A looming slavery reparations bill of over £200 billion is set to be a key topic at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa from 21-26 October. During this summit, 15 Caribbean governments, part of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), plan to bring forward the issue of reparations for transatlantic slavery and colonialism. All three candidates vying for the Commonwealth Secretary-General position have shown their support for reparations.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley recently proposed a figure exceeding £200 billion to King Charles during a meeting at Buckingham Palace. She highlighted studies suggesting a minimum compensation amount of $5 trillion, emphasising the need to address the historical injustices of slavery.
Britain’s connection with Barbados dates back to 1661 when it became the first slave society under British control. The trade of enslaved Africans was instrumental in funding the UK’s infrastructure from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Despite widespread acknowledgement of the wrongs of chattel slavery, calls for reparations continue to gain momentum.
Reparations entail making amends for past wrongs, with campaigners advocating for practical steps to rectify the injustices of slavery. Various estimates have been put forward regarding the appropriate reparations amount, ranging from £200 billion to trillions of pounds.
While some British institutions, like the Church of England and the University of Glasgow, have acknowledged their roles in slavery and taken steps to make amends, the British government has yet to formally apologise or commit to reparations. Foreign Secretary David Lammy has been vocal about the need for reparative justice, contrasting with Keir Starmer’s recent dismissal of the notion of reparations at the upcoming summit.
The concept of reparations extends beyond financial compensation to address contemporary inequalities rooted in colonial legacies. Calls for reparations highlight the enduring impact of slavery on Black Caribbean communities and the need for tangible redress.
As the demand for reparations grows, it raises complex questions about historical accountability and the enduring legacy of colonial exploitation. The upcoming Commonwealth summit promises to be a crucial arena for discussions around reparative justice and the responsibility of former colonial powers towards addressing the historical wrongs of slavery.