Thank you, colleagues.
Let me acknowledge Senator Janice Allen, representing the Leader of the Opposition,
Dr. Carla Barnett, CARICOM Secretary-General,
Chief Ministers and Ministers of Government,
Members of the Judiciary,
"Through strengthened collaboration between CARICOM and the African Union there is the opportunity to articulate a clear diplomatic, and advocacy strategy to advance the [Reparations] agenda through joint action in the United Nations, the Commonwealth and other intergovernmental bodies…"
This event to mark the 10th Anniversary of the United Nations Permanent Memorial to Honour the Victims of Slavery and the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, the “Ark of Return”, is an opportunity to reflect on how music and rhythm have played a role in both resistance and resilience. Drumming holds a special place in this journey.
"Reparations for Haiti continue to be central to CARICOM’s reparations claim. April 2025 marks the bicentenary of the indemnity of 150 million Francs imposed on Haiti by France as reparations for loss of property, including enslaved Africans, and as a precondition for recognising the island’s independence. The negative economic and social effects of this historical injustice are painfully clear, with arguable links to the situation in Haiti today.
“While there have been instances of people offering a public apology or even a quantum, as in the case of the Church of England, there has been no face-to-face discussion which we deem as absolutely important because if you can't see me or hear me, it is not appropriate to be able to make a judgment as to who or what I am and what I should receive.” – CARICOM Chair and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley
For centuries, we have been a resilient people. We are the descendants of those who refused to accept subjugation, the rightful heirs of revolutionary freedom fighters and visionaries. But today, can we say that we have claimed the full potential of our independence? Or are we still tethered to structures that were never built to serve us?
Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, The UWI Vice-Chancellor and Chair, CARICOM Reparations Commission (CRC) has welcomed the recommendation from Jamaica’s Maroon community to establish a new institute to research, document and share the rich history, culture and contribution of Maroon and Indigenous people. The CRC Chair shared this with a large gathering at the opening of the historic symposium on Maroons, held at The UWI West Indies Regional Headquarters (where) on 9 January 2025.
“This achievement reflects the tireless advocacy of our Region and the strides made during the first decade, including global recognition of our ten-point plan for reparatory justice and the establishment of the United Nations Permanent Forum for People of African Descent.”
The CARICOM Reparations Commission (CRC) joins in celebrating Africa-CARICOM Day on 7 September 2024 and welcomes the opportunity to honour the shared history and strong bonds of culture and ancestry that bring Africa and the Caribbean Community together.