Haile Selassie I in Trinidad & Tobago: Africa Meets the Caribbean

“From Africa’s mountains to the Caribbean’s islands, our destiny is one.”

Date of Visit: April 1966

Location: Port of Spain, Trinidad
Host: Prime Minister Dr. Eric Williams
Occasion: Strengthening Ethiopia–Caribbean relations

Significance of the Visit

Haile Selassie’s visit marked the first time an African monarch had come to independent Trinidad & Tobago, only four years after its independence from Britain (1962).

It represented a bridge between the ancient African kingdom of Ethiopia and the new Caribbean nations emerging from colonial rule.

“This is not just a visit of state, but a homecoming of the African spirit.”
— Local Trinidadian newspaper headline

Key Events and Moments

1. Official Reception in Port of Spain

His Majesty was greeted at Piarco International Airport by Prime Minister Eric Williams and members of government.
Local schoolchildren and cultural groups performed in traditional wear, waving both Trinidadian and Ethiopian flags.

2. Ceremonial State Events

Hosted a state banquet with speeches focused on unity between Africa and the Caribbean.
Emphasized cultural exchange, education, and independence.

3. Cultural Showcase

Haile Selassie witnessed Trinidadian steelpan performances, drumming, and traditional dances—a moment of deep cultural appreciation.
Gifted handcrafted items from local artisans.

Diplomatic & Cultural Impact

The visit strengthened diplomatic ties between Ethiopia and the Anglophone Caribbean.
It inspired Pan-African thinkers and Rastafarian communities, who saw His Majesty’s Caribbean presence as fulfilling ancient prophecy.
Encouraged deeper discussions in the Caribbean about African heritage, reparations, and unity.

Legacy Today

The visit is remembered as part of Haile Selassie’s 1966 Caribbean tour, which included Haiti, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados (briefly), and Jamaica.
Trinidadian Rastafari elders recount the visit as a moment when Africa touched the soil of the West Indies.