Guyana Reparations committee holds public discussion… Organizing, holding leaders accountable and greater youth involvement

May 04, 2014 News

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Congregating in the mining town of Linden, some coming from as far as Berbice and Essequibo, members of the African community, along with representatives of the Amerindian tribes, held their first public engagement on Reparations and Native Genocide yesterday.

They stressed that for a successful movement, organizing all relevant peoples, increasing youth knowledge and holding leaders accountable should be a focal point of the local movement.
As Guyana moves closer towards closing its report for reparations from European countries that were former slave owning nations, the local committee has commenced a public education process, introducing the importance and seriousness of the “Business of Reparations.”
With a balance of African drums and dances from the native people complementing a display of art, apparel and other cultural materials, special guest speakers enlightened and explained the history of African and Indigenous struggles.   The various spheres by which reparations must be seen and pursued were explained.
Special guest speaker from the Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Khafra Kambon, delivered the keynote address He echoed that reparations itself must first be understood. It was a loud cry for descendants of slavery and native genocide to understand that they deserve reparations and that it is due.
Kambon told the gathering that this was one aspect that the descendants themselves must recognize.
Explaining the root of slavery and its role in the economics of the world, he pointed out the vast gap between the rich and the poor and thus a catalyst for inequality; the drive of many social woes, local and global.
He explained the role of the descendants and the need for them to first emancipate themselves, to recognize the journey that they embark on in the fight for reparations.
Kambon explained the move of reparations as a psychological war, one that requires psychological stamina.
After lecturing on the evidence showing the hardship of African slavery, he argued that there is a legitimate and honest right for reparations. “We as a people in the region need to recognize our right to reparations. We must affirm that we deserve reparations.”
Region Ten Chairman Sharma Solomon was described a greater need to involve more young people in order to keep the move strong within the generations. The African movement, he charged, started some time ago and spiraled across Region Ten, but there is much more support that is needed, especially if it is to sweep across the country.
“We first need to organize ourselves and emerge as a voice for Afro -Guyanese in the region.” He urged that if those seeking reparations are not prepared and not organized, then those from whom reparations are being sought “will make a mess of us.” “We are asking them to pay us. It will not be easy.”
He added that leaders must be held responsible for the moves that are being made on behalf of the descendants. “We have to put people on the spot. We will hold them accountable.” He said that it is important that people see what is happening and find knowledge in the movement.
It is not for government or Parliament or the Caribbean Community (Caricom) alone, he said. All should make their contribution and moreover educate themselves, he added. Solomon was adamant that the movement must be strong, with a strong organization to back it.
He noted however that the support of the government is lacking. It was thus agreed by the attendees that support from the central government is weak.
“I am aware that the committee is very deficient,” Solomon related before reminding the gathering that leaders have to be held accountable when commitments and promises are made, but not upheld. He charged that there isn’t satisfactory recognition for the movement and the reparations committee.
Chairman Eric Phillips was thorough in the explanation of what he described as the “business of reparations.” He explained that slavery is a business. He detailed the findings of research information being complied for the June approach to Europe.
He explained the decimation of Africans and the manner in which their numbers dwindled. The act of slavery and genocide was a crime, “organized crime, and according to the United Nations, a crime against humanity,” he said.
Phillips went on to explain the existing effects of slavery in today’s societies and how much it has contributed to the global economy.
He further identified methods of what was described as modern day slavery; one such being debt; holding countries indebted is another form of enslavement.
Phillips questioned why Africans should not be re-paid for slavery when compensation has been paid for the loss of slaves after rebellions and emancipation. According to calculations, Phillips said, today, Guyana is owed some $34.5 trillion given the number of slaves brought here, the products produced and the hardships faced.
Guyana was tagged to have had the second largest number of slaves, facing the hardest work conditions given the terrain.
Attorney, Nigel Hughes, related the legal dimensions to seeking reparations and made suggestions on some aspects that might have been overlooked, including a demand for an international tribunal specifically equip to deal with such matters of crimes against humanity, thus paving a way for a means of dealing with future matters that could arise.
Slavery was described as the first atomic bomb, destroying the lives of Africans; their culture, way of life and family.

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