by Arley N Salimbi Gill, Grenada National Reparations Commission
As we commemorate another International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition — we must never forget the cruelty and harm meted out to our ancestors during the brutal and inhumane slave trade.
And, despite slavery being abolished in 1838 throughout the British Empire, we must also remember that the legacy of slavery still lingers in Grenada — 184 years later.
We must also remember that our history and heritage did not begin with slavery nor with its abolition, and that our ongoing struggle for freedom from injustice and oppression is rooted in a past fuelled by resistance and resilience. The many uprisings and rebellions, which our enslaved ancestors led and won, are a testament to a legacy of strength, courage and determination.
As we look toward the future, those who committed these heinous crimes against humanity — by kidnapping and enslaving millions of Africans and trafficking people for profit — must be held accountable. They must be called upon to redistribute the unearned wealth they’ve accrued on the backs of our ancestors, as a result of the slave trade. They must also acknowledge and accept that there is a direct correlation between the economic advantages they enjoy today — almost 200 years later — and slavery.
The time for Britain and other European nations to settle the debt owed to our nation and other countries in the region is now. Today, 23 August, is a reminder that our fight to earn what our ancestors were so unjustly denied is just the beginning of a multi-generation struggle for reparations. We must approach reparations in Grenada with a sense of urgency. And, we cannot — and must not — stop, until justice is served!
I encourage Grenadians to continue honouring our ancestors’ legacy today and always, through our culture, our traditions, and by remembering our true history.
Today, we remember our ancestors’ struggle for human dignity and their subsequent freedom from chattel slavery. Today is also a day of reflection, and a re-affirmation of the urgent need for reparatory justice for slavery and the legacy of slavery.
Arley N Salimbi Gill is Chairman of the Grenada Reparations Commission
I was wondering where the Tourism Prevention Officer had got to. Great to have you back Arley, keeping all those foreigners out of our beautiful island….
The author needs to get a real job and stop race baiting. Educate yourself too. Read some Thomas Sowell. Why is this guy getting so many articles published lately?
You state that Africans were kidnapped? Yeah, by who? While some Europeans did engage in some slave raiding, the majority of people who were transported to the Americas were enslaved by Africans in Africa. That is why they had slave markets all along the African coast. Africans would capture and sell their enemies to the Europeans. That is a disgusting fact that your type NEVER mention. Don’t trust me? Look it up. You will see many of the most wealthy and important families along the African coast got their start by taking part in the slave trade. Why don’t you ever address that fact? You only ask for reparations from England.
I am not going enter the bowels with you on this. However what exactly is your point?
Are you justifying the heinous act of Slavery?
Most, if not all, the central American leaders/elected officials are accused of being complicit in the drug trade. Does that make the drug trade legit? Does that mean because some Central Americans are forced into drug trade by their people that they themselves can’t be victims.
There is a huge market for drugs in North America and the rest of the world just like how there was a huge market for sugar/cotton/spices. The market was one of the contributing factor. Nonetheless, that does not make it right.
I will suggest you refrain from trying to down play seriousness of the heinous act of Slavery.
Please be guided accordingly.
I think it’s time to put a financial figure out there……
I can certainly put a financial figure on how much you gonna get us in reparations. It’s sweet fanny adams…
american chattel slavery through the BARBADOs ACT of 1661 making all black persons slaves for life was through England.
Reperations on the way.
shut yer yap!
COWARDS LOVE TYPING AND I”LL SHOW BRAVERY!
If you all are serious about reparations there are few things that can be done.
One, give every family in Grenada a plot of land from the crown lands. Those who already have lands will be given monetary value equivalence to a plot of land.
Two, build a house for every family in Grenada. Those who already have a house will given finanfial equivalence.
Three, give every family a $1 million USD.
Four, give every Grenadian child who turns 18 $250k USD for the next 50 years.
Five, create a slush fund of $100 million USD which the colonizers will pay into for the next 50 yrs.
Finally, present the colonizers with a grand total.
If the slaves were earn a wage just like a white person back then what will be that wage today?
After the Colonizers left the folks deprived, the governments of the day continue to make money….telling the people if they want anything in life they have work for it….when in fact they worked for 100s if years and got nothing.
Talking and talking about reparations without financial value is just making noise….The colonizers will not provide a number as if they do that will acceptance of liability.