Caricom: UK apology for slavery would be welcomed, but reparations must remain on the table

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) – The Caribbean Community (Caricom) has welcomed British Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s openness to a formal apology for slavery and structured dialogue with affected countries, but insists that reparatory justice must remain central to any discussions.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Caricom Chair and Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip J Pierre, said the Community was ready to engage with the United Kingdom but rejected Burnham’s position that reparations were not “the right answer”.

Burnham, who is due to attend the November 1-4 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda, has said he is “open” to listening to calls for a formal apology on behalf of Britain for its role in the slave trade, but ruled out considering financial reparations.