Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell reminded European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that former colonial countries ought to apologize and make amends for their historical involvement in the slavery of Africans.
February 19, 2025, Mitchell spoke to von der Leyen during the 48th Caribbean Community (CARICOM) heads of government conference in Barbados, which the European leader was attending for the first time.
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Mitchell looked at von der Leyen and remarked, “I don’t mean to be impolite.” Adding, “But I will say it to you: the issue of reparations… is an issue we will take up with you.”
Mitchell further mentioned, “We owe it to ourselves and future generations of humanity to ensure (slavery) is accepted as a crime against humanity, and that appropriate apology and compensation is paid, and that the international community accepts this should never happen again.”
“Slavery is a crime against humanity… and the dignity and universal rights of every single human being is untouchable and must be defended by all means,” von der Leyen said to Mitchell without mentioning compensation.
At least 12.5 million Africans were abducted, forcefully transported, and sold into slavery by mostly European traders between the 15th and 19th centuries.
Reparations for slavery and colonialism have long been demanded, but they have recently gained traction globally, especially within the African Union (AU) and CARICOM.
CARICOM’s reparations plan calls for investments and technology transfers to address illiteracy and health concerns. The AU is creating its strategy.
A language recognizing the “untold suffering” that slavery caused to millions of people was agreed to be included in the final declaration of the EU and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) summit in 2023.
The CELAC included CARICOM’s reparations proposal in the statement that both sides’ presidents approved.
