The chief reparations committee for Caribbean nations has urged the United Kingdom to return the British Virgin Islands and demanded that King Charles support the decolonization of remaining British overseas territories, as reported by The Guardian.
During a visit to London, the Caricom Reparations Commission warned of a global resurgence of colonization, identifying the Caribbean as the most colonized region in the world.
The commission recently launched a new manifesto focusing on the moral, ethical, and legal arguments for reparative justice and decolonization.
David Comissiong, Barbados’ ambassador to Caricom, stated during a briefing in London that decolonization is now a key demand within the new manifesto.
British overseas territories, including Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Montserrat, and Turks and Caicos, maintain internal self-governance but remain under the authority of UK-appointed governors.
These UK-appointed officials retain control over crucial matters such as defense, international affairs, security, and specific legal issues.
Sir Hilary Beckles, chair of the commission, emphasized that the ongoing colonization of the Caribbean must come to an end.
"We are saying to the world and to the United Nations," he said, "bring an end to colonisation, because if we do not bring it into the framework of reparatory justice, we might see a resurgence of colonisation elsewhere."
Beckles pointed to global military interventions as early indicators of this resurgence, warning that power could lead back to systemic colonization.
"We object to the fact that when we leave our independent islands and we arrive in Martinique, there's a sign at the airport that says, 'Welcome to France'."
"We object to the fact that in the Virgin Islands, our people cannot make fundamental decisions because they have to consult with the British governor and consult with Downing Street to make decisions … and we want to have it uprooted as part of the enlightenment that we’re calling for – democracy, freedom, sovereignty for everyone."
The Intersection of Decolonization and Reparations
Comissiong expressed that it is inconceivable for Black people to remain without self-determination after overcoming the historical oppression and wealth extraction of slavery and colonialism.
He noted that at least 20 British, French, Dutch, and American colonies still exist in the Caribbean, stating that reparations and decolonization are directly linked.
The discussion comes ahead of the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Antigua and Barbuda, where King Charles is scheduled to be the keynote speaker.
Comissiong acknowledged the constitutional constraints of the British monarch but noted that Caribbean nations expect the king to advance conversations regarding sovereignty and reparatory justice.
"I would not dare to advise the king how he should address his subjects, (but) the time has come to let the people go, to begin the decolonisation process … to break the chains of imperial governance.
And to say, to those subjects: 'We accept responsibility, for 300 years of wealth extraction, human degradation, and future moral order.'"
New Strategies in the Global Movement
The global reparations movement has recently expanded through stronger cooperation between Caribbean and African nations, alongside planned collaborations with African Americans.
According to Beckles, the movement is transitioning into a negotiation stage following multiple apologies from global institutions and a United Nations vote recognizing slavery as a grave crime against humanity.
During their UK visit, the Caribbean delegation also met with senior clerics of the Church of England, urging them to proceed with their Project Spire reparations program despite theological criticisms.
