Commonwealth countries agree to discuss reparations for slave trade

Leaders of Commonwealth nations agreed to begin discussing compensation for countries that suffered in the past from the slave trade involved by Britain.

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 countries, including former British colonies. They held a biennial meeting of Heads of Government in Samoa until Saturday.

The countries signed a statement and adopted it on the closing day. He said they are committed to supporting small states, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and making efforts to address global warming and other issues.

In addition, he referred to calls to discuss reparatory justice in matters of slavery. The document said that member countries agreed that the time has come to talk about the issue.

Calls for apologies and reparations have been increasing, mainly from Caribbean countries, against Great Britain, which benefited from the slave trade for many years since the late 16th century.

Britain is said to have transported some 3 million people, mainly from West Africa, to its colonies in the Caribbean and America as workers to grow tobacco, cotton and sugar. These products are believed to have helped Britain make a fortune and allowed it to continue the Industrial Revolution.

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

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Saturday that there were no discussions about money at the meeting and added that his country’s position on the matter is very clear.

His comment is seen as a suggestion that Britain is looking at reparation options other than what would be a huge sum of cash.

Local media reported that Britain could be considering debt relief, financial assistance and other forms of compensation.