GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Guyana has called on Britain to follow the example of the Dutch government and issue a public apology for its role in the Atlantic slave trade even as it urged the Dutch to ensure that Guyana is included in the apology and reparative mechanisms.
A government statement said Prime Minister retired Brigadier Mark Phillips made the call as he met, over the last weekend, with the descendants of John Gladstone, a former British plantation owner, who came here to offer a public apology for his role in the slave trade.
“We demand an apology from the British government just like the Dutch government would have publicly apologized. We suffered the same cruelty and crime against humanity regarding slavery, which the Dutch started,” Phillips said.
He also said that Guyana should be included in whatever apology and reparative mechanisms the Dutch offered since the country was not included in the initial sentiment.
“We are campaigning for them to include Guyana in that apology; we are campaigning for them to include Guyana in whatever reparative justice mechanisms they intend to put in place,” Phillips added.
Prime Minister Phillip said he wanted London to sit with Guyana and properly look at what the country offers. He added that the reparation Guyana seeks is outlined in the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) 10-Point Plan.
The plan consists of an apology, establishing a repatriation program, and developing cultural institutions for enslaved stories to be told, among other things.
Phillips said that the British government and its monarchy should take steps to immediately adopt and implement the CARICOM plan, noting that King Charles III is commissioning research, and he expects an apology from the British government after the report is issued.
Before the Gladstone apology was delivered at the Univerity of Guyana, President Irfaan Ali had also called for the apology to include compensation and reparative justice.
“The apology offered by the descendants of John Gladstone underscores their willingness to confront their family’s dark past and to acknowledge the immense pain, suffering, and indignities inflicted upon innocent persons through their family’s actions…
“I therefore propose that the intended apology include issues of compensation, reparative justice, and those involved to be posthumously charged for crimes against humanity,” Ali added.
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