AQUARIAN CONSULT'S AFRI-CARIBBEAN INVESTMENT SUMMIT 2026 CLOSING CEREMONY (DAY SIX)

0:00 on the plants and the space. >> You have three coconut and three CCBM plants. We plant them with feed here. >> The genesis of this comes from understanding that to trade you must know each other. Mr. Duggin and I [music] decided to do cultural exchange which started with young adults. >> We Africa [music] and the Caribbean could finally start reopening roots and creating that corridor. Our tree is called Wi-Fi [music] because our countries have a good connection. [applause]

0:49 Heat.

1:45 I've got

3:13 Boom. Boom.

4:24 Good morning, your excellencies, very distinguished attendees, ladies and gentlemen. Women, what an honor it is to warmly welcome you, distinguished diplomats, captains of industry, visionary entrepreneurs, and all stakeholders committed to Afre Caribbean progress. Over the next few days, robust celebrations, high level dialogues, strategic partnerships, and transformative conversations will take center stage and redefine the trajectory of African relations for generations to come. Thank you for believing in the concept that not many people believe in. Last year on the first day, I said to everyone, "Welcome to the beginning of your future." Today, I'm proud to say that we're in that future. Though our

5:10 tongues may differ, our rhythm is the same. Our vision is the same, and our voice is one. welcome once again and we absolutely look forward [music] to connecting with you and everyone else this week. Thank you.

6:22 Good morning ladies and gentlemen. Please stand for the national anthems of Nigeria and St. Kits and Neas. Nigeria we will [singing] be our own land. [singing] Who tri [music and singing] in brother [singing] we stand [music] [singing] and proud to serve a [music] sovereign [singing] mother the land.

7:08 Our flag [music] shall be a symbol [singing] that truth and [music] justice r [singing] in peace [music] all battle to all and [singing and music] this we count us to [music] hang on to [singing] our children and burn [music] our stain. [singing] Oh [music] God of all creation, [singing] grant peace our request. [music]

7:54 Help [singing] us to build a nation when [singing and music] no man is oppressed. >> [music] >> And so with peace and plenty [singing] Nigeria may be blessed. [music] Oh land of beauty, [singing] a country where peace above thy [singing and music] children stand free on the strength of will and [singing] love [music] with God in all our struggles.

8:42 Saint [music and singing] Kids and Spation bound [music] together with common destiny. [music] The strong [music] we stand for justice. [music] But with wisdom [singing] and truth we will serve and honor thee. >> [music] >> Nothing we can [singing] coner for God will show you [music]

9:27 his blessing shall forever [music] to stand. [music] Thank you. Please be seated. Prime Minister of St. Kits and Neas honorable Dr. Terren Drew director general Organization of the Eastern Caribbean States Oasis Dr. Diticus Jules Honorable Samuel Duggin Minister of Agriculture Fisheries and Marine Resources of St. Kitsand Neas. Honorable John Osborne, Minister of Agriculture, Lands Housing Environment Youth Affairs, and Sports, Monserat. Honorable

10:12 Roland Roya, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, Dominica. Honorable Lenox Andrews, Minister of Agriculture and Lands, Forestry, Blue Economy, and Marine Resources. Honorable Kyle Hajj, Minister of Agriculture, Angula. Honorable Assad Muhammad, Minister of State for Agriculture, Somalia. Dr. Kyle Dawson, Deputy Speaker, British Virgin Islands Assembly. Miss Aisha Mayna, Group Managing Director, Aquarian Consult Limited. Ladies, gentlemen, leaders, innovators, and partners in progress. Good morning. >> Good morning.

10:58 >> Good morning and welcome to day six. This is the final day of the AfroCaribbean Investment Summit 2026. Over the past several days, we have witnessed something wonderful unfold. Not just dialogue, but direction. Not just ideas, but intention. Not just connection, but commitment. We have built bridges across continents, sparked new possibilities, and strengthened the bonds between Africa and the Caribbean. And [clears throat] today, we bring it all together. Because this is not just a closing. This is a launchpad for what comes next. I'm Ka Beridge, and I have been honored to serve as your co-host as we conclude this extraordinary journey.

11:44 I now introduce you to my amazing co-host, Avi the Host. Thank you, Ka. Your excellencies, very distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. Good morning. And so it begins, the beginning of the end, the grand finale and the closing ceremony of the 2026 Aquarian Consult Afrearibbean Investment Summit. Over the past few days, we've engaged in robust conversations and meaningful deliberations. Ideas have been exchanged, partnership formed, and a clear path forward has begun to take shape. We didn't just talk, we connected. We aligned, and we move closer to a shared future. One voice, one vision, advancing AfroCaribbean

12:30 unity. My name is A, the host. A is a tribal name from the T tribe of the people of Benway State, Nigeria. And Ave means God has blessed us. I am blessed and honored to stand before you on this final day as a co-master of ceremony for this event. >> Ladies and gentlemen, to set the tone for this final day, we begin with a celebration of culture and identity. Our next performer represents the vibrant spirit of the Caribbean and proudly so from St. Kitsand Neas. He is a dynamic talent whose artistry reflects the rhythm, creativity, and cultural richness of our people. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Vikl Edwards Douglas, a proud son of St. Kits and

13:18 NeAs. [applause] Good morning everyone and please allow me to adopt the protocol which has been so aly established setting the tone for our event today. Just before I begin, I

14:05 want to state that my piece today entitled the vows of the transatlantic would have been inspired by the transatlantic bridge connection between sits and Nigeria. >> [music] >> They said distance divides, but they never listened closely enough to the language of water. Because oceans don't separate, they remember.

