Prime Minister Gaston Browne says he hopes a framework for reparations discussions between the Caribbean and the United Kingdom will be completed before the end of 2026.
The Prime Minister indicated that the intention is to begin more structured discussions early next year, following exchanges during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in Antigua and Barbuda.
Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show, Browne said the proposed discussions should be inclusive and time-bound, allowing both sides to address the historical consequences of slavery and the question of reparatory justice.
He suggested that Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley would likely take a leading role in representing CARICOM during the discussions, given her regional responsibility for reparations.
However, neither the proposed negotiating arrangements nor the representatives have been formally confirmed.
Browne maintained that reparations should not be viewed simply as a request for financial assistance, arguing that the wealth generated through slavery benefited Britain across generations while Caribbean societies continue to experience the consequences.
He also expressed the view that the matter could be addressed through dialogue without creating hostility between the parties.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that the discussions could involve disagreements over historical responsibility, development assistance and the appropriate form of reparatory justice.
Although he described the proposed framework as progress, Browne cautioned that the discussions might not necessarily produce a final settlement.
