JAMAICA | PJ Patterson Welcomes Placement of Reparations on the agenda of The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa

 Statesman in Residence at the  P.J. Patterson Institute for African Caribbean Advocacy, has welcomed the decision to place the question of claims for reparative justice and money for reparations on the agenda of the next meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government in Samoa.

In a message comemmorating the first of August as  Emancipation Day 2024, Mr. Patterson said “the firm support by leaders in Africa, the Caribbean, and the wider Commonwealth has the potential to accelerate the process of implementation and to ensure the success of the project on the global stage. 

“This unique family of Nations can place the spotlight on the search for justice at last,” Mr. Patterson said, noting that remnants of colonisation persist through continued anti-black racism  despite repeated calls by the international community to end racism against all peoples in all lands.

Mr. Patterson said “Instead of being dismantled, the inequities in the International political economy are evidently more deeply entrenched. The plundering of Africa and within the Americas must be disbanded and not endlessly perpetuated.”

“This day of great historical significance, commemorates the end of an era of unimaginable suffering and the dawn of freedom for our ancestors, who endured the brutalities of the Transatlantic Trade in enslaved Africans and Chattel enslavement,” asserted Statesman in Residence, P.J. Patterson, a former prime minister of Jamaica.

“As we commemorate Emancipation Day, let us honour the legacy of those who fought for our liberty. From the resilience of all indigenous communities and palenques to the relentless advocacy of freedom fighters and abolitionists, our history is undoubtedly a tapestry woven with courage, sacrifice, and unyielding determination,” he said.

“Their struggle laid the foundation for our continued pursuit of justice, equality, and empowerment. It must be emphasised that the fight for liberation extends beyond physical freedom; it encompasses the socio-economic, political, and cultural dimensions of our existence. At the centre of this must be the vociferous fight for reparatory justice and the demand for equality and true sovereignty for nations affected by the scourge of Chattel enslavement and colonialism,” Patterson declared.

“Freedom from subjugation also opened the possibility for blacks, indigenous tribes and other peoples who were brought here forcibly to celebrate true individual autonomy, assert self, accept individual identity and exercise agency,” he continued.

“We can celebrate the achievements since the abolition of Chattel enslavement and colonial rule. We have made some progress over the years in different areas, especially in education, economic growth, trade and development. The bonds that have been built after centuries of forced displacement and subjugation need to be strengthened to create greater rewards from total solidarity and cooperation. “

“Freedom from subjugation also opened the possibility for blacks, indigenous tribes and other peoples who were brought here forcibly to celebrate true individual autonomy, assert self, accept individual identity and exercise agency. We can celebrate the achievements since the abolition of Chattel enslavement and colonial rule.

“We have made some progress over the years in different areas, especially in education, economic growth, trade and development. The bonds that have been built after centuries of forced displacement and subjugation need to be strengthened to create greater rewards from total solidarity and cooperation,” Mr. Patterson declared.

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