14:51 And today as we gather, not just for a meeting, not just for a summit, but for a union, a sacred joining, a transatlantic marriage between a mother and a memory, between roots and the branches that deared to go oceans over Nigeria. The heartbeat, the drum before the dance, the story before it was scattered into syllables. [music] St. Kits and Neas, the Gibralar, the rhythm that survived the storm, the song that refused to forget its lyrics. And oh, how they have found each other again. Across the tide that once carried pain,

15:36 now carrying freedom and wealthy rain. Across waves that once cried out from loss, now shouting legacy. Today the Atlantic is not just water. It is an aisle and history is walking us down. Do you, Nigeria, keeper of ancestry, giver of names and holder of fire, take these islands born of sun, sand and sea, resilience forged from struggle to be your partner in purpose to teach them not just where they came from, but who they have always been. And do you, saint kits and neas, small in size yet vast and abundant of culture

16:24 and color, carry the courage of those who turn survival into sovereignty. Take this continent, this origin, this oracle to be your guide and your grounding to remember that your story didn't begin in separation but in strength. Then let these drums speak. Let the ancestors rise in applause. Let the winds carry this vow that from Abuja to Bastia, from Logos to Charles Town, that we are not divided by the Atlantic. We are defined by it. Because this bridge we build today is not made of steel. It is made of bloodlines, of

17:11 culture, of memory that refuse to drown. It is built in the laughter that sounds the same on both sides of the sea. In the dances that mirror each other without rehearsal. In the names that echo in history even when history tried to rename us. This is not just a reconnection. This is recognition and knowing a returning a claiming of rhythm of royalty of right. So let this marriage be loud. Let it be proud. Let it be fruitful beyond imagination. Let it be a birth of opportunity to ignite youth. Rewrite our future.

17:58 Let the flow of the tide, let culture move like current. Let our unity through togetherness stand like a lighthouse, unshakable, undeniable, and unbreakable. Because what was once taken has now been transformed [music] into togetherness. What was once distance is now destiny. And what was once silence now speaks. We are one. Signed by the ancestors, sealed by the sea, delivered by this generation. Fearless enough to believe that bridges

18:45 don't just connect lands. They also connect our souls. Heat. Heat.

19:43 When we can't sing one in a world filled with love. [music] Thank you. A round of applause, ladies and gentlemen. >> [applause] >> You know, I'd always heard that sound, but for some reason I thought it came from a piano. I had to ask Carla. And Carla, um, that's the instrument that

20:28 she said it's the steel pan, right? Did you know that? If this is your first time seeing it, can I see your hand so I don't feel too bad? Oh, great. We're plenty. Thank you. [laughter] Beautiful. I love to see speaking as a grace. It's not easy standing in front of a huge crowd and being able to express yourself as excellently as Vikail did. It's a round of applause for him. Very passionate. I was telling Carla, I was like, we might as well just hand over the mic to anchor the rest of the event. He did so well. Ladies and gentlemen, get ready for a voice that carries the soul of the Caribbean and the spirit of a rising star. From Grenada to the global stage,

21:13 she blends pop, dance hall, and soul into a sound that is powerful, that is passionate, and is deeply real, not your regular island girl. Distinguished guests, ladies and join gentlemen, join me as I welcome the very beautiful, energetic, and talented your superstar, my new friend, Cole Bad. A round of applause for Cole. Thank you so much, beautiful Ava. Standing on protocol, already established, distinguished guest, delegates, good morning everyone. Pablo, get the music started, man. So, I'm going to give you a taste of the Caribbean

21:58 contemporary Caribbean music. Little SOA. This one [music] is called In Blood. Put your hands up. Hands up. Put your hands up. Put your hands up. >> We got the energy to turn up your party. We got flow to make her drop your ways down low. up in this party. You know we give you the we got the soul to make your body lose control. So jump with we. I say come and take a jump with me. Set [music] yourself free. I say come and take a jump with. So jump with. I say come and take a jump with yourself. >> Turn up the music. Come on.

22:44 Are we ready to [music] We're ready for the [music] love in the air. No, we [music and singing] don't care. We don't care. We don't care. We don't care. We love you. Turn it up. Listen to the Caribbean. Listen. Big up for some people from the Caribbean islands in the house right now. [music] Big up my African family. How many times? So this one is called Can't Take [music] This From Me and I sang it earlier when I just arrived here on the motherland.

23:31 Hope you [music] enjoy this one. >> [music] >> Paradise high. No, I'm not coming down. Way up above the ground. I'm caught. Destined for greatness. [music] Put in the work and win. I feel like the baddest chick. Oh lord. And you can't take this from me. Take this from me. Can't take this. [music] Can't take this from me. Oh no. You can't listen manifesting glory. We don't want to hear no stories cuz they talk they cheap and mind them can't reap what they suffer. But my whole self first then my only [music]

24:18 pain I hurt. Got to go got to get this money dedicated to the money. Hey know I'm not coming [music] down way up above the ground. on God destined for greatness. Put in a work and win. I feel like the baddest chick. Oh [music] Lord, and you can't take this from me. Aquarium, consult what you saying. Can't take this from me. Oh no, you can't take this from me. Sovereign know you want it. Holy mind control and bad showing. Open your mouth. Never saw my soul for the world. Got a double down Do the mathematics added up the So I

25:04 move my energy from it. Rise to another level. Can't stop the shine. Shifting with the timeline. This [singing] was it. And now it's over. Thank you. Now the hunger [singing] growing even stronger. >> [singing] >> down high. No, [music] I'm not coming [singing] down. Way up above the ground. On God, destined for greatness. Put in a working win. I feel like the baddest chick all and you can't take

25:49 this from me. Take [music] this from me. Can't take this. Can't take this from me. Oh no, you can't take this from me. [singing] Take [music] this from me. Can't take this. Can't take this from me. Oh no, you can't take this from me. What we got next? Pablo. I like to switch it up. In Grenada. I'm known to be one of the most versatile, dynamic artists. So when I do SOA, I do it [music] my way. M. Come on on the dance floor. You don't even have to speak. [singing] Bring your body closer. Let me be your motivation. We will dance

26:35 until we see the sun [singing] fire. Fire. Oh, come let me live it up. We live in love. [music] We live in love. We live the crazy crazy life. This crazy crazy life we live. Listen. [music] Oh yeah. Yeah. Let's go. Let the music take us [music] higher. Oh yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Let me be your most efficient. We will dance till we see the [music] sun. Today is the day. Living the way we filter. We live in [music] love.

