With strong regional backing, Jamaica is preparing to submit a formal petition to King Charles III requesting a landmark ruling from the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council on the legality of slavery and Britain’s obligation to provide reparations.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who also serves as Chair of CARICOM, during the closing press conference of the 49th Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government at the Montego Bay Convention Centre on Tuesday, July 8.
“We discussed the issue of reparations, and I’m pleased to report that there was broad support for Jamaica moving forward with a petition to King Charles III in his capacity as Jamaica’s head of state,” said Dr. Holness.
According to the Prime Minister, the petition will seek legal clarification on three key issues: whether the transatlantic enslavement of Africans was lawful under common law; whether local laws that supported slavery were invalid; and whether slavery, as practiced in Jamaica up to 1838, constituted a crime against humanity under international law.
“If so, the United Kingdom bears a legal obligation to provide reparations to Jamaica and its people for the enduring harm caused,” he said.
Dr. Holness described the move as a “bold step towards justice” and said it would represent a “watershed moment for CARICOM and the broader global movement for reparatory justice.”
The planned petition aligns with the work of Jamaica’s National Council on Reparations, which has been exploring legal and policy avenues to address the legacy of slavery. It also reflects the continued efforts of the CARICOM Reparations Commission, established in 2013, which advocates for reparatory justice from former colonial powers.
Holness’ statement underscores Jamaica’s growing focus on pursuing accountability through international legal mechanisms, framing reparations not only as a historical grievance but also as a moral and legal obligation.
