British officials have agreed to engage in structured dialogue on reparations for slavery, though the topic remains absent from the formal agenda of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) in Antigua and Barbuda. The summit, which begins on Sunday, will focus on trade, climate resilience, and investment opportunities among other priorities.
Despite the absence of reparations from the official agenda, the issue has gained traction due to persistent efforts by Caribbean nations and a growing global reparations movement. Ralph Gonsalves, a former prime minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines and a key figure in the reparatory justice movement, noted that the UK had been resistant to including the topic. He mentioned that British officials, along with Canadian counterparts, had initially opposed its inclusion, even suggesting that the British prime minister might not attend if reparations were discussed.
Gonsalves accused British officials of spreading misinformation, claiming they falsely stated that India opposed the inclusion of reparations on the agenda. He clarified that India had supported a UN General Assembly resolution on the matter earlier this year. He emphasized that the issue of reparations has become unavoidable due to ongoing discussions in various international and domestic forums.
While structured dialogue on reparations is unlikely to occur during the summit, Gonsalves expects the topic to be addressed in private leader retreats. He acknowledged that the British government has reluctantly agreed to participate in discussions.
Prof Sir Hilary Beckles, chair of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Reparations Commission, described the meeting as "the Chogm of reparations, " highlighting its significance for the Caribbean. On Friday, there was a historic shift in Britain's position when the British prime minister went further than any of his predecessors by agreeing to structured dialogue and to consider an apology.
Caribbean leaders welcomed the announcement but stressed the importance of reaching agreements on reparations. Guyana's President Irfaan Ali called for a Commonwealth subcommittee to develop dialogue details within the next six to 12 months. He emphasized the need to address the developmental consequences of slavery rather than merely assigning a monetary value to its indignity.
Barbados's Prime Minister Mia Mottley expressed gratitude for "breaking new ground" but acknowledged ongoing differences. She identified areas for potential agreement, including an apology, investment in health and education, and fairer debt terms. The Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis emphasized that the talks should focus on justice and meaningful redress for the enduring consequences of slavery.
As the summit coincides with the 45th anniversary of Antigua and Barbuda's independence from British colonial rule, protests are expected to greet King Charles and the British Prime Minister in the capital, St John's. Demonstrators will call for an apology and reparations, with messages displayed on billboards, placards, and T-shirts.
On Sunday, Kemi Badenoch told broadcasters that an apology for Britain's role in the transatlantic slave trade would be a "navel-gazing distraction, " describing slavery as an evil involving people from every continent. Gonsalves expressed a desire to discuss the matter with Badenoch, hoping to explain the potential healing power of reparatory justice for Britain's multicultural and ethnic tensions.