27:20 We live long living. We live the crazy [music] crazy life. This crazy crazy life. We live. Oh, what you doing here? If you're not living the life, hey, you should have no fear when you are living [music] tonight. We don't even care. We just living. Oh, what you doing here? Come down. We live it up. We live in LA. I want to say thank you to Korean consult. I want to say thank you to the Kisha, my new Katition family. I want to say thank you to my sponsors from

28:06 Grenada, the Spice Island. It's such an honor and such a privilege to be here. Thank you so much. Enjoy the rest of your the legend we call bad. Ladies and gentlemen, >> [music] [screaming] >> Take away the pressure. >> Period. Another display of Caribbean talents. Another round of applause for Cole. [applause] Ladies and gentlemen, as we reflect on the past few days, it is important that we capture not only what was said, but what will be done. This next segment highlights the key insights, commitments

28:51 and the strategic directions that have emerged from this summit. Please join me in welcoming Emanuel Ehiga Metto, manager of Price Waterhouse Coopers to prevent to present summit outcomes. Good morning your excellencies, distinguished guests of phoners. Um permit me to stand on the already established protocols. Um my name is Emanuel Igto as already introduced. I'm a manager with Prizewaters Coopers PWC Nigeria. PWC we are proud knowledge

29:40 partners of the AACIS and madam we want to say that with what we've seen today this year we want to continue to be your support and your partners so do not even have a second thought in terms of who your consulting partners would be we happy to support the Afrey Caribbean collaboration let me start by welcome you all to this which I I want to say unfortunately it's the last day for me it's miss feelings I'm sad and I'm happy sad because we're going to be ending the summit today um so all of those useful insights the key takeaways um we won't have to come here tomorrow to continue but I'm happy because like

30:25 the MC said is a launch pad it's time for us to now execute some of these things that we've said some of the solutions the initiatives that have been profiled by the speakers it's time to go on and to start bringing those initiatives to light. So I'm happy. I don't know what about you happy or sad that we're ending today. I guess we all happy. So my role today is is short and simple to present some of the outcomes. We've said a lot. We've had different panel sessions. There've been fire set chart. There've been keynote presentation. So what are some of those big things that we have said that we must do to you know foster the Africa collaboration? That's what I will present today. But just before I go into those outcomes, let me quickly do a rundown of how day one day well five went. Day one

31:13 was focused on the creative economy. The emphasis was on narrative control, infrastructure, co-production and IP sovereignty and then there was of course signing of the MOU film partnership to strengthen the AfroCaribbean storytelling. They too was focused again on controlling the AfroCaribbean narrative. We must be able to tell our story. How has story been told? Has it been the right way? And how do we then tell this story to capture just the way we want it to be to be told? So that was really the key focus on day two. And then day three was largely around agriculture and trade cooperation. I'm sure we remember. Um the focus was on food security, food sovereignty, climate smart financing,

31:59 regulatory reforms and of course African Caribbean trade synergy. And one data point from day three was there is a 15 to 20 billion AfroCaribbean agriculture trade potential. So we must tap into this opportunity. The four this was around industrialization uh of course really heavy on health. Um the panelists covered topics around import substitution, manufacturing and other topics including cancer, eye health and sec cell. Um if you're an investor here we also informed that investments has been identified as a high return on investment sector. So let's look into

32:45 that as well. And finally yesterday day five was centered on the role of private sector technology and of course efficient payment system mobilizing private sector leadership. Speaker stressed that the private sector must drive the integration agenda while we continue to encourage government to provide the level playing ground enabling environment for this integration to thrive. So that's overview of the one to5. Now what are some of those big belts those initiatives that came out from the sessions on creative economy? We've been told to identify the AfroCaribbean the Caribbean region as not just a market but a corridor. So we

33:30 must build a trans Atlantic creative corridor Afro Caribbean. And then we must establish an Afro Caribbean creative fund. We must strengthen our IP protection. We must develop regional creative ops, world-class studios and of course talent pipelines. And then there's need to expand cultural diplomacy, build artist mobility frameworks via visal equipment movement and exchange programs of course and of course promote narrative ownership, upgrade our digital infrastructure for creators across both regions. So these were some big bets some initiatives around the creative economy. And if we go to agriculture, trade and economic integration.

34:18 The initiatives include the need to commission studies for direct flights, shipping routes and trans shipment hubs, ammonized custom frameworks and technical regulations. Then we need to develop develop a unified Africa trade database. Of course, you know, data is key. Build investable trade ecosystems, expand market access via duty-free pathways across agriculture, textiles and other visual goods, local value addition, as well as develop agriculture strategies, fund investment, and improve logistics. Fantastic. Ladies and gentlemen, I've just been

35:03 informed that this year 125 registered delegates. Please can we give oursel a round of applause? Over 8,100 registered delegates. So the reward for good work they say is what? More work. So we want to see over 2,000 registered delegates next year. It's achievable. Madam, I see you smiling. Can we do that? Yes, we can. Okay. So on earth um which was the focus of uh the session on Wednesday um we need to build regional diagnostic ops and cancer care pathways introduce ring fence budgets for cancer and NCDS scale high health commitments integrate I care into PHC we need to

35:51 develop local manufacturing for medical consumables and vaccines and there's also need to operationalize bone marrow transplant and gene therapy units for SED, launch newborn screening and access to hydro ura and automated RBC exchange and of course prepare national commitment for the global IE summit in 2026. So finally on governance policy reform and institutional coordination some of the big initiatives that came out from what we've discussed include the need to establish working groups and steering committees for agriculture for trade for creative industries and investment. And it is also need to conduct an investment

36:37 execution gap analysis where we map the bottlenecks um solutions and of course timelines to achieving all of these things that we've said. Then there's also the need to create and harmonize regulatory frameworks across the AU carryom and OECs. Implement shared diplomatic missions of course to reduce cost and increase coordination. Develop dashboards and monthly reporting structure. So this is really about how we track all of these things that we said we're going to do. So what's the execution that we're going to put in place and finally promote predictable policy environment to strengthen investor confidence. Now there are four big imperatives that will drive all of this um initiatives. The first is trust which we said is a

37:24 consistent theme across the the five days. Um around this we talked about more inerson engagement. Of course, you need to know the person you're dealing with at across both ends. So, we need to interact more. We need to build more inerson engagement. So, trust is key. The second thing is that this must be private sector led as I said earlier while we encourage governments to provide enabling policy. Storytelling cannot be overemphasized. So, we must own our narrative and of course execution gaps. And I I'll land by um recapping one of the things that madame said that this summit is different from other summit. This is not just a talk shop. This summit is really focused on execution. Um is focused on

