Conclusion of the Third CARICOM Regional Conference on Reparations in Barbados
The Third Regional CARICOM Reparations Conference concluded its three-day summit at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle in Saint Philip, bringing together regional leaders, international scholars and representatives of the African Union under the theme “Reparatory Justice as the Coming Enlightenment”. Organised jointly by the CARICOM Secretariat, the CARICOM Reparations Commission and the Barbados Reparations Task Force, the meeting focused on moving the reparations movement from advocacy to structured and effective strategies. During high-level plenary sessions, participants discussed the implementation of the revised CARICOM Ten-Point Plan for Reparatory Justice following the adoption of United Nations resolution A/RES/80/250.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley emphasised the psychological and economic aspects of historical harm and announced plans to establish a technical committee of historians and economists to quantify Barbados’s specific compensation claims. Stressing the pursuit of justice without attempting financial ruin, Mottley said: “We have no desire to bankrupt anybody, but we have a desire for justice.” More detailed coverage of the conference and its outcomes is provided in the Barbados Today report on the reparations movement. The conference also strengthened opportunities for transatlantic cooperation by establishing closer dialogue between Caribbean institutions and representatives of the African Union, while the Chair of the CARICOM Reparations Commission, Sir Hilary Beckles, emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum and expanding public participation in Caribbean countries.
The conclusion of the conference marked another stage in CARICOM’s ongoing reparations campaign, with the CARICOM Secretary-General emphasising the importance of unity among governments, civil society, indigenous peoples and the younger generation. The CARICOM conference statement noted upcoming opportunities for regional advocacy, including the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The Barbados meeting thus concluded with a focus on transforming the revised Ten-Point Plan into sustained diplomatic engagement, research, policy initiatives and practical measures aimed at advancing the regional agenda for reparatory justice.
