Britain’s King Charles speaks with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham as they attend the Commonwealth Business Forum at Sticky Wicket Cricket Ground during their visit to Antigua and Barbuda, in Osbourn, November 2, 2026. Chris Jackson/Pool via REUTERS

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says he hopes a framework for reparations dialogue with the United Kingdom will be completed before the end of 2026, allowing discussions to begin early next year.

Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show on Saturday, Browne said Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley would likely lead the discussions for CARICOM, citing her regional responsibility for reparations.

“We’re hoping to have the framework of the dialogue completed by the end of the year, and then the discussions will take place hopefully early in the new year,” he said.

Browne presented those dates as expectations. He did not announce an agreed opening date, negotiating team or detailed terms for the discussions.

The prime minister was reflecting on exchanges with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda. Browne said the parties had agreed to pursue structured dialogue that would be inclusive and time-bound.

He said he had sought to prevent reparations from becoming a source of hostility during the summit, while maintaining that an apology and restitution were necessary responses to the historical wrongs of slavery.

“I’m of the view, and always of the view and continue to be of the view, that we can resolve this issue without making enemies,” he said.

Browne argued that reparations were not simply a request for financial assistance. He said wealth generated through enslavement had benefited Britain across generations, while Caribbean societies continued to contend with the consequences.

He also presented accountability as a deterrent against future atrocities, arguing that allowing later generations to retain the benefits without responsibility could encourage repetition.

Browne said Mottley would “more than likely” lead for CARICOM and suggested Britain’s foreign minister might represent the United Kingdom. He did not indicate that either arrangement had been confirmed.

He acknowledged that the discussions would involve competing arguments, including questions about historical responsibility and development assistance already provided to the region.

While describing structured dialogue as progress, Browne cautioned that it might not produce a final settlement.

“Those discussions may not even necessarily come to any final conclusion, but at least we’re moving in the right direction,” he said.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda PM hopes reparations talks framework will be ready by year-end.