Vice-Chancellor of UWI Calls on UN to Back Reparatory Justice Programme

In a speech to the United Nations General Assembly on International Day of Remembrance for Victims of Slavery, Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, called for reparatory justice for the Caribbean and an end to colonization in the region. He highlighted that some European countries still have colonies in the Caribbean, and urged the UN to commit to decolonization as part of a reparatory justice program. Beckles emphasized the need for moral and development reparations to create a more equitable global order and break away from historical injustices.

Beckles also spoke about the genocidal nature of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, citing the drastic reduction of enslaved people in Barbados over a period of 200 years as an example of this brutality. He called for a united effort to address historical wounds and promote reparatory justice, pointing to ongoing military barbarity and ethnic hatred in various parts of the world, including Gaza. Beckles emphasized the importance of healing the scars of history and working towards a more just and humane society through reparations.

The Vice Chancellor also addressed the injustice faced by Haiti, the first nation to end slavery but was punished by the Western world for their audacity. Beckles highlighted the hypocrisy of Western powers who demanded reparations from Haiti after it gained independence, instead of acknowledging their noble actions. He called for justice for Haiti and rejected the demonization of the country by the West, stressing the need to honor those who have fought against slavery and injustice.

Beckles underscored the ongoing legacy of slavery and colonization, stating that the effects are still felt today and continue to impact communities. He emphasized the necessity of reparatory justice to address these historical injustices and ensure sustainable economic, social, and moral development. Beckles called for apologies, development compensation, and acknowledgement of the moral conscience of individuals such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, highlighting the importance of recognizing the contributions of black people to modernity.

The International Day of Remembrance for Victims of Slavery was designated by the UN in 2007 to honor those who suffered under this brutal system. March 25 also marks the date in 1807 when the Slave Trade Act was passed by Parliament, outlawing the slave trade in Britain, Ireland, and the wider British Empire. Beckles’ call for reparatory justice and an end to colonization reflects a broader push for addressing historical injustices and creating a more equitable global order based on dignity and respect for all humanity.