The Prime Minister of Barbados, The Honourable Mia Amor Mottley SC, MP, has called for greater global accountability, recognition, and reparatory justice for the enduring legacy of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade.
Speaking at the High-Level Consultative Conference on Next Steps to the Landmark UN Resolution on the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans in Accra, Prime Minister Mottley commended Ghana for its leadership in advancing the United Nations resolution on reparatory justice. She emphasized the need to transform historical recognition into meaningful repair and healing, stressing that the pursuit of reparations is anchored on justice, reconciliation, and the restoration of human dignity.
Highlighting CARICOM’s advocacy over the past decade, she noted that the enduring consequences of transatlantic enslavement continue to manifest in social and economic inequalities. She urged coordinated and sustained efforts among all stakeholders to advance reparatory justice.
Key Elements of CARICOM’s Revised Ten-Point Plan
Prime Minister Mottley outlined essential forms of repair and elements of CARICOM’s updated framework:
- Formal apologies from former colonial powers.
- Cultural restitution, including the return of heritage artifacts.
- Public health initiatives to address generational trauma.
- Educational development and investment in schools.
- Psychological rehabilitation for communities affected by slavery’s legacy.
- Debt relief to ease structural inequalities.
- Land reform and economic empowerment to restore dignity and opportunity.
- Support for sovereignty and sustainable development across Caribbean and African nations.
She reaffirmed CARICOM’s commitment to collaborating with Africa and the wider international community to advance reparatory justice, stressing that the ultimate goal is to build a future grounded in dignity, healing, and shared progress.
Leave a Reply