38:11 bringing all of these initiatives to light. So that's the difference between this summit and the other. And of course while she was speaking she already gives some of those achievements that um we have been able to you know um bring to bear from the last time till now. So as we as I take my leave on PWC's perspective, we think that we must institutionalize commitments which we've already started by signing of the MOU so far. Some of these programs um that we've said we must activate them in terms of develop pilot projects that we can test run in Africa and of course the Caribbean. We must build capacity and most importantly be able to trace results um execute and of course implement all of these things

38:56 that we have said. So um thank you once again ladies and gentlemen. We have of course a very detailed report. Um my team and I sitting I'm must have been asking the people sitting by your right there are my colleagues from PWC. So we've done a detailed communicate. We have a deep report which we will present to the Aquarian Consulting. But this is just some of the tidbits and outcomes from this session. Thank you and enjoy the rest of your day. [applause] Thank you Miss Emanuel from PWC for those insights and recommendations. We look forward to the next I can't be the only one looking forward to the next

39:42 summit. Am I the only one? If you're looking for, can you just wave your hand? Yes. And it will be even bigger and better. Still in the spirit of culture, still in the spirit of rhythm, and still in the spirit of connection, our next performer is a dynamic cultural artist who blends African and Caribbean heritage through music, rhythm, and storytelling. Rooted in traditional sounds, reae and spoken word, his art carries a powerful message of identity, unity, and cultural preservation. Inspired by the meaning of sanca, which means to return and to reclaim, his performances fuse ancestral influence with modern expression. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, taking us

40:29 forward in entertainment, if I dare say the most popular person at this summit, let's welcome Sancofa Makavee. A round of applause for him. [applause and cheering] Bless. Sorry. Blessing, sister. Give thanks. Give thanks. You're giving thanks every time. Give thanks to the almighty father, his son, Emmanuel, the Messiah, and Emperor. That's the first. We give thanks. I have to recognize our prime minister. That's the first person have to come out of my mouth. The second person is Miss Maya her foundation doing works you know to bring people together in Africa. It's a wonderful works being on a first flight

41:15 like a commercial flight like a charter flight to Africa is like a dream come true. This one the most happiest day of my life week of my life. That's the first thing [music] >> Abuja. >> Yeah. If you love Africa like this African unity [music] so much war, so much pain and suffering so many kings come sleep after a storm [music]

42:00 make a brand new Open yourself talking to the [singing] east side. I'm talking to the west side to the south side. Let's come together. Talking [music] to the east side. I'm talking to the west side. Talking to the south side. Let's come together. [singing] M Africa calling me. Ma calling you. Let's put times out [music] and be together. Wo! Mama Africa calling me. Mama Africa calling you. [music] Let's put times out and be together. We don't want no war crimes. We don't want

42:48 our security. What about international morality? Love for humanity with simplicity. We don't want no fame or vanity. All we want is peace and security. What about international mality? Love for humanity with [music] simplicity. Ma calling me Africa calling you. Let's put hands out and be together. Wo! Mama Africa calling me. Mama Africa calling you. Let's put hands out and be together. Hey DJ, >> DJ, >> I want you to stop this song because my reality, the words of the song mean

43:34 Wait, wait, wait. DJ, we're not going to be long. I just want to say something. I forgot to mention Sam Duggin. And it bleed in your heart. You see it? Because this man make everything happen for me personally. I apologize, brethren. Give thanks for your wife. Give thanks for everyone. And I can't not remember this woman here, you know, Miss Hazel. She being like a grandmother to me. She's from my area. Very important person in this country. And bless up her daughter Roslin. Thanks for standing up for me when I needed to. And I want to just finish off my song ac cappella cuz the

44:21 words is more important than anything else. And because the rhythm is not set right, I want to the people them to hear what the song is saying. At the last verse I'm saying, we no one want no crimes. We no want tight. Come read all this love right and we shall be together. Black people, let's unite and stop with this force and fight. All we got to do is right and we shall be together. Wo mama calling me. I want I say that calling me. Let's put hands out and be

45:08 together. M Africa calling me. Mama Africa calling you. [singing] Thank you Dr. Joe. Let's put our hands out and be together. Oh my Africa calling me be together. I struggling from far been through so much war so much pain and suffering. So many scares. We build the parable. What is the reward? Oh kings and queen come slman farm after a storm got to be a comeless pass full time we rise take a brand new start hope yourself in a clear new part

45:57 blessed morning you know to each and everyone honorable prime minister honorable minister impress give thanks for the moment you know we say how good and how pleasant it is for virgin and sister to dwell together in perfect love and 90. It's like a precious ointment running down the head. Even to Aaron's sp that went up to the skirts of his garment. It's like [music] a doorman that descended upon the holy mountain of Zion. Where the highest philosophers commanded the blessings, even life forever more. Christ said, "Where two and three are gathered in my name, there shall I be?" So, we just come to bless the place because it's a good feeling to be in Nigeria. So we just give thanks, you know. Yeah, man. Hey, listen.

46:45 And we just meit [music] in the midst of the congregation was his majesty guiding I and I spiritually. He said just the other day me and some [music] meditation in the midst of the congregation was his majesty guiding I spiritually. is house of Judah. Do not be afraid. These [music] are the things that you must do. Speak the truth. Come together. Just love one another. Let the judgment of the house be [music] to be never against each other. Black

47:30 people [music] love one another. [music] Oh Judah meditation in the midst of the congregation [music] was his majesty guiding spiritually teach [music] [music] inspir ation demon give to we one God, one ear and our one destiny. Yeah manifest. We're just going to sing one last song and we're going to be going forward and

48:17 we just ask for the protection of the [music] most high and each and every one of us and let him guide I and I are special people everybody that they are special you know. Yeah. [music] Not your political circumstances cuz [music] he say everyone. Hey, stop again. Stop again. Stop again with the rhythm. DJ, [music] pull up the pull up the rhythm. Pull up. Pull up the rhythm all together. I realize I I'm in a set for that and I want to the people them to understand what I'm I'm saying that's more important to me

49:04 cuz this is a very big song and I want the people them to hear the words of this song. Geopolitical circumstances cuz in our crisises they don't want to see poor people rise. They want to keep poor people [music] down geopolitical circumstances. Yeah. Cuz in our world crisis, they don't want to see poor people. They want to keep poor [music and singing] people down. They take us from and put us in our plantation. Take away spirituality and give us religion. Who are the subs?

