Guyana acknowledges apology from descendants of British slaveholders, but demands reparations

Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, expressed appreciation for the apology given by the descendants of John Gladstone, a significant slave owner in the British East Indies.

However, he stressed the importance of monetary reparations.

“Recognition and apology are foundational to restorative justice,” President Ali stated after the Gladstone family visited the nation.

The president emphasized the importance of addressing past wrongs, underscoring the pain and suffering endured by countless innocent individuals.

John Gladstone, father of William Gladstone, who served as the UK’s Prime Minister, enslaved over 2,500 Africans in Guyana and Jamaica.

“I suggest that this apology be followed by discussions on reparations, restorative justice, and a posthumous acknowledgment of the humanitarian offenses,” stated Ali.

Ali clearly said that seeking reparations isn’t about leveraging guilt or shame associated with the slave trade.

“It’s not about extortion. It’s about rectifying historical injustices,” he added.

In 1833, the UK set up a fund to compensate landowners affected by the abolition of slavery.

Gladstone was a significant beneficiary, receiving what’s equivalent to around US$20 billion today.

President Ali also emphasized that the Caribbean’s call for reparations extends beyond the immediate horrors of slavery.

The enduring legacy of slavery is evident in the region’s current socio-economic challenges. “Two in every five slaves were sent to the Caribbean.

The lasting impact of this historical injustice continues to hamper development and progress,” Ali highlighted.

He pointed out that the region’s economies remain highly dependent on specific sectors, making them susceptible to external crises.

Furthermore, Ali cited sociological analyses suggesting that the Caribbean’s current high levels of various forms of violence are a direct legacy of colonialism.

Six of Gladstone’s descendants recently visited Guyana during its commemoration of a pivotal slave uprising’s 200th anniversary, which historians believe paved the way for abolition.

Besides their apology, the Gladstones have pledged funds to support research into the effects of slavery.

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