On October 30th local time, British Prime Minister Barnett published an article in The Guardian, stating that he is open to apologizing for Britain's role in the transatlantic slave trade, but has ruled out the possibility of economic compensation.
Bernham published an unsigned article
"Transatlantic slave trade was a cruel and barbaric violation of human rights, stripping them of their humanity. Families were torn apart, treated as commodities, and forced to work until death." He wrote, "I express my sorrow and regret for the millions, and acknowledge that this history continues to impact our world today."
Bernam said that British history is closely linked to its current allies, especially those in the Commonwealth. Therefore, “if we choose to turn a blind eye, it will damage the normal functioning of the Commonwealth.”
"We are having structured dialogues with people affected by transatlantic slave trade, " he added. "Listening to the demands for an official apology from the British government will be an important part of this process, and I am open to it."
But at the same time, Burnham rejected any calls for financial compensation. He wrote: “I do not think the British people of today should be held responsible for the mistakes that occurred in history, no matter how egregious they were. These mistakes occurred in different times, under different laws, and the people involved did not participate in them.”
Bernabé also proposed that he hopes to "initiate a new debt reform movement" and help more vulnerable countries "repay their debts at more favorable interest rates over a longer period."
On October 27th, British King Charles III visited the Bahamas, kicking off his tour of the Caribbean region.
He spoke in the Bahamas, acknowledging that historical slavery brought great suffering and injustice, and stated that discussions on related issues will be held at the Commonwealth heads of state meeting. However, the UK still refuses to make compensation.
British King Charles III Visits The Bahamas Visual China
The British government and monarchy have been major participants in the slave trade for several centuries.
Reuters reports that from the 15th to the 19th century, more than 12.5 million Africans were kidnapped by Europeans and transported to America as slaves. Among these, Britain enslaved more than 3.2 million people, making it one of the largest countries involved in the slave trade.
In recent years, the issue of compensation has become a concern for countries in the Caribbean region. Many nations have demanded that the British government apologize for the crimes committed during the slave trade and provide financial compensation. The British government has always refused to pay compensation. A spokesman for British Prime Minister Bernardin said on September 7, “The UK will not pay compensation at this time, nor will it do so in the future.”
The chairman of the UK cross-party Parliamentary Africa Compensation Group (APPG), Rebelo-Adie, stated that while it is welcome that the government acknowledges its role, this ‘still does not meet the requirements of a formal national apology, and a formal apology actually does not require any costs.’
"Repairing Movement" founder Dennis O'Brien said that Barnaby's statement was disappointing and lacked sufficient force. He stated: "The British government must stop beating around the bush and issue a full and formal apology immediately. This will be an important and symbolically significant first step towards compensation for justice." The organization aims to call on former colonial powers to acknowledge their role in transatlantic slave trade from Africa.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has been seeking colonial compensation. In June, she announced a declaration by the Caribbean leaders, outlining the “moral, ethical, and legal reasons” for compensation from former colonial powers. On that day, Mottley welcomed Burnham’s statement, but also stated that she would participate in good faith and continue to seek justice in terms of compensation.
It is reported that Bernam will attend the Commonwealth Government Summit next week, and he is likely to face requests for economic compensation.
The European edition of 'Politician News Network' pointed out that this will be a critical test for Bernham. He will strive to avoid repeating the same mistakes and getting involved again in slavery compensation issues. This issue once put his predecessor Stamos in trouble during the 2024 summit.
