From Moshood Karim
Former Minister of Health, Social Development, and Labour of St. Maarten, Pamela Gordon-Carty, has arrived in Benin City, marking her first-ever visit to Africa.
Her trip, which took place on Thursday, is part of her on-going humanitarian efforts to support vulnerable groups, particularly widows and orphans.
Gordon-Carty was warmly welcomed at the Benin Airport by officials and members of the Wealthy Dwelling Place of the Most High Foundation, an organisation led by Prophetess Evangelist Ann Okodugha, dedicated to alleviating the suffering of widows, orphans, and other less privileged individuals.
Speaking to journalists shortly after her arrival, the former minister highlighted the reason behind her visit, citing the immense impact of the foundation’s work, which she initially encountered through social media.
Gordon-Carty revealed that her first exposure to the foundation was through a video shared on social media, where she saw relief materials and palliatives being distributed to vulnerable people. She said this deeply touched her, inspiring her to visit Nigeria in person to witness the situation first-hand and explore ways in which she could contribute to the cause.
“You know that technology has gone very much forward, right? Everything is being portrayed on social media, on Facebook and different avenues. I have seen an organisation that touched my heart,” she stated.
She went on to express her passion for humanitarian work, explaining that her experience as a government official has always been centred on supporting the vulnerable.
“As a former minister of my country, I have always taken up to heart the vulnerable ones. And when I saw what Ms. Ann was doing in Africa, working with the orphans and widows, I knew it was worthwhile to visit in person. That’s why I am here—to meet her and to meet all of you. I love you!”
Beyond humanitarian efforts, Gordon-Carty emphasised the importance of fostering stronger connections between Africa and the Caribbean, highlighting that Africa has long been denied its rightful place on the global stage.
“It is very important for African countries to come together and unite because Africa is a continent that has been denied many opportunities and its rightful position at the world level,” she remarked.
She further stressed that creating a bridge between Africa and the Caribbean would ensure Africa is recognised for its rich resources and cultural significance.
“Africa is a resourceful continent with immense potential, and its cultures must continue to thrive. In the Caribbean, we need to teach our children the true history of Africa. What they are currently being taught in schools is not the full story. That is why I am here—to see for myself and to be a voice for Africa. The world needs to see that Africa is not what it is often portrayed to be.”
Welcoming Pamela Gordon-Carty at the airport, Prophetess Evangelist Ann Okodugha expressed her joy and gratitude for the visit. She recalled how the former minister had reached out to her after seeing the foundation’s humanitarian work online.
“She saw a video of our ministry distributing palliatives such as rice and chicken to widows and asked about our sponsors and how she could support us. I told her it is the Most High God that has been sustaining us. That was when she decided to collect my contact and planned her visit to Africa to see how she could help, especially in rural areas,” Okodugha explained.
Pamela Gordon-Carty is widely respected in St. Maarten for her advocacy in protecting the rights and well-being of children. She is also the driving force behind the Africa Mundus Continuum Caribbean, a vision aimed at establishing dynamic cultural, educational, and economic links between Africa and the Caribbean.
Through this initiative, she hopes to promote cultural exchange, sustainable development, and new opportunities for people across both regions.
Her visit to Nigeria marks a significant step towards strengthening Africa-Caribbean relations and underscores her dedication to humanitarian work.
