UK’s Reparations Debt to Jamaica Stands at US$9.5 Trillion – Report
A recent evaluation by a global economic consultancy has projected that Jamaica is owed a staggering US$9.5 trillion in reparations from the United Kingdom.
Moreover, the estimation asserts that Spain has an outstanding reparations debt of US$103 billion to Jamaica for its role in slavery.
This viewpoint was articulated within a document titled ‘Report on Reparations for Transatlantic Chattel Slavery in the Americas and the Caribbean,’ authored by the Brattle Group.
The introductory remarks for the paper were provided by Jamaican legal expert Patrick Robinson, a judge on the International Court of Justice. The report was formally presented to the Minister of Culture, Olivia Grange, on Wednesday.
During his discussion with Grange, accompanied by DeanRoy Bernard, the Permanent Secretary, and members of the National Council on Reparation, Robinson underscored the historic significance of the Brattle report.
He noted that it is the first instance where a comprehensive and well-substantiated calculation of the reparations owed has been made, encompassing the regions spanning the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and North America.
Robinson emphasised, “The report determines the reparations that are due in respect of over 30 states and overseas territories in which transatlantic chattel slavery was carried out.”
The assessment not only quantifies reparations for the harm inflicted during the period of chattel slavery but also includes considerations for ongoing harm post that era.
According to Robinson, “The total sum of reparations to be paid by all former slave-holding states in respect of the period of enslavement is about US$107 trillion. In respect of the post-enslavement period, the total sum to be paid is about US$22 trillion, making a grand total of about US$130 trillion.”
Acknowledging the substantial figures, Robinson defended their appropriateness. He contended that they were carefully calculated to accurately reflect the magnitude of the reprehensible and illicit practice of transatlantic chattel slavery.
Robinson further suggested that nations entitled to reparations contemplate potential payment schedules in consultation with former slave-holding nations—ranging from a decade to a quarter-century—to ease the financial burden.
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