Reuniting the Caribbean with Africa!
GREAT BAY:--- The influence of the African continent on the Caribbean culture is undeniable. Through food, clothing, dance, and art, the African culture (especially West African) is still alive in the Caribbean. However, there is still a huge disconnect between the Caribbean and Africa, especially in economics, travel, and to some degree culture and education.
Recently founded, the African Caribbean Heritage Alliance (ACHA) was created to reunite Africa and the Caribbean in the areas of heritage, culture, economics, education and travel. Started by Okama Ekpe Brook, who has worked for the United Nations in different parts of the world and is now based in St. Maarten, ACHA is uniquely based in the hub of the Caribbean, St. Maarten. Mrs. Brook, originally Nigerian, fell in love with St. Maarten and the Caribbean. Her background working in nation building has uniquely given her a perspective on the relationship between Africa and the Caribbean that can be strengthened and nurtured.
To expose the similarities in culture, ACHA will be hosting its very first cultural evening. On November 26, 2014 at Belair Community Center from 7-9 PM, various Caribbean and African artists will come together in a night of awareness and fun. There will be dancers, artisans, and various foods (available for purchase).
Though, ACHA will launch with a cultural event, it is really focused on bringing and building awareness to both Africa about the Caribbean and vice versa as well as facilitating the opportunities in various sectors that may arise thereafter. One of the missions in 2015 is to go to Africa and assess feasibility of hosting an African Forum in St. Maarten.
Admission to this cultural evening is free to the public and encourages the entire community of St. Maarten to come out and support. For more information, please contact Okama Epke Brook at +1-721-520-7286 or e-mail the foundation at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
