At the recently held Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in beautiful Samoa, discussions on slavery reparations took center stage amid the backdrop of pressing global issues.
During this landmark summit, leaders from 56 Commonwealth nations gathered to deliberate on various topics, including climate change, gender equity, and reparations for the transatlantic slave trade. Notably, this was the first time the summit occurred on Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS), providing these nations with the opportunity to speak on issues of underrepresentation and historical injustices.
The conversation around reparations resurfaced emphatically, even though it was not formally on the official agenda. Pressure from Commonwealth member states, particularly those from the Caribbean, increased significantly. Despite the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer insisting on focusing on “future-facing challenges” rather than past grievances, his Caribbean counterparts stressed the importance of addressing the legacy of slavery.
"The time has come for reparatory justice," declared Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis, highlighting the need for the Commonwealth to seek justice for the brutal history of slavery. This sentiment was echoed throughout the summit, indicating a unity of thought among nations historically affected by colonialism.
While discussions surrounding the issue have been contentious, with the UK government historically resisting calls to pay reparations, this summit proved to be pivotal. A proposed addition to the summit's final communique referencing reparations was blocked by UK officials, showing the extent of their reluctance to engage with the topic. Instead, the communique merely mentioned the need for “discussions on reparatory justice” moving forward.
Despite being sidelined from the formal agenda, the issue dominated the discourse. The wording of the communique appeared to reflect the influence of Caribbean leaders who succeeded in ensuring their voices were heard, even if the UK government dismissively downplayed the importance of these discussions.
The historical backdrop of slavery and its ramifications could not be ignored here. Between the 15th and 19th centuries, millions of Africans were forcibly taken from their homelands and subjected to horrific conditions aboard slave ships, with many sold off like chattel across the Americas and beyond. Experts estimate Britain played a significant role, with British ships reputedly responsible for transporting over three million enslaved Africans, primarily to their North American and Caribbean colonies.
Keir Starmer’s remarks, asserting, "Slavery is abhorrent... but I’d rather roll up my sleeves and work with them on the current future-facing challenges, rather than spend time on the past," underline the reluctance of the UK government to engage on reparations. Instead, his administration emphasizes working collaboratively to address contemporary issues like climate change and economic disparities.
Leaders such as St. Vincent and the Grenadines' Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves stressed the need for justice, referring to the lack of resources and opportunities historically available to the descendants of enslaved people and the resultant disadvantage they continue to experience, which resonates today. Davis called for the Commonwealth nations to have open and honest conversations about reparations, highlighting the historical injustices faced by Caribbean nations without land, money, or education post-abolishment.
King Charles III, who attended the summit and addressed attendees, acknowledged the painful historical truths, insisting the Commonwealth must learn from the past to address enduring inequities, albeit without calling explicitly for reparations. His emphasis instead was on finding “creative ways” to resolve these legacies, which somewhat complicates the Commonwealth’s approach to the issue of reparations.
Caribbean nations took matters partially unto their own hands by proposing their own plans. They suggested concrete steps, such as formal apologies, technology transfers, debt cancellations, and assistance with social issues and public health crises. These proposals aimed to generate momentum toward reparatory justice, regardless of the UK’s position on direct financial compensation.
During the discussions, it was evident the UK’s stringent stance on reparations came from political calculations, with governmental officials insisting reparations were non-negotiable. Chancellor Rachel Reeves re-emphasized this point just prior to the summit, stating, "The UK will not pay reparations for slavery," reflecting the overarching sentiment of the current Conservative leadership.
Despite this unwillingness to engage on financial reparations directly, the leaders involved at the summit expressed hope for future dialogues. The wording adopted has opened pathways for discussions at the UK-Caribbean forum scheduled for next March, where representatives from Caribbean nations hope to create comprehensive reports on reparatory justice.
The summit prompted renewed speculation about the financial scale of potential reparations. A report conducted by the Brattle Group estimated the UK would owe about $24 trillion, designated primarily for 14 Caribbean nations—including Jamaica, Haiti, and Trinidad and Tobago—as compensation for the impacts of slavery.
Other nations complicit in the transatlantic slave trade, such as France and the Netherlands, have similarly avoided outright reparations but have issued apologies. The Netherlands established a fund to support social initiatives rather than direct compensation, illustrating the various approaches countries are taking to reconcile their pasts.
Looking forward, diplomats suggest reparations for slavery may emerge as a central focus for the next Commonwealth summit. Community leaders and advocates for reparative justice have welcomed this, seeing it as the beginning of necessary dialogues. Countries within the Commonwealth are increasingly recognizing the need for solidarity and mutual support as they navigate the complex legacy of colonialism.
It's clear the time for conversation about reparations has arrived. With increasing pressure from member states urging meaningful change, leaders must grapple with the past and its lasting effects on current generations. Although the UK may resist taking financial responsibility, the insistence from other Commonwealth nations to address reparations highlights the rising tide of demands for justice worldwide.
Perhaps what continues to be developed from discussions sparked during this summit is the groundwork for more progressive policies going forward—initiatives aimed not just at recognition and acknowledgment of historical injustices but genuinely addressing the legacies of those actions. Here's hoping for progress as members come back to the table again at the next opportunity, seeking ways to bridge the gaps created over centuries.
