As the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) strengthens its push for global reparations, Haiti has taken center stage once again.
During remarks at the Fourth Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett underscored the continued significance of Haiti’s case—especially with a painful anniversary looming.
“Reparations for Haiti continue to be central to CARICOM’s reparations claim. April 2025 marks the bicentenary of the indemnity of 150 million Francs imposed on Haiti by France as reparations for loss of property, including enslaved Africans, and as a precondition for recognising the island’s independence,” Dr. Barnett said.
“The negative economic and social effects of this historical injustice are painfully clear, with arguable links to the situation in Haiti today. This anniversary presents an opportunity to bring global attention and a deeper understanding of the situation in Haiti and serves as a call to action to address the ongoing security, humanitarian and governance crises in the country.”
Dr. Barnett’s remarks were made during a session themed “Africa and People of African Descent: United for Reparatory Justice in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”, as the UN’s Second Decade for People of African Descent gains momentum. The timing is also significant, with the African Union declaring 2025 the year of “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”
CARICOM has long championed reparatory justice, not only for Haiti but for the wider African diaspora impacted by colonialism and slavery. The region’s reparations agenda is spearheaded by the CARICOM Reparations Commission, which has been actively collaborating with international bodies, including the African Union and civil society groups, to push for tangible redress.
The Secretary-General highlighted growing Caribbean-African cooperation in this effort, citing milestones like the 2021 Africa-CARICOM Summit, a high-level African Union visit to Barbados in 2023, and the Accra Reparations Conference hosted by Ghana last November. The movement is gaining traction ahead of the next CARICOM-AU Summit, scheduled for September 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
While reparations were a central theme, Dr. Barnett also addressed digital justice concerns, warning that unequal access to artificial intelligence technologies could further marginalize people of African descent. She called for inclusive policy frameworks, investments in digital literacy, and a recognition of Africa’s historic contributions to science and innovation.
Still, Haiti’s struggle remained the emotional and political anchor of her message.
“This bicentenary is not just a historical marker—it’s a moral imperative,” said Dr. Barnett. “If we are serious about building equitable societies, we must confront the past with honesty and commit to repairing its enduring damages.”
With the Second CARICOM-AU Summit on the horizon this September in Ethiopia, regional leaders hope the momentum continues—and that reparations move from discussion to action.
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