We must take reparations more seriously

R. Rose – Eye of the Needle When will Caribbean people, and their governments give higher priority to the international demand for reparations for transatlantic slavery and colonial plunder? This question is a most relevant one even as the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent holds an important meeting in Geneva, Switzerland this week. The meeting is being attended by delegates from most Caribbean nations, including St Vincent and the Grenadines. It is also of special significance to this region because on Tuesday April,16, noted St Lucian diplomat, Dr June Soomer, was sworn in as the Chair of that global body. The Caribbean is one of the regions of the world which have suffered most from the inhuman trafficking in African slaves, genocide against its indigenous people and the ravages of colonialism. It stands to reason then that Caribbean states have been in the forefront of the demands for reparations. It has led to not only vocal representation in international fora but also the establishment of a Caribbean Reparations Commission, launched in grand style in Kingstown last August. Despite this auspicious launching and excellent advocacy work mainly by leading Caribbean intellectuals, it is true to say that...