CARICOM hopes for June forum in Europe over slavery reparations

Mar 14, 2014 News

---

By Zena Henry
Leaders of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) have unanimously accepted a broad plan to seek slavery reparations from Europe for the negative effects left behind by the Atlantic slave trade. In their quest for reparations for native genocide and slavery, the Community is hoping that come June, they will be able to hold talks with Europe to clarify their position.
Chairman of the 15-member regional body; St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, told reporters in St. Vincent that “good progress” was made on the issue, “and before the end of June, some approach is going to be made to the European countries in relation to this matter of reparations.”
The Vincentian PM was stated as saying that focus was also being placed on a budget for the regional commission on reparations for African slavery and native genocide, while a 10-point reparatory justice framework, presented by head of Caricom’s Reparations Commission, Professor Sir Hillary Beckles, involving an apology from Europe and organization with African countries, among other interests, was adopted.
A Communiqué from this year’s Intersessional meeting noted that, in keeping with the decisions of the Thirty-Fourth Meeting of the Conference in July 2013, eight Member States developed National Reparations Committees and others are in the process of establishment.  The Regional Reparations Committee, comprising chairpersons of National Committees has prepared a Draft Regional Strategic and Operational Plan for a Caribbean Reparatory Justice Programme (CRJP).
“Among the major elements elaborated in the Plan were those related to the request for a Full Formal Apology by the Governments of Europe involved in the trans-Atlantic slave trade; the establishment of Caribbean Cultural institutions through which the Caribbean experience could be scientifically told; an Indigenous Peoples Development Programme; Technology Transfer; and Debt Cancellation.  The Action Plan is to be discussed in greater detail by the Prime Ministerial Sub–Committee (PMSC) on Reparations, chaired by the Prime Minister of Barbados.”
Caricom has also encouraged Member States to, “continue the necessary research and documentation in order to ready themselves for addressing reparation claims.”
It was noted by PM Gonsalves that some 16 million people, with a huge diaspora, are being represented in this claim, and are satisfied that the law and the act, ‘is on our side.”
British law firm, Leigh Day, was already identified to lead the region’s legal battle against Europe.
Caricom heads have also taken “a decision in principle,” that for medical purposes marijuana should be decriminalized. Trinidad and Tobago’s PM Kamla Per­sad-Bis­sessar had pointed out however that no decision would be taken without looking at all the factors surrounding the issue and without the relevant consultation with the peoples.
On this issue, it pointed out that intense discussions were held on marijuana, “including its medical use and aspects of the decriminalising small quantities for recreational use,” while exploring the economic benefits deriving from the cultivation of the herb.
It was mentioned however, that concerns were raised about the potential public and mental health aspects of the plant’s use.
“Heads of Governments recognised the need for careful in-depth research of the various implications of the measures contemplated and mandated the establishment of a Regional Commission to address the issues identified and any others deemed relevant in order to provide clear guidance with regard to decisions to be taken.”
A report on the matter is expected at the Regular Meeting of the Conference in July 2014.
Caricom chairman, PM Gonsalves, has been very vocal on the issue of marijuana decriminalization, pointing especially to its medical and economic value. He had pointed out financial benefits of several states that use the drugs for medicinal purposes.
In the meantime, here in Guyana, law enforcement has pointed out that any decision in favour of medical marijuana would mean a change in legislation.
A senior police officer told Kaieteur News that the position on marijuana and a ganja-free society remains the same until a chance in policy.  It was stressed that the benefits and difficulties of that issue would have to be discussed, since the issue may have its pros and cons. In the meantime, the officer stated, “our job is to enforce the policies and laws that are in place.”
Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee had made it pellucid in late January that until legislation is changed in relation to “ganja” use, “the government of Guyana is to pursue a zero tolerance policy in respect to trafficking in narcotics, possession of narcotics, and any other form of activity in respect to drugs that are deemed illegal according to the laws of our country and according to the treaties and conventions of an international nature which we have signed on to”.

---

---