Sir Hilary Beckles, the vice chancellor of UWI, claims that the continuous political unrest in Haiti is proof that the world community is not doing enough to solve the problems caused by the transatlantic slave business.
Beckles gave a speech on March 25 at a program honoring the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade that was organized by the UN General Assembly in New York.
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Beckles bemoaned the fact that, although Haiti was the first country to break free from slavery in 1804, its citizens had never been able to reach the degree of development that ought to have followed such an accomplishment.
“We are calling for justice for the people of Haiti, who should have been held aloft for being the first nation to end the evil of slavery.”
Ambassador Dennis Francis of the United Nations General Assembly concurred with Beckles that the current state of affairs in Haiti is proof of a long-standing crime against humanity.
Francis said that prejudice against persons of African heritage persisted worldwide even after slavery was abolished in the 19th century in sectors including work, housing, healthcare, and education.
He continued, “It is high time to right the wrongs of systemic racism and injustice.”
In his conclusion Francis reminded those in attendance, “Justice delayed is justice denied.”
