Jamaica to seek slavery reparations case before UK-based appeals court

Jamaica is preparing an unusual legal move in its campaign for reparations over slavery: a government delegation will petition King Charles III to refer three questions to the Caribbean country’s highest court of appeal, which sits in London.

Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister Olivia Grange will lead the delegation during its visit to Britain. Her ministry said the petition aims to advance Jamaica’s campaign for reparations for African ancestors who endured centuries of slavery. The delegation said it was the first time a Commonwealth country had used this legal route to pursue the issue.

“

in order to advance Jamaica’s campaign for reparations for African ancestors who suffered through hundreds of years of slavery

The petition seeks an advisory opinion on whether the enslavement of Africans in Jamaica was legal under English law, whether it violated international law, and whether Britain now has a legal obligation to provide reparations. Grange described the approach as the result of years of deliberation and said it sought a long-awaited resolution to abuses suffered by African ancestors over hundreds of years.

“

This innovative legal approach follows years of deliberation and seeks to secure the long-awaited resolution of the hundreds of years of the most horrific abuses endured by our African ancestors.

Buckingham Palace said the king had repeatedly expressed a personal and unreserved commitment to promoting greater understanding of slavery and finding ways to address historical wrongs for present-day communities. The delegation will also meet British Museum officials to discuss the return of objects dating from the colonial era.

Charles and Queen Camilla are due to travel to the Caribbean on an overseas trip that does not include Jamaica. Members of the contemporary British royal family have expressed remorse for the slave trade, which enriched their ancestors, but have not issued a formal apology or committed to reparations.

“

The king has repeatedly expressed his personal and unreserved commitment to promoting a better understanding of the issue of slavery and finding ways to repair historical wrongs for the benefit of communities today.