Reparation: A Development Issue
“This is not about
retribution and anger, it’s about atonement; it’s about the building of bridges
across lines of moral justice.”- Sir Hilary Beckles
There can be no middle ground regarding the issue of reparation. Once you have a drop of African blood running through your veins, once your DNA can be traced to the continent of Africa where our fore parents were rounded up like cattle and transported in inhumane conditions across the Atlantic, then you are obliged to be concerned about the topic of reparation. I strongly suspect that many in the society do not have an understanding of reparation and therefore this lack of basic understanding underpins the lack of interest in the matter. Historically, reparation was confined to the realm of war crimes and viewed solely through compensation through financial means, however, reparation as a movement has evolved, and indeed reparation is much more than financial compensation. Those of us who choose not to support the cause for reparatory justice continue to perpetuate another layer of injustice not only to our African ancestry but also to self. In transitional justice reparation measures are taken by the State to redress human rights violations through the administration of some form of compensation or restitution to the victims. The issue of reparation is not entirely new. Perhaps the most famous reparation case in International Law exists between Germany and Israel. It is well documented that after the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945 which resulted in the end of World War 2, the German State paid Israel and the survivors of the Holocaust billions of dollars in compensation. In 2012 Britain paid almost 20 million pound to Kenya's Mau Mau for colonial atrocities committed against them in their fight for freedom. Was the Black holocaust or Maafa any less horrific? Why have European governments refused to make restitution for their acts of brutality against the black race? Was the suffering of our ancestors and forefathers any less than the suffering of other groups of people who sought and received reparation? Recently, the Black Lives Matter Movement, founded in the United States of America has been campaigning against institutional racism and violence towards black people. This movement has certainly added another dimension in bringing awareness to the plight of people of African ancestry. For more than 300 years countries of Europe benefitted from the unpaid labour, sweat and tears of our ancestors who were captured from Africa and forcibly transported in what became known as the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The TransAtlantic Slave Trade is arguably one of the scourges of humanity and one of the earliest forms of Human Trafficking which resulted in 12- 15 million Africans being transported to the Western Hemisphere. It is estimated the Caribbean accounted for appropriately 30 per cent, with the British Caribbean accounting for about 2-4 million.
What is Reparation?
The term reparation is of Latin origin and means to repair. In International Law it is a well-known principle that those nations or individuals who have wronged other nations or individuals should make reparation to fix the damage which has been suffered. Director of The Centre for Reparation Research (CRR) and chairperson of the National Council on Reparations (NCR), Professor Verene Shepherd in a recent interview defines reparation as, “the act of making amends for a harm that has been done.” Professor Shepherd added that this harm was done through colonization and slavery. She said the manifestations of the harm done continues and can be seen through a cycle of poverty which exists among our people. Professor Shepherd who is passionate in her advocacy spent some time explaining that the reparation being sought should not be viewed as a financial bailout, or grant, or a loan. Professor Shepherd said, “they owe us a development package.” The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) defines development as a process of enlarging people’s choices, increasing their opportunities for education, health care, income and employment, and covering the full range of human choices from a sound physical environment to economic and political freedoms. So here lies the problem for Caribbean societies which were once colonies of Europe. After Emancipation in 1834 the freed black population had no land or assets and for the most part they had no education. They received no compensation package as Professor Shepherd reminded was not the situation for the indentured labourers. lt is irrefutable that African labour contributed immensely to the rise of the Industrial Age and helped European powers to achieve the status of developed societies. On the other hand, the trade in slaves helped to underdeveloped Africa since the continent’s best and brightest were plucked from their homeland and transported to Europe. Millions of Africans died while making the journey across the Atlantic in overcrowded slave ships. Millions more would have died on the plantations during the duration of more than three centuries of slavery. As descendants of Africans we must hold those States, as well as the heirs of slave owners accountable for their sins. Unquestionably, reparation is that vehicle which can remedy both. For many in the society it appears that reparation is mainly confined to academia and the Rastafarian community. The truth is the Rastafarian community has played and continues to play a critical role in the fight for reparation. The society owes the Rastafarian community a debt of gratitude. There are however some elements in the society who are trying to drive a wedge between academia and the Rastafarian community as it relates to the work surrounding reparation. Why is there a disconnect between the wider society and the reparation movement? According to a colleague, Carlette Evans, who is a teacher of Social Studies, there is no knowledge of History of African slavery. She added that many in the society are isolated from their past and as a result they do not see the relevance and do not believe reparations will be fruitful.