49:50 realm. I don't want to hear my people cry. Black people can't take no more geopolitical circumstances. Cuz in our crisis, they don't want to see poor people rise. They want to keep poor [singing] people down. So we know no more push. Why don't conquer while they raise the stakes high with them free trade world trade slave trade organization come with all them guns and all them jobs

50:36 and them nuclear weapon them have the people caught up in a confusion I don't want to hear my people crying no I can't see my children die suffering for so long. So geopolitical circumstances cuz in our crisis they don't want to see poor people rise. They want to see poor people. If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,

51:23 then shall I hear from Zion and I will forgive their sins and heal the land. Now my eyes shall be open and my ear shall attain to the prayer that is made in this place. For now have I chosen to sanctify this house that my name shall be there forever and my eyes and my heart shall be there perpetual skit. Big up the SK delegation Jo [screaming] Rafar and give thanks for our ministers and government leaders and sister Mina. Enough respect Africa unite. Thank you to Sancopa Makabe and Shiloh for that wonderful spirited and

52:10 spiritual performance. Ladies and gentlemen, turn with me to the screens as we view a video. It's a special presentation highlighting moments from this remarkable summit. Good morning, your excellencies, very distinguished attendees, ladies and gentlemen. What an honor it is to warmly welcome you, distinguished diplomats, captains of industry, visionary entrepreneurs, and [music] all stakeholders committed to Afrearibbean progress. Over the next few days, robust

52:56 celebrations, high level dialogues, strategic partnerships, and transformative conversations will take center stage and redefine the trajectory of African relations for generations to come. Thank you for believing in the concept that not many people believe in. Last year on the first day, I said to everyone, "Welcome to the beginning of your future." Today, I'm proud to say that we're in that future. Though our tongues may default, our rhythm is the same. Our vision is the same and our voice is one. Welcome once again and we absolutely look forward [music] to connecting with you and everyone else this week. Thank you.

54:02 Hey, [music] hey hey. Heat. Heat. [music]

54:57 Fire God. [cheering] Hey. Good afternoon everyone. Please I'd like to make welcome for Mr. Luav. He uh works with the location [music] parks and gardens and he'll give us a walk through on the plants and the space.

55:45 >> You have three coconut and three CCB plants. So we plant them into feed here. >> The genesis of this [music] comes from understanding that to trade you must know each other. Mr. Duggin and I decided to do a cultural exchange [music] which started with young adults. where Africa and the Caribbean could finally [music] start reopening its roots and creating that corridor. >> Our tree is called Wi-Fi because our countries have a good connection. [applause and music]

56:32 >> [music] >> Hey guys, my name is Cole Valdeo. I'm from the Isisle of Spice Grenada and it's such a pleasure to be here at Aquarian [music] Consult Aacis 2026. My name is Aaria Vanipul and I'm the personal assistant/communications officer for the honorable Samuel Duggin for Sinkitanis. [music] My name is Karenia Rouse and I'm the chief natural resources officer for the department of natural resources government of Angola. >> This week has been an exceptional week [music] for Sisanas and for Nigeria as we are working to build this transatlantic [music] bridge reconnecting the Caribbean and Africa. The purpose of this summit is to strengthen connections between Africa and the Caribbean to support critical

57:18 trade and investment [music] opportunities in sectors including agriculture and food security, the creative economy, [music] health and strengthening gains within the region. >> Hi, my name is I Chief Michael Parish. I'm Nigerian. It's been an experience so far. Uh the panel discussions were very informative and um I I got to connect with a number of people that I would definitely want to do business with. >> I've been in Africa. I'm a [music] music artist. I'm a contemporary Caribbean artist. And [music] so it's such an honor to come here and to, you know, see how we can collaborate and learn more [music] about the African culture and just, you know, support each other in any way, any form, anyhow. I would also [music] like to take this opportunity to

58:03 reflect on how warm and welcoming our Nigerian counterparts have been and how beautiful and vast their natural resources are. Their culture and traditions are positively riveting and I have even been giving a few Nigerian names that I love. I am [music] certainly enjoying my time here and I look forward to my inevitable return. I wish to express sincere [music] thanks to the general manager Miss Aisha Mayna and the whole aquarium consult team for organizing this investment [music] summit. I also wish to express a note of thanks to the honorable Samuel Duggin who is co-chair of this summit. Last year would have been the first going for St. Kitsan Neas [music] and this time around the country of focus is St. I think it's a nevice again and this is my

58:49 [music] first time being on the motherland Nigeria and I'm super super grateful. >> I hope that next year would be better and um I hope that more [music] people will get to connect, network and find uh great opportunities that would bring uh lasting development to both continents. >> Okay guys, so we hope to see you at [music] the next AACIS conference. Peace out. Please, a round of applause one more time. I cannot be the only one feeling a little emotional or who felt a little emotional watching that video. Am I the

59:36 only one? I cannot believe that five days have come and gone like it's nothing. And here we are. It's Saturday already. during the tree planting. Did you see the tree named Wi-Fi? Did you see that? I found that so interesting. And she said, "It's because the countries have connection." Great job for that. We're about to witness a very important segment of this event. It's a signing ceremony and this is going to be between our Korean consulting capital partners and the government of Grenada. As we witness this significant signing between Aquarian consults, working capital partners and the government of Grenada, we're not just observing the

1:00:21 exchange of documents. We are witnessing the alignment of vision. A vision where innovation meets opportunity, where private expertise partners with public purpose and where borders become bridges. Today's memorandum of understanding is more than income paper. It's a commitment to shared growth, strengthened economic ties, and a future shaped by collaboration. In the spirit of one voice, one vision, this moment reminds us that when we come together with intention, we don't just sign agreements, we create pathways. I would want to welcome the GMD Aquarian consult, Miss Aisha Mina to join us on stage.

1:01:15 Joining her as well is Mr. Darien Dash. and Ambassador Nixon. Please a round of applause for him as well. Dr. Jules,

1:02:00 my apologies for the omission. a vision rooted in unity. A vision driven by progress and a vision that echoes the very essence of this summit. Ladies and gentlemen, this is what collaboration looks like. Leveraging expertise, unlocking opportunities, and building frameworks that would outlive every moment. Through this partnership, we are seeing

1:02:46 the private sector and the government move in harmony. It speaks to a future where Africa and the Caribbean are not simply connected by history, but actively united in purpose, driving investment, innovation, and sustainable development together. For every signature that would be inscribed here today carries more than ink. It carries vision. It carries intention. And it carries

1:03:31 responsibility. A vision that says we're ready to move beyond conversations, beyond potential into tangible, measurable impact. This memorandum of understanding is a bridge. a bridge between regions, between expertise and opportunity, and between ambition and execution. And in a world where partnership often remains on paper, this moment dares to say we will do more.

