by Kevon Browne
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN)—At the Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit 2026 (AACIS’ 26) held March 23–28, 2026, in Abuja, Nigeria, St. Kitts and Nevis was on a mission to expand connections to the African continent.
Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr Terrance Drew, as part of his efforts, pioneered an initiative to bridge the “travel gap” and led the launch of direct air connectivity between Africa and the Caribbean.
This is historic as it eliminates the need for travellers to transit through Europe or North America, which often involves demeaning visa hurdles.
Hon. Samal Duggins, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries & Marine Resources, emphasised the need to rethink agriculture as a driver of future economic growth and regional prosperity.
To drive deeper collaboration, some local fishers and farmers were included in the AACIS ’26 delegation.
Mervin Maynard, a local fisher, shared his experience at the summit in Abuja, Nigeria, and the growing unity between Africa and the Caribbean.
“It’s nice to see that the Caribbean and Africa unite and come as one, because as we know, that before parents were from here, this exactly Nigeria. So it’s a great pleasure being here in Nigeria, my homeland, and I’m happy to be here. Well, I should say to the fishers back home that this experience highlight me to know that what you put in is what you get out, and the hard work is what brings me here as a fisherman, and I thank you.”
Denise Gillard, a crop farmer, highlighted the importance of nutrition security as the foundation of survival and sustainability.
“Food security is very important to me, because we have to eat every day, and if we don’t have food, we all, if we don’t have that food security, we all will starve. So I’m happy that I’m able to mingle with my other brothers and sisters here. We are like giving each other ideas, and I have received a lot of feedback and have made some connections. So when I go back home, I will be corresponding with my fellow brother and sister here. Yes, I am very grateful to the organisers and the government of St. Kitts and Nevis, especially Mr Samuel Duggins, because he’s the one who decided, okay, I’m going to work with my farmers. So as a woman farmer, I would just advise other women farmers, just do what you have to do. Sometimes the world is going to get tough; it’s not always easy, because there is a profession where it’s mostly men. So, but just tell yourself you can do it, whatever you set your mind to, you’ll be able to achieve it. Where there’s a way, there’s always a way. So you just have to be determined, and struggles can come, but you just, you just don’t let that keep you down. You just press on.”
Livestock farmer Devin Richardson highlights the vital role his sector plays in feeding the nation and supporting everyday life.
“It’s a significant moment to be here in Nigeria to represent livestock farming. The opportunity given just to be here, just able to fly nine hours nonstop to be in Nigeria, is awesome. Food security is important because you have to feed the nation. Everybody needs food, and meat is important. We all know when you’re eating your food, you need a slice of pork, chicken, whatever to decide. And I’m happy that I’m able to feed the nation back in my country, St. Kitts and Nevis. I would like to give thanks to the minister, whoever else was involved, other ministers, other delegates, to reach out to me, giving me the opportunity to be here. Continue farming, continue to believe in yourself, and continue to believe in the product. I am here. You will be next.”
The connection between the Caribbean and the African continent continues, as St. Kitts and Nevis will host the Fifth Annual AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2026) from July 29–31, 2026, at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort in Basseterre.