CARICOM’s 10 Point Action Plan
The CARICOM Reparations Commission (CRC) in collaboration with the Centre for Reparation Research have developed ten points outlining the route to truth, justice and reconciliation for negotiations for reparation with Denmark, France, Spain, The Netherlands, The United Kingdom and other European States.
In 2015, then British Prime Minister David Cameron visited Jamaica. During a question and answer session he commented that it’s time to, “move on from this painful legacy and continue to build for the future”, in response to a question on slavery. But how can we move on without restitution? Many of us in the Caribbean were shocked to learn that the slave loan of £20 million pounds borrowed in 1834 to compensate slave owners was only repaid in 2015. The British planters received reparations for owning slaves. What about the descendants of the victims of slavery? Black lives Matter!
Social historian Professor Shepherd shares the belief, that it is only through public education and the establishment of a partnership with various social entities such as the church, media and civil society, that a broader awareness and appreciate for the reparation movement will be accomplished. Professor Shepherd who is advocate for the compulsory teaching of History education is also of the opinion that the compulsory teaching of History Education in our schools would draw attention to the reparation movement in the wider society. CARICOM as a regional bloc has become rather lukewarm and needs to redouble its efforts in spreading the message of reparation. As the regional body representing the collective voices of our people CARICOM needs to do much more in terms of using the various platforms afforded to its members to speak about the issue of reparation. We need to have more debates between our schools at both the primary and secondary levels on the moot surrounding reparations. Our museums need to get on board by mounting displays to inform the wider population about reparation. It is only by engaging the younger generation that the reparation movement will grow. We need to have more effective coordination throughout CARICOM regarding the reparation movement. Clearly, more work and effort are needed to widen the conversation regarding reparation. Perhaps, we could organize rallies all across CARICOM. The Caribbean as a Region as well as member States could look at the possibility of organizing 5K Runs/Walk which could assist to heighten the awareness of the importance of reparation to the future development of our societies. As we continue the discourse concerning the issue of reparation, we must never forget our history and the injustices done. The genocide committed by Europe in the Americas, specifically in the Caribbean through slavery and colonization continues to hang over our people. As a society we must seek justice for those for whom the light have burnt out and for those whose voices have been silenced by the grave. This generation has a duty to seek restitution on behalf.
“By our unpaid labour and suffering, we have earned the right to the soil, many times over and over, and now we are determined to have it.”- Anonymous 1861
Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues.
waykam@yahoo.com
@WayneCamo
#slavery #reparations #colonization #genocide #development #Africa #Europe #culture #education
#ReparationsNow
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There can be no middle ground regarding the issue of reparation. Once you have a drop of African blood running through your veins, once your DNA can be traced to the continent of Africa where our fore parents were rounded up like cattle and transported in inhumane conditions across the Atlantic, then you are obliged to be concerned about the topic of reparation. I strongly suspect that many in the society do not have an understanding of reparation and therefore this lack of basic understanding underpins the lack of interest in the matter. Historically, reparation was confined to the realm of war crimes and viewed solely through compensation through financial means, however, reparation as a movement has evolved, and indeed reparation is much more than financial compensation. Those of us who choose not to support the cause for reparatory justice continue to perpetuate another layer of injustice not only to our African ancestry but also to self. In transitional justice reparation measures are taken by the State to redress human rights violations through the administration of some form of compensation or restitution to the victims. The issue of reparation is not entirely new. Perhaps the most famous reparation case in International Law exists between Germany and Israel. It is well documented that after the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945 which resulted in the end of World War 2, the German State paid Israel and the survivors of the Holocaust billions of dollars in compensation. In 2012 Britain paid almost 20 million pound to Kenya's Mau Mau for colonial atrocities committed against them in their fight for freedom. Was the Black holocaust or Maafa any less horrific? Why have European governments refused to make restitution for their acts of brutality against the black race? Was the suffering of our ancestors and forefathers any less than the suffering of other groups of people who sought and received reparation? Recently, the Black Lives Matter Movement, founded in the United States of America has been campaigning against institutional racism and violence towards black people. This movement has certainly added another dimension in bringing awareness to the plight of people of African ancestry. For more than 300 years countries of Europe benefitted from the unpaid labour, sweat and tears of our ancestors who were captured from Africa and forcibly transported in what became known as the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The TransAtlantic Slave Trade is arguably one of the scourges of humanity and one of the earliest forms of Human Trafficking which resulted in 12- 15 million Africans being transported to the Western Hemisphere. It is estimated the Caribbean accounted for appropriately 30 per cent, with the British Caribbean accounting for about 2-4 million.
