Saint Lucia will today observe International Day for People of African Descent with two events: an international broadcast on the National Television Network (NTN) and the official launch of the Saint Lucia Chapter of the African Diaspora Development Institute (ADDI).
The NTN broadcast, starting 11am, will be a hybrid event featuring three presenters: two overseas and one local with prominent Caribbean diplomat Dr June Soomer as the Main Presenter, with guest presenters in prominent African diplomat Ambassador Dr Arikana Chihombori-Quao and Kofi Dovor, Chair of ADDI Saint Lucia.
Dr Soomer, CARICOM’s Representative on the United Nations Permanent Forum for People of African Descent, will speak on: ‘Beyond the Decade – Why the Permanent Forum is Important for the Caribbean.’
Dr Chihombori-Quao, President of the African Diaspora Development Institute (ADDI), will speak on its relevance to people of African descent worldwide, while Mr Dovor will speak on the local ADDI Chapter’s plans.
ADDI Saint Lucia has been active in organizational stage for some time and Dovor says it is being officially launched today, to coincide with the observance of the International Day for People of African Descent.
Both events on NTN today will also feature messages from the Government of Saint Lucia, the CARICOM Reparations Commission (CRC) and related UN spokespersons and agencies.
August 31 was designated by the United Nations as the International Day and was first observed in 2021, but the UN had also previously dedicated 2015-2024 as International Decade for People of African Descent.
Sponsored by the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) and the National Reparations Committee (NRC), today’s international broadcast will be Live on Flow Channel 124 and Live-streamed online.
The broadcast and the launch of the Saint Lucia ADDI Chapter are also part of activities to observe Emancipation Month 2022.
Quite useful information for others about the country.