The African Diaspora Tourism Conference presents a platform to discuss, initiate, dialogue and celebrate a new relationship and how to sustain these new vistas.

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The African Diaspora Tourism Conference presents a platform to discuss, initiate, dialogue and celebrate a new relationship and how to sustain these new vistas. However, the recognition of Africa as a beacon of hope for African people living on the continent and in the diaspora to explore, relate and live using the African Diaspora Tourism Conference as the African platform for the foundation of this long-lasting relationship is the soul of this year’s travel business. Future generations will remember that the improvement was earned not by coincidence but by conscious efforts to validate the struggles, strengths, and linkages between African descendants on a Pan-African scale. The African diaspora and Africa have the same unique culture, rich heritage and beautiful destinations for tourism and trade, therefore, there is a need to connect and combine these wonderful cultures and population as an emerging market for mutual benefit.

The Caribbean Tourism Organisation exhibited at this year’s expo and also hosted the Caribbean Panel discussion on “African Heritage of the Caribbean… Connecting the Dots”. During the session, Dr Kerry Hall, Director of Tourism Product Development, in the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, Barbados, delivered the keynote address.

His Excellency Wendell De Landro, High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, discussed how the Africa Caribbean Heritage has influenced diaspora and international tourism in Trinidad and Tobago, and the impact that this has had on establishing Trinidad Carnival as one of the most renowned carnivals in the world.

His Excellency Esmond Reid, High Commissioner of Jamaica to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, addressed how Jamaica’s music and heritage have been strongly influenced by Africa and the Rastafarian movement. These influences have enriched Jamaica’s position as a leading destination for travellers seeking an authentic cultural experience.

Fabien Anthony, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Pan-African Council, addressed the Caribbean roots of Pan-Africanism, including opportunities to foster connections and strategic partnerships between Africa and its diaspora in the Caribbean and North America that will lead to impactful opportunities for youth and communities. Anthony, also promoted diaspora tourism as a lever for education, cultural exchange, community leadership and economic opportunities.

Also, Sharon Palacio, Chairperson from In2Belize Travel and Tours and leading Garifuna Specialist from Belize, will discuss the African Heritage of the Garifuna people, enslaved West Africans, who washed ashore on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent around 1635 while likely on their way to the mines and plantations in the Americas.

Carol Hay, Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s Director of Marketing (UK & Europe) and moderator for the session stated: “We welcome the opportunity to participate in Akwaaba Travel Market with such a dynamic panel of speakers. The theme for the travel market, ‘The Year of the Return’, commemorates 400 years since the first Africans were enslaved, taken from their homeland and brought to the Caribbean and the rest of the Americas. We have a vibrant story to tell; a rich heritage to share, and really see this as an opportunity to connect the dots on all levels, including the opportunity to promote tourism and trade between Africa and the Caribbean”

PAC Ambassador Idahosa Ness shares his thoughts on transforming thinking and behavior in order to fully engage with life and reignite a sense of feeling alive.

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Been low in spirits for the past week and half.

Whenever I feel low in spirit, I never use the words “depression” or “depressed.” Depression is a term of pathology, which means we will subconsciously connect “depression” with “illness.” This is a dangerous connection, because we usually link “the presence of illness” with “the need for medication.” In other words, the same way the presence of a bacterial Infection implies the need for “anti-bacterial” medication, the presence of a “depression” somewhat implies the need for anti-depressant medication.

To be clear, I’m not saying there is NEVER a need for anti-depressants. From what I understand, anti-depressants can do miracles for a lot of people. What I’m saying is there ought to be a semantic distinction between conditions that are ONLY improved through medication, and conditions that can be improved with changes in thinking and behavior.

Instead of thinking “I’m depressed,” I like to think that “I’m switched off”.

Soon as I conceptualize it this way, two questions arise in my mind:

1. How exactly did I end up switched off?
2. What can I do to switch back on?

I’ve come to identify “4 senses of spirit” to check on when I’m feeling switched off.

• Vitality
• Integrity
• Purpose
• Engagement

With pen and paper, I’ll sit down and ask myself a series of questions for each sense:

VITALITY

If I neglect the needs of my body, I’ll seep energy and feel languid. So first questions I ask are:

1. What have I been eating?
2. How have I been sleeping?
3. How much have I been moving?
4. How much have I been indulging in vice?

To switch back on, I need to eat, sleep and move properly.

INTEGRITY

If I neglect to do what I know is the right thing to do, my Conscience will contaminate my mind with shame, and my ego will generate resentments and rationalizations to conceal that shame.

To check my sense of integrity, I ask these questions:

1. What actions am I avoiding?
2. What conversations am I avoiding?
3. Which of my recent actions/words am I ashamed of?

To switch back on, I need to consult my resentment, confront my ego, get back on top of my commitments, speak the truth, and take responsibility for my wrongdoings. (easy right? *smile*)

PURPOSE

For me, it’s not enough to just live healthy and honestly, I need to have a meaningful goal to move towards, otherwise I become disillusioned or disoriented, and this causes anxiety.

So to check my sense of purpose, I ask these questions:

1. Do I have clear goals for the long-term, mid-term and short-term?
2. How confident am I that I’ll be able to achieve these goals?
3. When was the last time I saw myself making meaningful progress towards these goals?

To switch back on, I need to make peace with my setbacks, chart out an updated path forward, and start going after small wins to slowly build momentum.

ENGAGEMENT

Ultimately, all of this boils down to moment-to-moment existence. If I spend all day distracting myself with mindless Youtube videos and web surfing, I’ll feel terrible for wasting my life.

So to check my sense of engagement, I ask these questions:

1. What have I been doing to distract and disengage myself?
2. When was the last time I entered my “Flow” state? (where I’m feeling fully immersed)?
3. When was the last time I had a deeply meaningful conversation with someone?

To switch back on, I actually need to “hit the switch” and do the things that most immerse me in the moment – this is what it means to enter “Flow” state. What puts you into Flow is largely determined by your personality. Personally, my easiest entry point into Flow is creativity.

That’s why I wrote this essay.

I asked myself the questions above and realized it’s been a long time since I engrossed myself in a creative activity. Writing this essay felt like the most accessible thing to do, so here I am. And now that I’m done, I think I feel a few sparks flying on the ol’ switchboard. Hope you feel something too!