The Reconstituted National Committee on Reparations hosted its media launch at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) on July 8. Last year, Dr Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs, announced the formation of a national reparations committee. This committee aims to address the injustices of slavery, which has been dubbed as one of the darkest chapters in human history by the UN.
According to the UN, victims of slavery have the right to reparation that is adequate, effective, prompt, and proportional to the harm endured. The Caricom Centre for Reparations Research (CRC) in Jamaica, led by Professor Verene Shepherd, expressed willingness to assist the TT Reparations Committee with research to address the legacies of conquest, genocidal actions against indigenous peoples, and the impact of colonialism in the Caribbean region.
The CRC has put forth a ten-point action plan, targeting European countries to take responsibility for the historical wrongs inflicted through slavery and colonization. This includes demands for a formal apology, indigenous people development programs, funding for reparations to Africa, the return of cultural heritage, and support for public health crises caused by the lasting effects of slavery.
Successful reparations have been seen in various parts of the world, with examples like Chicago enacting a reparations ordinance for African Americans tortured by police, and Georgetown University creating a fund for the descendants of enslaved individuals. Additionally, the US has provided reparations to Japanese-Americans who were interned during World War II. These examples show that reparations, though challenging, are possible and can lead to healing and reconciliation.
