Caribbean Leaders Push for Slavery Reparations Talks in UK
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A delegation from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will meet with UK officials and politicians this week to discuss addressing the historical injustices of slavery and colonialism. The talks aim to tackle the lasting impacts of these events, including ongoing racism. Between the 15th and 19th centuries, an estimated 12.5 million Africans were forcibly taken from their homes and sold into slavery. CARICOM, a group of 15 Caribbean nations, has proposed a reparations plan, which includes a formal apology, education programs, debt cancellation, and monetary compensation. The African Union is also developing its own reparations initiative. However, a counter-movement against reparations has gained traction, with some European leaders opposing the idea. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed a preference to focus on the future rather than revisit past wrongs. Despite this, the Commonwealth summit in Samoa last year resulted in a joint statement acknowledging the need for a discussion on reparations. CARICOM's visit to the UK, scheduled from November 17 to 20, aims to strengthen partnerships and promote public education on the reparations agenda. A recent poll revealed that a significant portion of the British public remains unaware of the country's role in the transatlantic slave trade. The poll found that 85% of respondents were unaware that the UK forcibly transported over 3 million Africans to the Caribbean. The CARICOM delegation's visit marks a significant step towards addressing the historical injustices of slavery and colonialism. As the UK prepares to engage in these talks, it remains to be seen whether the country will take concrete steps towards reparations and reconciliation.
