Caribbean colonies want Danish reparations

Several European nations have already stated that they won’t pay compensation relating to their involvement in slavery or genocide

The Caribbean community organisation (CARICOM) is looking to hold talks with a number of European nations this summer concerning reparations for atrocities committed by former colonial rulers.

At least 14 CARICOM member states have established reparation commissions, while some European nations have already stated they wouldn’t pay compensation related to their involvement in slavery and genocide.

“We believe we have the law and the facts on our side in relation to addressing the legacy of native genocide and African slavery and we will make our case,” Dr Ralph Gonsalves, the prime minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines who is the chairman of CARICOM, told the Caribbean 360 news outlet.

READ MORE: Caribbean nations may seek reparations for slave trade

An apology required
Denmark has been named as a possible target for reparations, along with Norway, Sweden, Britain, France, Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands.

The organisation contended that the former colonial rulers have left the Caribbean nations in a state of poverty, poor health and lacking education.

CARICOM has listed a ten-point plan underlining their requirement for financial compensation and an apology, along with assistance in helping the descendants of slaves return back to African nations such as Ghana and Ethiopia.

The organisation also wants development aid and help educating illiterate descendants of slaves.  

It is estimated that around 100,000 slaves were transported on Danish ships before Denmark became the first nation to prohibit slavery in 1792.

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