Caption: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar with a trade delegation from Africa
By Sue-Ann Wayow
ON the eve of African Emancipation Day, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had a packed schedule, meeting with several key personnel and ending off with a grand gospel concert.
Clad in yellow African wear, on Thursday, Persad-Bissessar, joined by Minister of Finance Davendranath Tancoo and Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Sean Sobers, led a government delegation in a high-level meeting with senior representatives from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).
In attendance from Afreximbank were:
- Dr George Elombi – Incoming President
- Oluranti Doherty – Managing Director, Export Development
- Okechukwu Ihejirika – Acting Chief Operating Officer for the Caribbean Region
- Gerald Chihota – Director, Board Secretariat
- Alex Épale – Manager, Legal
- Layn St Louis
A Facebook post on the United National Congress (UNC) page stated, “Discussions focused on increasing investment in Trinidad and Tobago and identifying key strategies to improve the lives of all citizens. The Prime Minister expressed her gratitude for Afreximbank’s strong interest in our nation and reaffirmed her commitment to building a meaningful and productive partnership.”
Also, Persad-Bissessar, Sobers and Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jearlean John welcomed a Ghanaian government delegation led by Minister in Charge of Special Initiatives, Office of the President of the Republic of Ghana Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum.
Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation and exploring opportunities to deliver tangible benefits to the people of both nations. The prime minister reaffirmed her government’s commitment to deepening ties and expanding Trinidad and Tobago’s presence across the African continent.
- Persons accompanying the Ghanaian Minister to the meetings and their designations included:
- Dr Samuel Appiah-Kubi – Technical Coordinator
- Gyampobah Mintah-Gyampoh – Consultant
- Charles K Marfo- Charge d’ Affaires of the Ghana High Commission
- Eric E. Duodu- Minister/Consul
- Emmanuella N. A. Opong-Peprah- First Secretary, Political & Economic
She also attended African Emancipation Day Heritage event hosted by the Office of the Prime Minister during the day where she was feature speaker.
The event featured vibrant cultural performances, captivating artefact displays, and a celebration of rich African heritage.
And in the night, Persad-Bissessar attended the gospel concert “More Than This” featuring multiple grammy award winner US gospel artiste Cece Winans held at the Queen’s Park Oval.
Throughout the general election 2025 campaign, Winans original song “Goodness of God” was sung by the Flaming Word Choir on the UNC political platforms.
It was also sung during Persad-Bissessar’s swearing-in ceremony as prime minister on May 1.
Persad-Bissessar met with Winans labelling her “Goodness of God” song as her favourite.
