'True emancipation must extend beyond political freedoms and civil rights,' says UWI advocacy group

True emancipation must extend beyond political freedoms and civil rights to include economic empowerment and equitable access to land and productive enterprises, according to the P J Patterson Institute for Africa-Caribbean Advocacy.

The institute, based at the University of the West Indies, asserted that while significant political and civil rights have been achieved, broad access to land ownership and economic development continue to elude many Caribbean people. In a message marking Emancipation Day 2026, the institute highlighted the persistent challenges the region faces in building productive, self-sustaining economies.

"Our region continues to face persistent challenges in building productive, self-sustaining economies," the institute stated. "This is an important step in strengthening the claim for reparatory justice from Europe."

The institute further emphasized that as member states of CARICOM and the African Union push for reparations, it is the duty of all leaders and the global community to develop and empower their citizens. This empowerment, they argue, will strengthen the collective call for reparations and foster greater national development.

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Our region continues to face persistent challenges in building productive, self-sustaining economies. This is an important step in strengthening the claim for reparatory justice from Europe.