What is Reparation?
The term reparation is of Latin origin and means to repair. In International Law it is a well-known principle that those nations or individuals who have wronged other nations or individuals should make reparation to fix the damage which has been suffered. Director of The Centre for Reparation Research (CRR) and chairperson of the National Council on Reparations (NCR), Professor Verene Shepherd in a recent interview defines reparation as, “the act of making amends for a harm that has been done.” Professor Shepherd added that this harm was done through colonization and slavery. She said the manifestations of the harm done continues and can be seen through a cycle of poverty which exists among our people. Professor Shepherd who is passionate in her advocacy spent some time explaining that the reparation being sought should not be viewed as a financial bailout, or grant, or a loan. Professor Shepherd said, “they owe us a development package.” The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) defines development as a process of enlarging people’s choices, increasing their opportunities for education, health care, income and employment, and covering the full range of human choices from a sound physical environment to economic and political freedoms. So here lies the problem for Caribbean societies which were once colonies of Europe. After Emancipation in 1834 the freed black population had no land or assets and for the most part they had no education. They received no compensation package as Professor Shepherd reminded was not the situation for the indentured labourers. lt is irrefutable that African labour contributed immensely to the rise of the Industrial Age and helped European powers to achieve the status of developed societies. On the other hand, the trade in slaves helped to underdeveloped Africa since the continent’s best and brightest were plucked from their homeland and transported to Europe. Millions of Africans died while making the journey across the Atlantic in overcrowded slave ships. Millions more would have died on the plantations during the duration of more than three centuries of slavery. As descendants of Africans we must hold those States, as well as the heirs of slave owners accountable for their sins. Unquestionably, reparation is that vehicle which can remedy both. For many in the society it appears that reparation is mainly confined to academia and the Rastafarian community. The truth is the Rastafarian community has played and continues to play a critical role in the fight for reparation. The society owes the Rastafarian community a debt of gratitude. There are however some elements in the society who are trying to drive a wedge between academia and the Rastafarian community as it relates to the work surrounding reparation. Why is there a disconnect between the wider society and the reparation movement? According to a colleague, Carlette Evans, who is a teacher of Social Studies, there is no knowledge of History of African slavery. She added that many in the society are isolated from their past and as a result they do not see the relevance and do not believe reparations will be fruitful.
CARICOM’s 10 Point Action Plan
The CARICOM Reparations Commission (CRC) in collaboration with the Centre for Reparation Research have developed ten points outlining the route to truth, justice and reconciliation for negotiations for reparation with Denmark, France, Spain, The Netherlands, The United Kingdom and other European States.
1.
A Full and Formal Apology- According to
Social Historian and Director of the Centre for Reparations Research Professor
Verene Shepherd, a Statement of Regret is insufficient and therefore a full
apology for the atrocities and suffering inflicted on enslaved peoples is a
necessary component of making amends. A full apology accepts responsibility,
commits to non-repetition and pledges to repair the harm caused.
2.
Indigenous Peoples Development
Programmes- As a result of European conquest and colonization, the indigenous
peoples within the Member States of CARICOM have been subjected to forced
migration within countries to brutal work conditions and genocide. A community
of 3 million people in 1700 was forcibly reduced to less than 30,000 in 2000.
Their descendants remain traumatized and landless. Professor Shepherd added
that the period of enslavement of Africans by the Europeans has contributed to
a cycle of poverty.
3.
Funding for Repatriation to Africa- The
descendants of African peoples stolen from their homes, lands, peoples and
cultures have a legal right of return, for unlike indentured workers, the
enslaved had no contract guaranteeing the right to return or material
incentives to remain. This therefore means that those Europeans states which
benefitted from the Transatlantic Slave Trade should bear the cost for resettlement.
4.
The Establishment of Cultural
Institutions and the Return of Cultural Heritage- After more than 300 years of African
slavery the cultures of both the enslaved Africans and the Indigenous People
have almost been wiped out. The restoration of historical memory through
community institutions such as museums and research centres will allow the
citizenry to understand that crimes against humanity were committed. These cultural
institutions will also serve to memorialize their ancestors’ contribution to
development.
5.
