Commonwealth countries agree to discuss reparations for the slave trade

Leaders of Commonwealth countries have agreed to begin discussing compensation for countries that have suffered in the past from Britain’s involvement in the slave trade.

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 countries, including former British colonies. Until Saturday, they held a biennial meeting of government leaders in Samoa.

The countries sang a communiqué and adopted it on the final day. It said they are committed to supporting small states, especially Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and making efforts to tackle global warming and other issues.

She also referred to the calls for discussion about restorative justice in relation to slavery. The document states that Member States agree that the time has come for a discussion on this issue.

Calls for an apology and reparations are growing, mainly from Caribbean countries, against Britain, which has profited from the slave trade for years since the late 16th century.

Britain is said to have transported about 3 million people, mainly from West Africa, to its colonies in the Caribbean and the Americas as workers to grow tobacco, cotton and sugar. Such products are believed to have helped Britain make a fortune and enabled the country to continue the Industrial Revolution.

Britain’s King Charles, head of the Commonwealth group, said at the opening of the forum that by listening to people across the Commonwealth he understands “how the most painful aspects of our past continue to resonate.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Saturday that there had been no discussions about money during the meeting, adding that his country’s position on the matter is very clear.

His comment is seen as a suggestion that Britain is seeking reparations other than a huge sum of cash payments.

Local media reported that Britain may consider debt reduction, economic aid and other forms of compensation.