The International Day for People of African Descent was designated by the United Nations in 2021 to grant advocates a permanent forum for advocacy.

The second annual International Day for People of African Descent was observed across the Caribbean and the world on Aug. 31. Saint Lucia commemorated the observance with a panel discussion hosted by veteran broadcaster and President of the National Reparations Committee, Mr. Earl Bousquet.

The discussion engaged Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, President of the African Diaspora Development Institute and Hon. Dr. June Soomer, the CARICOM Representative on the United Nations Permanent Forum for People of African Descent.

Dr Arikana Chihombori-Quao commended the National Reparations Committee for strides made.

“As we celebrate this decade, think about where your mind is. How do you feel about who you are? Are you comfortable with your circumstances as a people on an individual basis? What have you done to play your part? That’s why I’m so proud of the Saint Lucia National Reparations Committee,” said Quao.

CARICOM Representative on the United Nations Permanent Forum for People of African Descent, Dr. June Soomer, highlighted the importance of the observance.

“We cannot throw up our arms as people of African descent and say nothing will happen for us. What we have to say instead is that we have to be able to move these things forward ourselves. So you will be hearing me calling for even deeper integration with Africa and with the rest of the diaspora. We all have to fight together for this cause and we need the leadership of our countries to step forward in this way.”

Additionally, Dr. Soomer called for the increased involvement of young people to engage with policy makers and advocates for people of African descent.