With robust regional backing, Jamaica is getting ready to submit a formal petition to King Charles III requesting a landmark ruling from the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council on the legality of slavery and Britain’s obligation to offer reparations.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who additionally serves as Chair of CARICOM, throughout the closing press convention of the forty ninth Assembly of the Convention of CARICOM Heads of Authorities on the Montego Bay Conference Centre on Tuesday, July 8.
“We mentioned the problem of reparations, and I’m happy to report that there was broad help for Jamaica shifting ahead with a petition to King Charles III in his capability as Jamaica’s head of state,” stated Dr. Holness.
In accordance with the Prime Minister, the petition will search authorized clarification on three key points: whether or not the transatlantic enslavement of Africans was lawful below frequent legislation; whether or not native legal guidelines that supported slavery had been invalid; and whether or not slavery, as practiced in Jamaica as much as 1838, constituted against the law towards humanity below worldwide legislation.
“In that case, the UK bears a authorized obligation to offer reparations to Jamaica and its individuals for the enduring hurt precipitated,” he stated.
Dr. Holness described the transfer as a “daring step in the direction of justice” and stated it might symbolize a “watershed second for CARICOM and the broader world motion for reparatory justice.”
The deliberate petition aligns with the work of Jamaica’s Nationwide Council on Reparations, which has been exploring authorized and coverage avenues to handle the legacy of slavery. It additionally displays the continued efforts of the CARICOM Reparations Fee, established in 2013, which advocates for reparatory justice from former colonial powers.
Holness’ assertion underscores Jamaica’s rising concentrate on pursuing accountability by means of worldwide authorized mechanisms, framing reparations not solely as a historic grievance but in addition as an ethical and authorized obligation.