1:04:19 This is indeed a movement of collaboration, a movement of economic transformation, and a movement that would echo far beyond this room. Shared history, shared resilience, and a shared spirit that refuses to settle for less and look towards shared progress and a sustainable future.

1:05:11 Ladies and gentlemen, you are witnessing history. One voice, one vision advancing AfroCaribbean unity.

1:06:13 Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. First, thank you to everyone who has been in this hall every day from Monday to Saturday and everyone who has joined online, who has watched on TV and the thousands of people that keep sending us emails and comments. We assure you that we will respond eventually and we thank you for the encouragement that you've given us to make this happen. I have a team of amazing women and they're all women. Damiola Ozada Oladi Chieum Ros Camoa, and of course

1:07:01 my right hand, my brain sometimes, my muscle a lot, and the glue that makes things work. Miss Ceremona. [applause] Now you can do while I would like to stand on existing protocol, please permit me to recognize and appreciate Honorable Assad Abdira Razak Muhammad, the Minister of state for agriculture of Somalia.

1:07:47 [applause] When we started on Monday, I was proud to say to everyone that we're now in that future, the future that we talk about, the future that we've dreamt about, and the future that we hope to have. Because now is the time that we are doing what we hope would happen in our future. So this is our future. There are many people and many organizations that I must appreciate because they have partnered officially and

1:08:33 unofficially. They have put in manpower and human resources. They have taken time out for even when the heads of the organizations couldn't make it, they made sure that someone represented them and made sure that they committed to things. I'd like to thank the Bank of Agriculture, the Bank of Industry, NIPC, African Bank, Ministry of Agriculture, the Nigeria Immigration Service who came out of their houses on a public holiday, worked tirelessly through the night to ensure that those

1:09:20 who needed visas got visas. even on salad. So, thank you to Nigeria immigration, PWC. Thank you very much. They have gone above and beyond to say that this summit is captured professionally. A lot of people have asked me why I went as far as getting PWC. First of all, PWC approached me to be my knowledge managers because they believe in building the bridge and I thank them for that. But it's also important that this movement, this action is captured by trusted and credible professionals

1:10:08 to keep us in check to ensure that the facts are written down in history. to ensure that no one can challenge what we have done here because what we have done here is change the course of our history. We are now writing our own story and I think at this point anyone would be hard pressed to change what we're doing because it has begun. It is going on. We don't have a choice. It is happening. So, thank you to PWC for ensuring that there's credible capture of the facts and keeping us in check to make sure that nothing here falls through the

1:10:55 cracks. There are people who have volunteered to ensure that this works to make the operations run smoothly and I thank you to all our volunteers here present and everywhere else across the city who have ensured that uh people are secure, they're having fun and everything goes smoothly to the OEC. A lot of times people just say OACs without really understanding what the OACS is. When I first heard about the OACS, I really didn't understand what it was. All I could do was liken it to what I know, Echoas or Comsa. However, I've come to learn that the

1:11:42 OACs truly is a family and a family that likes to bring all its family members together and the people who work in the OACs are absolutely amazing. >> [applause] >> Even without meeting a few of them, I feel like I've known them for years and years. The amount of time and effort they put into ensuring that they reach out to the right people and they make things work is is just phenomenal. I've never met I met Natasha once or twice and I feel like she's my cousin that I left in December when I went to the village. I never met Lisha and Lisha would call at all hours to make sure that everything is smooth. So I thank you Dr.

1:12:29 Joles because your team and yourself are really phenomenal and truly believe in what we're doing. I thank you for that. In the last 5 days a few things have happened. We've moved from talk to action. We have launched the AfroCaribbean Creative Economy Fund of $2 billion. [applause] What that fund does is allow creatives to access finance without selling their intellectual property. It allows creatives to tell our story through

1:13:15 film, script writing, music and ensure that we tell our stories for that to happen to give it credibility and protection. In theou that we signed, there's a place for governments because we must all work together, government and private. The first country to sign on was of course St. Kids and Neas. Thank you very much. [applause] However, the proof that the East Caribbean states, the Eastern Caribbean states are truly together and Dr. Jules is doing an amazing job and Ambassador Nixon is just

1:14:02 absolutely spectacular. We just signed on a second country, Grenada. [applause] And moving even further from talk, the government of Liberia have also expressed interest to sign the same MOU. [applause] And I am very pleased to say that the first business to access this fund has received its term sheets. So hopefully in a few weeks I will be able to

1:14:48 announce that the first business to access the fund has accessed the fund and I will tell you just how much it is. The NIPC, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission and the Grenada Investment Development Corporation have also signed an MOU. Now, a lot of times we talk about these MUS and these agreements and these MOIs and a lot of lay people like me or private sector people don't really understand what it is because there are many that are signed between governments and nothing happens. What this means is we now have government protection to do business. And that means that when we need government protection, it is

1:15:34 there. Hopefully, we will not need it, but should we need it, it is there. And this is for everyone who doesn't understand what it means for the NIPC and the GIC to sign an agreement. It means that you can now do business between Nigeria and Grenada and you are protected. [clears throat] We've talked about agriculture in many ways. We've looked at the numbers. Mr. Sandford was very kind to share us data that shocked everyone, even people in the agricultural industry. And I'm hoping that we'll share that data with people and let people see that it is possible and it is easier than

1:16:22 people think. We have also done something in aggre in in innovation. You see a lot of people have said to me that there's no traffic in the Caribbean to come to Africa. A lot of people had said that Africans don't want to go to the Caribbean. They just want their passports and when they are ready, they'll go and party. When we did the first flight, it was proof of concept that business people want to go to the Caribbean. And they did. tattering the second flight being the first charter

1:17:08 commercial charter to originate from the Caribbean was deliberate. Having over a 100 people on that flight was also deliberate because now everyone can see that there's traffic cuz the people on that plane were not just kiticians or people from St. Kane who are visians, St. Lucians, Dominicans, Trinidadians from all around the Caribbean. So I say to anyone and everyone in the aviation industry or who's thinking about it that the story

1:17:54 of there being no traffic is programming and it is time that we rewrite that program. We can connect. We need to connect. There is traffic. It is commercially viable. And today we have proven the concept. And even though we've proved the concept, we went further to prove the value. People paid for their tickets. So it is commercially viable. So please make it happen. This work that we do, the work that we are doing,

1:18:40 I am not the first. I most hopefully and definitely will not be the last. However, sometimes I wonder how the likes of Marcos Gabi andqwam Chroma manage to stay in history books because when you work hard and you're successful in the work, there are many and many and many people who didn't put in the work that want to claim the credit for the work. I think that for where we are though the bridge has been built, the bridge is still very fragile and we must all protect the bridge.

