Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that the 2025 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua will place a significant emphasis on reparations for Caribbean nations. This focus follows the recent CHOGM in Samoa, where the topic of reparations was merely touched upon, leaving Caribbean leaders unsatisfied with the depth of discussion.
During a radio interview, Browne emphasized the necessity for reparations discussions to move beyond mere symbolic gestures. He noted, “The issue of reparations holds profound significance for the Caribbean region. While there was eagerness among my colleagues to delve into this matter in Samoa, I suggested that the timing might not have been ideal for the United Kingdom.” He proposed postponing the detailed talks until the CHOGM in Antigua, allowing the UK’s new administration time to develop a well-informed stance. “This strategy will enable us to engage in a more structured and productive dialogue,” Browne explained.
Browne also highlighted the expectation for a formal reparations declaration during the Antigua meeting. “In Samoa, reparations were only mentioned briefly in the communique. However, we anticipate a comprehensive discussion and a formal declaration here in Antigua,” he stated, expressing confidence in the meeting’s ability to foster agreement on this critical issue.
He further elaborated on the necessity for financial compensation in any reparative justice, stating, “I firmly believe reparations must include monetary compensation. The labor of our ancestors was exploited for centuries without remuneration, creating an immense liability.” He illustrated the scale of this debt, suggesting, “If one were to calculate the value of that unpaid labor today, it would be in the trillions. Imagine the wealth one could accumulate from such exploitation.”
Browne also drew connections between historical exploitation and contemporary environmental injustices, noting, “The same colonial powers that profited from the exploitation of our people also contributed heavily to climate change, leaving us doubly burdened.”
He cautioned against further delays in addressing reparations, warning, “If we fail to resolve this now, we risk future injustices. History could repeat itself if we do not establish accountability.”
Anticipating resistance from those who might argue they bear no responsibility for their ancestors’ actions, Browne was resolute. “Even if they did not commit these acts themselves, they benefit from the wealth generated through exploitation. Accountability is crucial to prevent future injustices.”
As the CHOGM approaches, Browne remains optimistic, though realistic. “While we might not resolve everything in one meeting, our commitment to the cause will propel the conversation forward, setting a path towards justice.”
The CHOGM, to be hosted in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda in 2026, marks a significant event as it will be the smallest state to host such a summit, underscoring the importance of the reparations discussion on the global stage.