Assistance in Remedying the Public
Health Crisis- The centuries of poor nutrition and overly salted goods given to
the enslaved have now transmitted an inter-generational tendency for
hypertension. Professor Shepherd remarked that medical research indicate that there
has been a physiological change in the DNA of our people over the centuries due
to the poor diet and as a result many of us are now predisposed to diabetes and
other lifestyles diseases. Therefore reparation could assist in alleviating the
public health care crisis currently being experienced across the Region.
6.
Education Programmes- At the end of
European colonialism, the black, indigenous and indentured communities in the
Caribbean were left in a state of illiteracy. European States which presided
over this system of inequality have a responsibility to build and provide
scholarship to descendants of the enslaved in Post- Slavery societies.
7.
The Enhancement of Historical and Cultural
Knowledge Exchanges- Colonialism was responsible for the situation where
European culture was forced upon the populations who lived in the Region. This
forced acculturation was based on the incorrect and racist idea that the
culture of the European was superior.
8. Psychological
Rehabilitation as a Result of the Transmission of Trauma- Medical research and
accompanying data now demonstrate that there can be inter-generational
transmission of trauma. The trauma associated with the Middle Passage as well
as the brutality which the enslaved and indigenous peoples of the Region
endured have affected and continue to affect the present generation. Professor Shepherd mentioned mental health
which continues to be a source of concern not only for health care
practitioners but for the wider society. We need to consider the impact that
Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome has had on our societies and the descendants of
the enslaved. Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome is a condition that exits as a
consequence of multigenerational oppression of Africans and their descendants
resulting from centuries of chattel slavery.
9. The
Right to Development Through the Use of Technology- Generations of youth have
been denied membership and access to the science and technology culture.
Technology transfer for development is critical for CARICOM states to move from
developing to developed societies.
10. Debt
Cancellation and Monetary Compensation- During the Post Slavery Period CARICOM
States have inherited massive debt. This serving of debt to international
creditors continues to undermine the development of Caribbean Societies. As a
result the cancellation of international debt and direct monetary payments
where appropriate are necessary reparatory actions to make right the harm
caused by slavery and colonization.
On
the Road to Reparation In 2015, then British Prime Minister David Cameron visited Jamaica. During a question and answer session he commented that it’s time to, “move on from this painful legacy and continue to build for the future”, in response to a question on slavery. But how can we move on without restitution? Many of us in the Caribbean were shocked to learn that the slave loan of £20 million pounds borrowed in 1834 to compensate slave owners was only repaid in 2015. The British planters received reparations for owning slaves. What about the descendants of the victims of slavery? Black lives Matter!
Social historian Professor Shepherd shares the belief, that it is only through public education and the establishment of a partnership with various social entities such as the church, media and civil society, that a broader awareness and appreciate for the reparation movement will be accomplished. Professor Shepherd who is advocate for the compulsory teaching of History education is also of the opinion that the compulsory teaching of History Education in our schools would draw attention to the reparation movement in the wider society. CARICOM as a regional bloc has become rather lukewarm and needs to redouble its efforts in spreading the message of reparation. As the regional body representing the collective voices of our people CARICOM needs to do much more in terms of using the various platforms afforded to its members to speak about the issue of reparation. We need to have more debates between our schools at both the primary and secondary levels on the moot surrounding reparations. Our museums need to get on board by mounting displays to inform the wider population about reparation. It is only by engaging the younger generation that the reparation movement will grow. We need to have more effective coordination throughout CARICOM regarding the reparation movement. Clearly, more work and effort are needed to widen the conversation regarding reparation. Perhaps, we could organize rallies all across CARICOM. The Caribbean as a Region as well as member States could look at the possibility of organizing 5K Runs/Walk which could assist to heighten the awareness of the importance of reparation to the future development of our societies. As we continue the discourse concerning the issue of reparation, we must never forget our history and the injustices done. The genocide committed by Europe in the Americas, specifically in the Caribbean through slavery and colonization continues to hang over our people. As a society we must seek justice for those for whom the light have burnt out and for those whose voices have been silenced by the grave. This generation has a duty to seek restitution on behalf.
“By our unpaid labour and suffering, we have earned the right to the soil, many times over and over, and now we are determined to have it.”- Anonymous 1861
Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues.
waykam@yahoo.com
@WayneCamo
#slavery #reparations #colonization #genocide #development #Africa #Europe #culture #education
#ReparationsNow
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