Antiguan and Barbudan communications specialist and mental health advocate Chaneil C. Imhoff is undertaking her first assignment as Ambassador to the Caribbean for the Global Organization for Heritage, Environment and Tourism Development (GOHETD), representing the organisation at the Third CARICOM Regional Conference on Reparations.
The conference runs from 17 to 19 September 2026 at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle Resort under the theme “Reparatory Justice as the Coming Enlightenment.” Organised by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat and the CARICOM Reparations Commission, it is hosted by the Government of Barbados and the Barbados Reparations Task Force.
Imhoff’s participation forms part of GOHETD’s regional outreach, with a focus on identifying opportunities for cooperation in heritage preservation, responsible tourism, environmental development and youth participation.
The 18 September opening dialogue on the global reparatory justice movement listed CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett as moderator, with Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Dr. Jane Mufamadi, Ambassador David Comissiong, Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP and Francia Márquez among the contributors.
Reflecting on the opening, Imhoff identified development that transforms people’s circumstances as a central message, alongside the need to convert moral support for reparations into coordinated action. Her takeaways included stronger cooperation among the Caribbean, Africa and the diaspora, recognition of Rastafari’s longstanding advocacy, and the connection between reparatory justice and climate justice.
Practical proposals captured in her session notes included national technical teams of historians and economists to document specific harms and develop clear demands, and a global petition to mobilise public support. She also highlighted the responsibilities of governments and institutions, including churches, to support meaningful repair, alongside the Caribbean’s own work towards self-repair.
“Reparatory justice must translate into changes that people can see and experience in their lives,” Imhoff said. “That includes access to education, the protection of our heritage and a meaningful role for communities in deciding what development should look like. These priorities connect directly with the work I am undertaking through GOHETD.”
The morning programme also listed Dr. Panashe Chigumadzi’s plenary on Pan-African reparations jurisprudence, moderated by Professor Verene Shepherd, with Ulele Burnham as respondent.
The first round table focused on Indigenous rights, recognition and resettlement. Its listed moderator was Dr. Damien Dublin, with Chief Richard Currie, Steve Reid, Danelle James and Nelcia Robinson as speakers.
A further session on international institutions and reparatory justice listed Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador Dorbrene O’Marde as moderator, with Shepherd, Gaynel Curry, Dr. Barbara Reynolds, Ambassador Amr Aljowaily and Dr. Hilary Brown.
For Imhoff, these themes reinforce the importance of recognising Indigenous peoples’ distinct histories and priorities, and ensuring that Rastafari and other communities help shape heritage and development initiatives.
“The people who have preserved our culture and sustained the demand for justice must help shape what comes next,” she added. “Our responsibility is to ensure that heritage and development initiatives respect their knowledge, strengthen their participation and create opportunities within their communities.”
The Barbados gathering follows regional conferences in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 2013 and Antigua and Barbuda in 2014. Through this assignment, Imhoff will identify potential partnerships and recommendations to inform GOHETD’s future Caribbean engagement.
Imhoff is the founder of the Wadadli Initiative for Self-care and Healing (WISH). Her work spans communications, media production, mental health advocacy and community initiatives in Antigua and Barbuda.
The Global Organization for Heritage, Environment and Tourism Development promotes cultural preservation, environmental sustainability and responsible tourism through international partnerships, community development and youth engagement.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Chaneil Imhoff Begins First GOHETD Assignment at CARICOM Reparations Conference.