The transatlantic slave trade, which spanned from the 16th to the 19th century, was foundational to the British Empire’s economy. In 1833, the British government passed the Slavery Abolition Act, which freed enslaved people throughout the empire. However, the compensation paid at the time—£20 million—was given to slave owners rather than those enslaved. This payment, amounting to 40% of the UK’s annual budget, was repaid by taxpayers up until 2015​.

In response to this history, CARICOM established a Reparations Commission in 2013. The commission outlined a Ten-Point Plan for reparatory justice, which includes formal apologies, debt cancellation, and development support from former colonial powers​. CARICOM continues to call for a summit with European nations, including the UK, to discuss these issues at the highest diplomatic levels.

READ  ALSO: Inside UK’s Battle Against False Narratives

Current Developments and UK Government’s Response

Under the new Labour government, Caribbean leaders are cautiously optimistic that the UK might reconsider its stance. Historically, the UK government has resisted calls for reparations, focusing instead on development aid as a form of assistance​. The chair of the CARICOM Reparations Commission, Sir Hilary Beckles, has expressed hopes that the Labour administration, with figures like Foreign Secretary David Lammy—himself of Caribbean descent—might be more open to discussions​.

Recent international meetings, such as the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government summit in Samoa, are seen as key opportunities for advancing this dialogue. Leaders from across the Caribbean, including Prime Minister Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago, have emphasized the importance of addressing these issues as part of a broader effort to achieve justice for the region​.

Broader Implications

While reparations remain a complex and sensitive issue, Caribbean leaders are focused on achieving reconciliation that goes beyond financial compensation. CARICOM’s Ten-Point Plan, for example, emphasizes restorative justice, including educational reform, public health improvements, and cultural development​. These broader goals reflect a vision for addressing the long-term effects of slavery and colonialism.

The British public and political landscape, however, present challenges to these discussions. Surveys have shown that a majority of the UK population is not in favour of reparations, and previous governments have maintained that reparations are not the solution​. As the UK navigates its post-Brexit future and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains to be seen whether there is sufficient political will to engage in reparatory talks.

As Caribbean leaders continue to call for reparations and reconciliation, they hope the UK government will engage in constructive dialogue on these complex issues. While the path forward is uncertain, the focus remains on addressing the historical legacy of slavery and ensuring that justice is served through meaningful and lasting measures. This ongoing conversation reflects the broader global movement toward acknowledging and addressing historical injustices.

The post Reparations and Reconciliation: Caribbean Leaders’ Hopes for the UK Government appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

25 April 2018

African Leadership magazine has released its Top 50 African and Afro-Caribbean leaders in the UK for the year 2018. This inaugural list, which is not arranged in any particular order of importance, is aimed at recognising and celebrating outstanding contributions to the socio-economic development and leadership influence in the African / Afro-Caribbean communities in the United Kingdom.

According to the Publisher & CEO of African Leadership magazine, Ken Giami; “these distinguished change-makers are positively influencing their local communities and the larger society, changing the negative narrative often linked to minorities and people of colour”. According to Giami, a special edition of the African Leadership magazine shall be dedicated to these trailblazers to be unveiled at the special presentation ceremony and Gala for all the listed leaders billed to hold on 14 June 2018 at the London Hilton on Park Lane, Mayfair London. The 2018 honourees are drawn from across diverse industries, Sports, Journalism and Charity organizations. The full list is as below

• Dame Vivian Hunt: Managing Partner UK & Ireland, McKinsey & Co.
• Sir Kenneth Olisa: Business Leader
• Dr Clare Eluka: Founder, Premae Skincare
• Dr Brawn Miranda: Founder, Miranda Brawn Diversity Leadership Foundation
• Sapphire Gray: CEO SG Business Consultancy
• Tony Tiyou: Founder Renewables in Africa
• Dentaa Amoateng – CEO, GUBA
• Rosalind Howells, Baroness Howells of Saint Davids
• Nefateri Asantewa: CEO, Nsaa Nefateri
• Tim Campbell: Business Man.
• Kubi Springer: CEO, She builds Brands
• Mo Obadina: CEO, Mo’s MOJO
• Alexander Amosu: Owner of Alexander Amosu brand
• Dwain Reid: Business Leader
• Rachel Wang: Director, Chocolate Films
• Karen Blackett: Chairperson, MediaCom UK
• Mo Ibrahim: Founder, Mo Ibrahim Foundation
• Tidjane Thiam: CEO, Credit Suisse
• Trevor Phillips, Fmr Chair, Commission for Equality and Human Rights
• David Lammy, Member of Parliament
• John Sentamu, Archbishop of York
• Carol Lake, Managing Director & Head of Philanthropy, JP Morgan
• Tunji Akinkotun, Cisco Africa
• Isha Sesay, Journalist
• Jamal Edwards, Founder SBTV
• Alistair Soyode, Ben TV
• Adebayo Ogunlesi, Chairman Global Infrastructure Partners
• Rev. Joel Edwards, Advocacy Director, Christian Solidarity Worldwide
• Trevor Faure, Global Head of Legal, Ernst&Young
• Levi Roots (Keith Graham), Restauranteer, Musician and Entrepreneur
• Ozwald Boateng, CEO Ozwald Boateng Fashion line
• Professor Stanley Okolo, Executive Director WAHO
• Matthew Ryder QC, London City Hall
• Edward Kobina Eninful, Editor in Chief British Vogue Magazine
• Ric Lewis, CEO Tristan Capital Partners
• Ismail Ahmed, Founder/CEO World Remit
• Sharon White, Chief Executive, OFCOM
• Zeinab Badawi, Journalist
• Tom Ilube, Entrepreneur
• Jonathan Akwue, Managing Partner DigitasLBi
• Stanley Musesengwa, Managing Partner, Takura Capital Partners
• Heather Rabbatas, Solicitor, Broadcaster, Businesswoman
• Matthew Ashimolowo, Senior Pastor KICC
• Kate Osamor, MP
• Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE
• Joel Edwards, Advocacy Director, Christian Solidarity Worldwide
• Bishop John Francis, Founder Ruach City Church
• Agu Irukwu, RCCG Jesus House
• Anthony Joshua, Boxer
• Dianne Abbott, MP

About African Leadership Magazine

The African Leadership magazine is published by African Leadership (UK) Limited, a company registered in the United Kingdom (Company No. 07435198). The magazine focuses on bringing the best of Africa to a global audience, telling the African story from an African perspective; while evolving solutions to peculiar challenges being faced by the continent today. Followed by over 800,000 people on Facebook alone, and several others on other social media platforms, the magazine has continued to celebrate and shine the spotlight on exceptional African achievement, leadership and contributions to humanity everywhere.

Enquiries:

Grace Sinou

grace@africanleadershipmagazine.co.uk

+447438802727

The post Top 50 African and Afro-Caribbean Leaders In The UK 2018 appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.