many enslaved people brought to Saint Lucia originated from Nigeria.
“Of the 16,282 enslaved people in Saint Lucia that year, 3,488 were born in Africa. Of these, 34 percent were from Nigeria, 11 percent from Nigeria-Cameroon, and 22 percent from the Congo. The remaining 12,794 were born in Saint Lucia, with most of their forefathers coming from Senegambia and Nigeria,” she explained.
Reynolds described Tinubu’s visit to Saint Lucia as historic, saying it represents the rekindling of a shared heritage between Africa and the Caribbean.
She stressed that the painful history of the transatlantic slave trade, which lasted over 350 years, forged an enduring bond between both regions.
The Senate President also honoured Sir Darnley Alexander, a Saint Lucian-born legal icon who became Nigeria’s Chief Justice between 1975 and 1979, making him the only non-Nigerian to serve in that capacity since Nigeria’s independence.
“This mission, Your Excellency, continues with Catholic priests from Nigeria who have answered the call and come to Saint Lucia to serve, one of whom is our special guest this morning—Father Festus,” she added.
Recognising Tinubu’s efforts in defending democracy and promoting good governance, Reynolds expressed gratitude for his presence, noting that it coincided with World Parliament Day, a day dedicated to reflecting on the role of Parliament in society.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, in his remarks, described the State Visit as a moment of “freedom and celebration,” pointing to the unbroken spiritual and cultural ties between Saint Lucia and West Africa.
“Our people have been separated, but nothing has ever been able to separate us spiritually and culturally from West Africa, where some of our ancestors came from and for whom our hearts continually yearn,” he stated.
Pierre described Saint Lucia as “a small fragment of Africa,” where, according to him, “the genetic Nigerian connection cannot be erased, and a shared cultural chord cannot be broken.”
The Prime Minister acknowledged Nigeria’s contributions to Saint Lucia’s development, particularly in healthcare, religion, social services, tourism, and cultural growth.
He also reflected on the historical connections symbolised by literary figures such as Nobel laureates Wole Soyinka and Derek Walcott, as well as Sir Darnley Alexander’s landmark achievements in Nigeria’s judiciary.
Pierre welcomed partnerships with Nigeria in tourism, creative industries, sports development, fintech, air connectivity, and medical exchange programmes.
“Our appreciation of Nigerian musical taste and talent is deep, lasting, and strong,” he said, noting the popularity of Afrobeats and Nollywood films among Saint Lucian youths.
He concluded by expressing optimism for stronger ties at the upcoming Africa-CARICOM Summit in Ethiopia and extended an invitation for further engagements with Nigeria.
The joint session was attended by top leaders from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), including Heads of Government and senior officials from Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Martin.