1:19:29 Because if we do not protect the bridge, if we do not get over our egos, then we will destroy not just the bridge but ourselves. We have blamed somebody else for destroying us, our self-esteem, our human worth, and we have stayed in that trauma. Now we can move forward. We must get over our egos and understand that the bridge is too fragile, still too fragile for our egos to get in there. Government

1:20:17 is a representation of people. If we do a poll, the people in government in some cases are just less than 1%. In some cases is 3%. And I think in all the countries that I've looked at, the highest I've seen is 3.5%. which means that there's still at least 97% of the people who are not in government. It's important. Government is very important. We must have leaders and we must have administrators. Someone must chart the way for us to go. However, I charge the private sector. I charge

1:21:04 the individuals. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a student, every single person, this work cannot be done by government alone. [applause] When we all buy in with or without government, the bridge has been built. And when the bridge has been built, we are the ones who need to use the bridge. So with or without government, the bridge will solidify. So let's not hip it all on government. We

1:21:51 all have our roles to play. When we all put in the hard work, we can all take the glory because the glory is for all of us. Not just for today, but for our children, our children's children and our progeny to come after. So I beg everyone to please get over our egos. Let us come together. Sovereignty doesn't have to be defined by the lines that someone else drew. Sovereignty can be defined by our DNA. Let us define our sovereignty

1:22:37 simply by the fact that we are all of African descent. Thank you. [applause] Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, a day to this event less than 24 hours was the very first time I heard about the power of one. And I understood that it is the ability to create intentional change that can create a positive ripple effect. But

1:23:23 it's all by one person or a group making an action. And I dare say that Miss Aisha Mina is not just the power of one. She's the one herself. Please a round of applause for her. [applause] A pace setter excellence. You did an amazing job today. Thank you. Please join me as we recognize an exceptional leader, a man who seamlessly transition from saving lives as a medical doctor to shaping the future of a nation, a visionary statesman, a compassionate servant leader, and a driving force behind a new era of progress in the Caribbean. He embodies

1:24:09 leadership with both intellect and heart and continues to position St. Keith and Neas as a bold voice on the global stage. Taking us further for the closing remarks, let's welcome as he's popularly known the caring doctor, the caring prime minister, the prime minister of St. Keith and Neas, Dr. Terren Ju. [applause] You may be seated. Good morning to all once again this Saturday morning in the motherland

1:24:54 in Abuja, Nigeria. Let me recognize a few persons. Of course, Dr. Diticus Jules, Director General, Organization of the Eastern Caribbean States. Let me say, Dr. Jules, that I am very pleased and really I am impressed by your commitment and dedication to this cause. You have been on this path for many many years and I know personally for you this is important. I want to recognize the honorable Samuel

1:25:41 Duggins, the Ministry of Agriculture and his dear wife who is so aly supporting him this morning as well or probably we might be at the afternoon. I don't know yet. But I want to say just a little background. When I met Aisha and we discussed this based on the things that we discussed, I thought that the minister who would be best positioned to ensure that this works and this is implemented was Minister Samal Duggin. And from

1:26:27 and from what he has done I am pleased. St. Kits Neas must be pleased because his works is really speaking for itself. Who put your hands together for him [applause] and then I want to recognize a number of our Caribbean leaders who are here with us this morning. And as I looked at the list and see where they are from in just one year we are able to expand this beyond St. Kits NAS and Nigeria to our brothers and sisters

1:27:12 across the sub region. We have with us honorable John Osbbor, Minister of Agriculture Ital from Monstrat. Put your hands together for him. [applause] He come from a line. He he really has pedigree. If you know who his father was and God bless his soul, you'll recognize why John is here and why he's doing what he's doing. It is a long line. Thank you, John. Thank you, Minister. I want to also recognize honorable Roland Roya, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Ital of Dominica, who is also here with us this morning. Dominica, that is called the nature isle of the

1:27:58 region for its richness in natural resources. And I just learned that St. Lucia will now be buying water from Dominica. I think sinkits might have to join that soon as well as we resolve our matters. But I say that to say that even across the region sharing our resources make all of us more resilient and stronger. Thank you very much Mr. Lennox Andrews Minister of Agriculture ETAL who is also here with us. I think that is Grenada is it? Yes. I want to really thank you as well. Grenada has really stepped up on this trip as well with the number of

1:28:45 participants that are here and I know Prime Minister Dickon also wanted to be here. But the representation from Grenada demonstrates his commitment as well. And so I want to put your hands together for Honorable Lenox Andrews. Honorable Kyle Hodgej and Kyle Hodgej, Minister of Agriculture from Anguila is also here with us today. And if you all in the past used to be sink, it's Navis and Anguila. We were a federation or an entity of three separate islands. And even though Angila is no longer with St. kits ne this shows our continued commitment to regional

1:29:34 integration on solidarity. I want to thank you very much honorable and the honorable Assad Muhammad. I had the opportunity of meeting him this morning from Somalia. I was recently very close to the Horn of Africa. I was in Ethiopia and um we the Caribbean through the CARACOM and the AU met there in Adisaba and you there was also representation from Somalia. So this shows the commitment of the entire AU and the African continent to the connection between the Caribbean and Africa. Thank

1:30:19 you very much for coming as well. I want to recognize Dr. Carl Dawson, Deputy Speaker, British Virgin Islands Assembly. And this the British Virgin Islands is also part of the region very close to us and the British Virgin Islands is on a path to determine its own destiny. They have gotten tremendous support from the sub region and also from Caraccom and that is because we are committed to the total upliftment of the whole region but it shows its commitment this um the British Virgin Islands commitment to the integration movement

