Shirley Caines

Shirley C. Caines
A visionary leader and advocate for social justice, Shirley C. Caines has dedicated her life to preserving history, empowering communities, and fostering a global movement for recognition and healing. As the Co-Founder and Vice President/Treasurer of the Plataforma Nacional Herencia di Sclavitud na Aruba (P.N.H.S.A.), she plays a pivotal role in addressing the lasting impact of slavery in Aruba and beyond. The foundation is committed to raising awareness, facilitating trauma recovery, and fostering identity formation among affected communities. Under her guidance, P.N.H.S.A. works to establish permanent national monuments that honor the history of slavery, safeguarding Aruba’s cultural landscape, and ensure the legacy of enslaved people is visibly recognized. Additionally, she advocates for the creation of a national institute dedicated to documenting and educating the public about the historical narrative of slavery, thereby supporting the broader effort to decolonize education.

Beyond her contributions in Aruba, Shirley serves as a Facilitator of the African Union African Diaspora Sixth Region High Council (Caribbean Community), a governing body representing the aspirations of the Global African Diaspora. She is instrumental in uniting African-descended populations worldwide, fostering governance structures that integrate the African Diaspora into the African Union, and ensuring their voices, expertise, and contributions shape a more resilient and equitable future. Her efforts are deeply focused on strengthening AU-Diaspora networking, collaboration, and strategic partnerships.

An ardent advocate for social change, Shirley also previously served as the President and Treasurer of the Soul Harmony Foundation, where she worked to uplift families in San Nicolas, Aruba. With a particular focus on women and children, she spearheaded initiatives that empowered individuals through social support and development programs.

With unwavering dedication to historical preservation, community empowerment, and global African unity, Shirley C. Caines continues to be a driving force in fostering justice, remembrance, progress across nations ensuring that historical legacies are honored, and communities are strengthened for generations to come.