THE initiative by the Regional Caricom Reparation Commission to actively send the reparation message around the region has moved to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, with the passing of the “Reparation Baton” from Barbados.The “Baton” was presented to the Deputy Consul-General of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana in Barbados, Monique Jackman, by Chairman of the Barbados Task Force on Reparation, Professor Pedro Welch.
The handing over was done at the start of the island’s 50th Anniversary of Independence at the historic Golden Grove Plantation, St Phillip.
The “Baton” is now in Guyana in the possession of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and it is expected to be passed on to the local Commission on Reparation.
Commenting on the passing of the Baton Saturday, Barbados’s Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, who is the Chairman of the CARICOM Sub-Committee on Reparation, said “For Barbados the 1916 Bussa Rebellion was a prominent uprising whose bicentenary helps us to recognise its effects in shaping the future of this sham island developing state.
“Barbados has recommitted itself to the call for reparation on the occasion as a mark of respect for our ancestors who struggled for reparation justice. To mark this event, Barbados has the distinct honour of leading off the symbolic passing of the reparation Baton to Guyana, a show of Caricom solidarity for the cause of reparation.”
The Caribbean Reparation Commission was formed by Caricom Heads of Government in 2013.
The Commission is headed by Chairman, Sir Hilary Beckles, and there are several national reparation committees throughout the region.
Deputy Consul-General of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana in Barbados, Monique Jackman, is presented the baton by Chairman of the Barbados Task Force on Reparation, Professor Pedro Welch