Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called for Antigua and Barbuda’s pursuit of reparations for slavery to be guided by diplomacy rather than bitterness, saying historical injustices must be addressed without undermining relations with Britain and other international partners.
In his address marking Antigua and Barbuda’s 45th anniversary of independence on Sunday, November 1, Browne said the country’s demand for reparatory justice remains important but must be pursued with maturity, respect and a commitment to meaningful dialogue.
“We can speak truthfully about historical injustices and pursue justice without bitterness. We can demand accountability and restitution while engaging our international partners with dignity, reason and purpose,” Browne said.
The prime minister confirmed that his government is advancing discussions on reparations directly with the United Kingdom and through the Commonwealth, including during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) being hosted by Antigua and Barbuda.
“Our Government is advancing this important discussion in bilateral discussions with the United Kingdom and in the councils of the Commonwealth, including at the meeting that begins tomorrow,” he said.
Browne acknowledged that the consequences of slavery continue to affect Caribbean societies, arguing that the passage of time has not erased the economic and social disadvantages created by centuries of exploitation.
“The history of slavery is painful, and its consequences have not disappeared with the passage of time. The structural inequalities and economic disadvantages created by centuries of exploitation continue to affect our societies,” he said.
He stressed that the pursuit of reparations deserves serious consideration and sustained international engagement.
“Our pursuit of reparatory justice therefore deserves seriousness, sensitivity and sustained international engagement,” Browne added.
The prime minister also invoked the words of Antigua and Barbuda’s founding Prime Minister, Sir Vere Cornwall Bird, who acknowledged both the injustices of British colonial rule and Britain’s contributions to the country’s development before independence.
“It is an historical fact that we were a colony of Britain; it is a matter of record that people were exploited in this land. But equally it is true that Britain has contributed to the development which made our independence possible tonight,” Browne quoted Sir Vere as saying.
Browne said those words remain relevant to how Antigua and Barbuda should approach its historical relationship with Britain.
He argued that acknowledging colonial exploitation does not prevent the country from recognizing aspects of its historical relationship with Britain or maintaining constructive diplomatic ties.
“They remind us that we must confront our history honestly, acknowledge its injustices and judge our contemporary relationships with fairness, maturity and wisdom,” he said.
His remarks came as Antigua and Barbuda welcomed King Charles III and Queen Camilla for the country’s independence celebrations and the Commonwealth gathering.
Browne reflected on the historical connection between the British monarchy and Antigua and Barbuda, noting that Princess Margaret represented Queen Elizabeth II at the country’s independence ceremonies in 1981.
He also acknowledged that Antigua and Barbuda’s future constitutional relationship with the monarchy ultimately rests with its citizens.
“The future of our constitutional arrangements, however, belongs ultimately to the people of Antigua and Barbuda and must be determined by them through our constitutional processes,” he said.
The prime minister’s remarks place reparatory justice alongside continued diplomatic engagement with Britain, emphasizing that the pursuit of historical accountability and restitution need not come at the expense of mutual respect.
Browne did not announce a new reparations agreement, financial commitment or timetable for concluding discussions with Britain during the address.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: PM Gaston Browne calls for reparations without bitterness toward Britain.