Opposition questions Jamaica's standing in global reparations movement

 

 

The parliamentary opposition is calling for the government to explain why Jamaica did not publicly co-sponsor a landmark United Nations resolution on reparatory justice, despite voting in favour of it.

 

The call comes as Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama visits the country for the Emancipation and Independence celebrations.

 

Dr. Angela Brown Burke, Chairperson of the People's National Party, says Jamaicans deserve a full account of the country's role in the March 2026 resolution, which recognised the transatlantic slave trade and chattel slavery as the gravest crime against humanity.

 

Dr. Brown Burke says the concern surrounds Jamaica's standing and leadership in the global reparation movement, noting that it is the first Caribbean country to establish a National Council on Reparation, and a nation that has consistently championed reparatory justice through CARICOM and other international forums.

 

Dr. Brown Burke is urging the government to use President Mahama's visit to clarify Jamaica's position and reaffirm its leadership in the global reparations movement.

 

"The PNP notes that during the post Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday, July 9th, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that facts are the strongest antidote to misinformation. We totally agree. Transparency strengthens rather than weakens Jamaica's international standing. Providing a full account of our country's role in this historic initiative can only reinforce confidence in Jamaica's leadership and demonstrate the openness and accountability that should accompany that leadership," she argued.