Caribbean Reparations Delegation Holds Historic First Visit to UK to Press for Justice
A delegation from the Caribbean Reparations Commission (CRC) has arrived in the UK for a historic first official visit, aiming to raise awareness about the region's colonial past and advocate for reparative justice. The six-member delegation, led by CRC chair Prof Sir Hilary Beckles, will engage with UK parliamentarians, diplomats, academics, and civil society groups from November 17-20.
The Caricom Reparations Commission is seeking recognition of the lasting legacy of colonialism and enslavement, as well as formal apologies and financial reparations from former colonizers. The delegation's visit coinces with growing momentum in the global reparations movement, which has gained significant attention in recent years.
Between 15th to 19th century, over 12.5 million Africans were forcibly transported to the Americas and sold into slavery. Caribbean governments have been pushing for acknowledgment of this historical injustice and its ongoing impact on modern-day society.
"The Caricom Reparations Commission advocacy visit to the UK is historic," said Dr Hilary Brown, a member of the delegation. "We aim to raise consciousness, correct misconceptions about the reparations movement, and build strategic partnerships to address these critical issues."
The CRC has proposed a 10-point plan for reparative justice, which includes a full formal apology and debt cancellation. While some progress has been made, including increased public awareness and support for reparations, more remains to be done.
Last year's Commonwealth leaders' summit saw the British government rule out paying reparations or issuing a formal apology for its role in the transatlantic slave trade. However, Prime Minister Keir Starmer later acknowledged that the UK had a responsibility to address its past wrongs and opened the door to discussing non-financial reparations.
The visit by the Caricom Reparations Commission marks an important step towards reconciliation and justice. As the global reparations movement continues to gain momentum, it is essential for nations like the UK to engage in meaningful dialogue about their colonial past and its ongoing impact on communities around the world.
A delegation from the Caribbean Reparations Commission (CRC) has arrived in the UK for a historic first official visit, aiming to raise awareness about the region's colonial past and advocate for reparative justice. The six-member delegation, led by CRC chair Prof Sir Hilary Beckles, will engage with UK parliamentarians, diplomats, academics, and civil society groups from November 17-20.
The Caricom Reparations Commission is seeking recognition of the lasting legacy of colonialism and enslavement, as well as formal apologies and financial reparations from former colonizers. The delegation's visit coinces with growing momentum in the global reparations movement, which has gained significant attention in recent years.
Between 15th to 19th century, over 12.5 million Africans were forcibly transported to the Americas and sold into slavery. Caribbean governments have been pushing for acknowledgment of this historical injustice and its ongoing impact on modern-day society.
"The Caricom Reparations Commission advocacy visit to the UK is historic," said Dr Hilary Brown, a member of the delegation. "We aim to raise consciousness, correct misconceptions about the reparations movement, and build strategic partnerships to address these critical issues."
The CRC has proposed a 10-point plan for reparative justice, which includes a full formal apology and debt cancellation. While some progress has been made, including increased public awareness and support for reparations, more remains to be done.
Last year's Commonwealth leaders' summit saw the British government rule out paying reparations or issuing a formal apology for its role in the transatlantic slave trade. However, Prime Minister Keir Starmer later acknowledged that the UK had a responsibility to address its past wrongs and opened the door to discussing non-financial reparations.
The visit by the Caricom Reparations Commission marks an important step towards reconciliation and justice. As the global reparations movement continues to gain momentum, it is essential for nations like the UK to engage in meaningful dialogue about their colonial past and its ongoing impact on communities around the world.
just heard that the Caribbean delegation is gonna be meeting with MPs and whatnot, been saying this for ages, reparations ain't gonna happen unless we make some noise 
. They gotta acknowledge that the UK profited off the backs of enslaved Africans and still getting benefits from it today. It's about time they acknowledged their role in the transatlantic slave trade 
. The 10-point plan sounds like a good starting point, but we need to see some real action 
. Can't just have these big words and not back 'em up with funds or formal apologies...time will tell if this delegation can make some progress 
. I mean, 12.5 million Africans were forcibly transported to the Americas and sold into slavery... like, how can you even process that kind of pain and trauma? 
. I think it's great that the Caricom Reparations Commission is pushing for debt cancellation and formal apologies, and I hope the UK takes their proposals seriously 
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The fact that a delegation from the Caribbean Reparations Commission is visiting the UK for the first time is really significant, I think. It's been a long history of colonialism and enslavement in the Caribbean and we need to start acknowledging that. 
no way, dude, they gotta pay up! I mean, I get that it's complicated and all, but 12.5 million people can't just be forgotten about. The fact that PM Starmer said somethin' about addressin' their past wrongs is a good start, but reparations ain't just about throwin' some cash at the problem, it's about makin' amends and recognizin' the harm that was done.
The Caribbean Reparations Commission's 10-point plan sounds like a good starting point, but what's going to happen next? Will they actually get some concrete action out of this visit? 
. 12.5 million ppl were forcibly taken from africa and sold into slavery between 15th-19th century, thats a lot to ignore. I think its good that caricom is pushing for reparations, a 10-point plan sounds like a good start 
. We should also be learning about this history in schools more so people dont grow up with misconceptions 
. The fact that Keir Starmer acknowledged the uk's responsibility is a good step but we need to see action on debt cancellation and formal apologies 
... feels like a big step towards healing old wounds. 12.5 million people forcibly taken from their homes, it's insane. The 10-point plan for reparative justice is a good start, but I hope they can make some real progress. UK's role in the transatlantic slave trade is not something to be ashamed of acknowledging and making amends for... yet 
So a delegation from the Caribbean shows up in the UK expecting some serious recognition and apologies for historical injustices? Like, I get it, colonialism was super bad 
What's next, are they gonna start demanding apologies from the Chinese for their, um, "cultural exchange" with Britain in the 1800s? 
Anyway, gotta give credit to Keir Starmer for at least acknowledging the UK's past wrongs and opening up a dialogue. Maybe, just maybe, this visit will spark some real change... but I wouldn't hold my breath 
. The fact that Caribbean governments are pushing for recognition of this historical injustice is super important, we can't just forget about the past, you know? 
The UK government should definitely be having more conversations about this, not just opening doors for non-financial reparations, but actual financial compensation too 
. It's crazy how many people don't even know about the scale of slavery in the 15th-19th century, it's insane 
! And that the UK has been denying any responsibility but is now open to discussing non-financial reparations 
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12.5 million Africans were forcibly brought over as slaves, that's some heavy history right there