By Bernews5,Plp Senator Lindsay
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Column: PLP’s Simmons On Connectivity & More
[Opinion column written by PLP Senator Lindsay Simmons]
Earlier this month, the Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Alexa Lightbourne, represented Bermuda at the Second Africa–CARICOM Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. As her Junior Minister, I have reflected on what her participation means for Bermuda and why the theme of connectivity must guide how we approach both our history and our future.
The Summit was convened by the African Union Commission and brought together leaders from across Africa and the Caribbean, alongside the United Nations Secretary-General and the President of Angola, who chairs the African Union.
Yet what made this meeting so significant, was not simply the presence of world leaders, but the added symbolism of Africans and Caribbeans aligned on a common objective. As descendants of the same story it was an impactful message as they stood together in Ethiopia.
The AU-CARICOM Summit was a reminder that the violence of slavery and the exploitation of colonialism is proof of resilience. The Summit affirmed that we are not divided people but rather united people across oceans and across centuries.
Bermuda’s participation in the Summit advanced three core priorities that guide this Government’s work:
Unity: Strengthening our ties with CARICOM and Africa ensures that Bermuda is part of a global family rather than isolated on the margins.
Equity: Placing issues of justice and fairness at the centre of dialogue allows us to address the affordability challenges faced by workers, families, and seniors.
Opportunity: Building bridges with diaspora communities opens pathways for trade, investment, and collaboration that can directly benefit Bermudians.
This government is moving beyond the abstract but rather using opportunities like this summit as a tool for lowering the cost of living, for building resilience into our supply chains, and for ensuring that Bermudians have access to opportunity in a rapidly changing world.
As Junior Minister, I am proud to support the leadership of the Minister of Home Affairs and the Government in ensuring Bermuda is represented on the world stage. The voices Minister Lightbourne carried wfcg
Xe ere the voices of Bermudians workers facing high prices, families striving for stability, and seniors seeking dignity.
This truth we know, that Bermuda’s greatest strength lies in connection: connection with the Caribbean, connection with Africa, and connection with our diaspora communities wherever they may be.
This recent summit engagement is evidence of the thoughtful work of this government on behalf of every Bermudian. Bermudians should see ourselves as part of this global family and embrace the undeniable shared history that unites us, and support the strengthening of ties with CARICOM and Africa. When we do so, we open doors for trade, investment, education, and cultural exchange that has the rich potential to transform lives on our island.
We are not limited by our size or isolation on the map, we must remember that we are part of a powerful, enduring diaspora with the capacity to shape our destiny. As we embrace international business, we must also embrace the business of our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean and in Africa. If we choose connection, Bermuda can truly build a fairer, more affordable, and more sustainable future for generations to come.
Because in the end, our future depends on the connections we choose to honour today.
– Senator Lindsay Simmons
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