STUDENT-CENTRED
of a platform for cultural and strategic partnership between business communities in Africa and the Caribbean region in an effort to advance trade and investment opportunities in both regions,” she added. Lewis spent the duration of her internship at the bank’s headquarters in Egypt working with a number of the bank’s key departments. The aspiring trade specialist was afforded the opportunity to embark on several missions including ACTIF 2022 and visits to the bank’s regional offices in Abuja, Nigeria; and Harare, Zimbabwe. “These invaluable experiences, and my time with each of the bank’s key departments, have given me an incredibly unique perspective and understanding of not only the challenges but the multitude of possibilities for growth and development available to developing and least developed countries within the African and Caribbean regions. As such, I am incredibly grateful for and eager to use the knowledge and experience gained during my internship with Afreximbank in the next stage of my career,” said Lewis. She anticipates that her internship experience “will open doors for other [UWI] students to pursue internships not only with Afreximbank but other organisations in Africa and globally.” Director of the SRC Dr. Jan Yves Remy noted that the centre’s flagship programme offers students like Romeo and Lewis the possibility for similar prospects. “I am pleased that our students were afforded this
Professor Benedict Oramah President of Afreximbank
“Undoubtedly, there is potential for deepening Africa-Caribbean trade relations to benefit both regions,” Romeo stated. “Following the CARICOM- Africa [Summit] held in 2021 and the commitment to foster increased trade, investment, and people-to- people engagement between the two regions, I felt this was the perfect opportunity to discover areas of opportunity for the Caribbean region,” he continued. Lewis noted the ongoing, concerted effort to increase cooperation between the two regions: “Given their intertwined histories, shared developmental challenges, and the [onset] of the coronavirus, it is imperative that CARICOM and Africa collaborate to navigate issues such as climate change, poverty, and food insecurity,” she said. Romeo, who completed her six-month internship virtually during June to December 2022, shared that the experience provided her the opportunity to better understand international trade by bridging the gap between theory and practical experience. “With this internship, I was able to foster a wider network that spans two regions and create further awareness about the value and potential of Africa-CARICOM relations. I was particularly grateful to attend the inaugural AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF) 2022 that took place in Barbados. Through this forum, I was able to experience first-hand the creation
opportunity. We prepare them for the real world of trade and international affairs, and this was wonderful chance for them to test what they have learned in a new and different environment. We thank Afreximbank and encourage more institutions to open their doors to the young minds of this region,” Remy said. Afreximbank was established in Abuja, Nigeria in October 1993 by African governments, African private and institutional investors as well as
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Dr. Jan Yves Remy Director, Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy and Services (SRC) The UWI, Cave Hill
non-African financial institutions and private investors for the purpose of financing, promoting and expanding intra-African and extra-African trade. The bank is headquartered in Cairo. l Iquia coreriberum que pa vendissimod mo modiorit dolore
CHILL NEWS 45
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