Caricom secretary general Dr Carla Barnett has described the Second Caricom-Africa Summit as a "homecoming," saying the event also represented a "tangible manifestation" of their commitment to bridging the historical divide and reaffirming familial bonds.

"I am moved by its significance as leaders from the African continent and the African diaspora, the Sixth Region of the African Union (AU), assemble to build on the foundation of our shared history and the fraternal bonds forged by our forebears," she said in her address at the opening ceremony.

The event was held on September 7 at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and the Caricom Secretariat shared the speech via a media statement.