Gravitas: Jamaica demands reparations from Queen Elizabeth II

Summary

Jamaica is demanding reparations from the UK for the transatlantic slave trade, a legacy of British colonialism that saw millions of enslaved people trafficked from Africa to the Caribbean. Despite the British Empire profiting from slavery, Britain has resisted offering compensation or apologies. The UK previously compensated slave owners, but no reparation was given to the victims or their descendants. Jamaica's petition for reparations continues a global conversation on historical justice, challenging the UK’s refusal to acknowledge its imperial past and its ongoing moral responsibility to atone for the exploitation of former colonies.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jamaica is seeking reparations from the British monarchy for its role in the transatlantic slave trade.
• 😀 Jamaica was a British colony from 1655 to 1962, where slavery was enforced to support sugar cane cultivation.
• 😀 Between 172 and 1749, nearly 300,000 slaves were imported to Jamaica, many of whom were exported to other countries.
• 😀 Britain abolished the slave trade in 1807 and slavery in 1833, after having enslaved at least 12.5 million people.
• 😀 The British government compensated 46,000 slave owners, totaling 20 million pounds, nearly 40% of Britain's annual budget at the time.
• 😀 Britain has never formally apologized or compensated the descendants of enslaved people.
• 😀 In 2015, Jamaican leaders requested reparations from then British Prime Minister David Cameron, who refused to even offer an apology.
• 😀 A 2014 coalition of Caribbean countries presented a compensation plan for reparations, but the UK government rejected it.
• 😀 Reparations for the transatlantic slave trade could potentially amount to $14 trillion, but the UK continues to deny responsibility.
• 😀 The British Empire, which once ruled over numerous countries, engaged in extensive exploitation, including slavery and the theft of valuable artifacts.
• 😀 Jamaica's call for reparations is part of a larger global movement for accountability, and many other Commonwealth nations share similar claims for justice.

Q & A

What is Jamaica requesting from the British monarchy?

Jamaica is asking for reparations from the British monarchy, seeking compensation for the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade and Britain's colonial rule over the country.

What historical context explains Jamaica's demand for reparations?

Jamaica was a British colony from 1655 to 1962, during which Britain introduced sugar cane cultivation supported by the forced labor of enslaved people, many of whom were trafficked through the transatlantic slave trade.

How many slaves were brought to Jamaica during British colonial rule?

Between 172 and 1749, nearly 300,000 slaves were imported to Jamaica, with over 100,000 being exported to other countries. By 1734, Jamaica had 86,000 slaves.

How did Britain respond to the abolition of the slave trade in 1833?

When Britain abolished the slave trade in 1833, it compensated 46,000 British slave owners with a significant amount of money, nearly 40% of the national budget at the time, to compensate for the loss of 'human property.'

Did Britain offer compensation or apologies to the enslaved individuals or their descendants?

No, Britain did not offer compensation or apologies to the enslaved individuals or their descendants. Instead, compensation was given to the slave owners for their 'losses.'

What was Prime Minister David Cameron's response when Jamaica asked for reparations in 2015?

In 2015, when Jamaica asked Prime Minister David Cameron for reparations, he refused, suggesting that Jamaica should 'move on' and failing to offer any apology.

What are some reasons for Britain's refusal to pay reparations?

Britain has a history of denying reparations, citing a 2014 survey where 46% of respondents in the UK opposed reparations. Additionally, the British government maintains that reparations are not the answer to addressing the legacy of the slave trade.

How much could reparations for the transatlantic slave trade amount to?

The reparations for the transatlantic slave trade could add up to $14 trillion, according to some estimates.

What other examples are given to highlight Britain's refusal to make amends for its colonial history?

Examples include Britain's refusal to return stolen goods such as the Koh-i-Noor diamond from India, Ethiopian manuscripts, and other treasures taken from its colonies. Britain also refuses to offer apologies or compensation for these historical wrongs.

What other countries and regions are similarly entitled to reparations from Britain?

In addition to Jamaica, 54 Commonwealth nations are also entitled to reparations for the injustices of British colonialism, which involved the looting and exploitation of countries across Africa, Asia, the Americas, Australia, and New Zealand.