Caribbean nations will discuss slavery reparations during the UK visit

A Caribbean Community (CARICOM) reparations commission delegation will meet with British officials and lawmakers this week to discuss the historical injustices of colonialism and slavery and their lingering effects.

Between the 15th and 19th centuries, at least 12.5 million Africans were abducted, taken by force by European ships, and sold into slavery. Proponents assert that in order to address the persistent legacies, such racism, action is required.

Reparations calls have gained traction globally, especially within the African Union (AU) and CARICOM, a group of 15 member states that includes Barbados and Jamaica.

The AU is creating its own reparations plan, while CARICOM has one that calls for a complete and official apology, educational initiatives, debt cancellation, and monetary compensation.

A increasing number of European leaders have opposed even discussing reparations, stating that modern states and institutions shouldn’t be held accountable for past wrongs.

Before last year’s Commonwealth summit in Samoa, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that he would rather focus on the future than have “very long, endless discussions about reparations on the past.”

At the conclusion of the summit, however, the 56-nation group led by King Charles of Britain decided to state in their concluding statement that it was time for a discussion on the matter.

The purpose of the CARICOM commission’s visit, which is scheduled for November 17–20, is to “strengthen strategic partnerships and promote a joint program of public education and engagement on the reparations agenda,” according to a media alert.

85% of respondents to a 2025 survey conducted by The Repair Campaign were ignorant of Britain’s involvement in slavery and colonialism, including the fact that the nation had forcefully transported more than 3 million Africans to the Caribbean.