The CARICOM Reparations Fee (CRC) is making it clear: the group of people presently in Europe selling a reparations agenda isn’t performing on its behalf.
In a press release issued on Tuesday by Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of The College of the West Indies and Chair of the CRC, the fee sought to distance itself from current media studies suggesting {that a} delegation—comprising a handful of Caribbean nationals and principally Europeans—was representing CARICOM in talks with European governments and civil society on reparations.
“There was a lot media reporting within the final week referencing a Caribbean group visiting Britain and the European Union with a reparations agenda,” stated Sir Hilary. “These individuals who’ve arrived in Europe are neither members of the CRC nor formally affiliated.”
The CRC famous that it has obtained quite a few interview requests and inquiries because the studies started circulating, prompting the necessity for a public clarification.
Whereas the fee emphasised its long-standing “open-tent coverage” and collaboration with world companions—together with universities, church buildings, households, and monetary establishments—Sir Hilary careworn that the people concerned within the present European journey are usually not working beneath the CRC’s mandate or with its endorsement.
“For over a decade, the CRC has been actively selling reparatory justice campaigns on a world foundation,” he acknowledged. “The Fee is deeply conscious of its advanced diplomatic position and public duty in shaping the regional and world motion.”
The CRC additionally revealed it has lately obtained formal approval from CARICOM Heads of Authorities to launch an official European public relations marketing campaign to advertise its reparations agenda. That effort continues to be within the planning section, in line with Sir Hilary.
He concluded by reaffirming the CRC’s dedication to accountable, coordinated advocacy: “Supporting the historic grassroots motion with authorities assist, the CRC is actively engaged on the design of this marketing campaign to share its imaginative and prescient of reparations with political stakeholders and most people.”
