Saint Lucian Senate President Declares Strong Ancestral Ties to Nigeria During Tinubu’s Historic Visit

In a poignant acknowledgment of shared heritage, the President of the Saint Lucian Senate, Alvina Reynolds, has revealed that historical records confirm a significant portion of the island nation’s ancestors were traced directly to Nigeria. This revelation came on Monday, June 30, 2025, during a historic joint sitting of Saint Lucia’s bicameral parliament, where President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria was received as a special guest.

Reynolds cited a British census conducted in Saint Lucia in 1815, which documented the origins of the enslaved population. According to her, out of 16,282 enslaved individuals on the island at the time, 3,488 were born in Africa. Of this group, a substantial 34 percent originated from Nigeria, with an additional 11 percent from the Nigeria-Cameroon region, and 22 percent from the Congo. The remaining 12,794 individuals born in Saint Lucia largely traced their forefathers to Senegambia and Nigeria.

Describing President Tinubu’s visit as both historic and symbolic, Reynolds emphasized its significance as a “mission to reunite us with our homeland.” She underscored that despite the brutal transatlantic slave trade, which spanned over 350 years, “unbreakable cultural and spiritual ties” were forged between Africa and the Caribbean.

Adding to the sentiment, Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre described his nation as “a small fragment of Africa” where the “genetic Nigerian connection cannot be erased, and a shared cultural chord cannot be broken.” He celebrated the enduring spiritual and cultural bonds that, despite geographical separation, continue to link their people to West Africa.

The visit also served to highlight existing contributions and historical connections. Reynolds paid tribute to Sir Darnley Alexander, a distinguished Saint Lucian jurist who moved to Nigeria in 1957 and served as Nigeria’s Chief Justice from 1975 to 1979 the only non-Nigerian to hold that prestigious office in the country’s post-independence history. She also acknowledged the ongoing presence and service of Nigerian Catholic priests in Saint Lucia.

Both leaders underscored the importance of President Tinubu’s visit in deepening diplomatic, cultural, and economic relations. Discussions during the visit are expected to explore avenues for establishing direct air links to boost tourism and trade, as well as fostering collaborations in creative industries, sports, and healthcare, including the potential deployment of Nigerian medical personnel to Saint Lucia. The visit underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with the African diaspora, aligning with the African Union’s “Sixth Region” agenda that recognizes the diaspora as a vital partner in the continent’s development.