1:31:06 the advancement of its people the people of the Caribbean and the reconnection with our African continent. Put your hands together for Dr. Carl Dawson. [applause] And then I want to recognize of course Miss Aisha Maya. She has really put in her soul into this and it cannot be overstated her commitment, her boldness, her courage and as we say in St. Kitson Nevice she putting your money where she might be. It means therefore that you put your

1:31:53 resources behind what you believe and not let leave leave your belief as I will say dust in the wind. But you create an anchor. You put a stake in the ground and you declare that this is where I stand. And therefore, let us put our hands together for her for full commitment and all that she's doing. [applause] I want to recognize the leadership from my own country as well. I want to recognize Ambassador

1:32:41 Excellency Roslin Hazel. For those who don't know, she had been a longstanding ambassador for St. Kitsen Neis and she served with distinction. If you were to research her and see the tremendous contributions that she would have made to our to our federation and she continues to make, you would stand in awe. And sometimes we tend not to highlight people's contribution enough. I recently honored her. This Federation of St. Kitsen Navs honored her. She has been, I would say, almost a pioneer in connecting St. Kits and Navis to Africa. She has

1:33:28 spent a lot of time here. She has worked here not on a governmental level but through the private sector and sometimes interactions with government. And she was the one who really brought Aisha to me. And it is because she understands who I am. And it is because she believes in this reconnection. And because of that simple introduction, we are where we are. So I agree with Aisha. It will take all of us to ensure that the bridge is built. Put your hands together for Ambassador Roslin Hazel. Allow me to recognize

1:34:14 all who have journeyied from across the Atlantic, from the Caribbean region, from all of the other countries that are represented here this morning. And I especially want to recognize the delegates and participants from my country, my federation, St. Kits and NeAs. I asked the minister a question. I asked him, we have brought a fairly large contingent per capita here to Nigeria.

1:35:00 And I asked him, "Are the eyes opening yet?" And he said, "Yes." And when he said that, I said, "That's the only thing that I'm hoping for that I can help to facilitate the connection. Eyes and minds would open." And as Aisha say, the government will create the enabling environment, step out of the way, and allow the people to do it. So I want to say to my own contingent from sin kits and navis I am very very proud of you. What I saw on the video and your participation and your contribution I am not surprised by what you are doing and establishing. I would say that I am pleased because

1:35:47 deep down I know that you have the capacity to do it. All you need is for the door to be pushed open. you would walk through and claim your territory. Thank you very much to the contingent from Sits and Neas. I see the others from the various countries, the performers, the singers, the dancers. I want to really recognize those who have come from Grenada and the other parts to participate here. I looked at the performances and I am impressed. Even though I'm from the Caribbean and see it all the time, you get an idea as to why the Caribbean punches above its weight. The instrument that you saw, the

1:36:35 steel pen, that was the only instrument invented in the 20th century, that steel pen. And it came from the old oil drums from down in Trinidad and Tobago. So when people saw old oil drums, the descendants of our African ancestors some music and this instrument is such an instrument it can play classical music of any order and I will give you a story. There was a another nation whose name I will not call who tried to patent it and that is why it is important. Imagine everybody knows that the steel ban was created in the Caribbean, specifically in Trinidad

1:37:20 and Tobago. Everybody knows that, but someone else tried to claim it. And you know what they said? It is because nobody in the Caribbean had patent it and registered it. That is why the idea of guarding your intellectual property in the creative space is so important because when the truth and the evidence is so blatant, they would still claim it using all sorts of fancy laws to discredit those and to rob those who deserve the true credit and benefits from it. That instrument, the steel pen, I did not

1:38:06 realize that there were people on the African continent who had not seen it before. And as the host said, she thought it was a piano. That steel pen can play the full range of music. It can play from written music. That is how that instrument is. But those who created it created it by ear. They never know how to make music. They just saw an oil drum and they start to knock it and they shape it into a beautiful instrument. So when you see a steel pen, when you see an orchestra, it has the full range of all of the instruments um in in respect to their sounds um of a traditional um classical orchestra. That is an um an amazing achievement and that came from the

1:38:52 Caribbean. In addition to that, the Caribbean has given the world different type of genre of music that the world have seen rea zuk. If you go to the French African countries, zuk and kasav is well known. You come to Africa, reggae music is well known because reggae music was the music of resistance even on the African continent. I recently met with a special envoy who was sent to sink kits and navas to meet me from Zimbabwe. His president sent him to meet me and we discussed Babali's song African liberate Zimbabwe was written by Babali perform during their independence.

1:39:38 When you listen to great calypsonians from the Caribbean and how they would have reflected the African reality and became the voice and the and the expression of resistancy on the African continent, you would recognize how powerful that is. And then even beyond what we have given even in terms of intellectualizing and creating the philosophy of pan-Africanism that was born in the Caribbean. You had Bennett from Trinidad and Tobago even preceding Marcus Gav. You had Marcus Gavei and a whole slew of other intellectuals whose name I will call now and who worked in Enkrum's

1:40:26 cabinet when Enruma came back to Ghana when he left the West prepared because Caribbean intellectuals took him and prepared him and when he was prepared they said he was ready to go back to Africa to liberate Africa and he came back to Ghana and by 1957 in March much Ghana gain its independence. But not only that, there was a gentleman in his cabinet who is responsible for the pan African policies. I should Dr. did it because Jews would know Padmmore Padmore from Trinidad and Tobago had been in Encrum's cabinet in Ghana as a

1:41:14 Caribbean Trinidadian man responsible for the policies of pan-Africanism. Imagine that he was a Caribbean man and he was brought by Enkruma because he had met Enruma before and they were preparing Encruma to come back to the continent to liberate the continent on the principles of pan-Africanism principles of Bennett, Marcus Garvey, Pat Mo, CLR James and all of the great intellectuals of the Caribbean who had formalized pan-Africanism as philosophy to help to liberate not only Africa

1:41:59 and the Caribbean but black people and people of African descent wherever they were found on the planet. And that is why recently I traveled to Ghana to be the special guest of his excellency the President John Muhammad as he was seeking to introduce a resolution into the United Nation historic which declared that the transatlantic slave trade was the greatest crime committed against humanity. And I said I wanted I had invited him to

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