PM Raises Issue of Reparations with UK Counterpart

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, said she has had discussions with her United Kingdom (UK) counterpart, the Rt. Hon. David Cameron, regarding the matter of reparations.

She said that during the talks she indicated that Jamaica is involved in a process under the auspices of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to engage the UK on the issue.

“Let it be clear that Jamaica is committed to a spirit of mutual respect, openness and understanding as we seek to actively engage the UK on the matter,” Mrs. Simpson Miller said.

She was speaking during the joint sitting of Parliament held at Gordon House on Wednesday (September 30) on the occasion of the official visit to Jamaica by Mr. Cameron.

Mrs. Simpson Miller noted that the Government “remains unshaken in our conviction that there is more that unites us as peoples and Governments of the UK and Jamaica than separates us.”

During his statement to the House, Mr. Cameron also addressed the issue of reparations for the period of slavery.

He noted that slavery was and is abhorrent in all its forms and “has no place whatsoever in any civilised society and Britain is proud to have eventually led the way in its abolition.”

“That the Caribbean has emerged from the long, dark shadow it cast is testament to the resilience and spirit of its people. I acknowledge that these wounds run very deep indeed. But I do hope that, as friends who have gone through so much together since those darkest of times, we can move on from this painful legacy and continue to build for the future,” Mr. Cameron said.