The Opposition is demanding that the government update the country on the pathways being explored regarding reparatory justice.

The call follows a recent statement made by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

British media report that Mr Lammy says he and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, were “absolutely clear” that the UK will not be making cash transfers and payments in relation to reparation for the slave trade.

Spokesperson on Foreign and Regional Affairs, Dr Angela Brown Burke says since the signing of a joint statement by 56 Commonwealth leaders expressing the need for conversations about reparation, there has been no further dialogue around the matter from the government as to the current provisos, principles and pathways being considered to further the cause for reparatory justice.

According to the PNP, British Media have reported that Mr. Lammy indicated to a cross-party committee of Members of  Parliament that the nature of the conversations with Caribbean delegations in Samoa focused on climate finance and technology investment and that the current UK government is only interested in talks on other issues relating to the future, not the past. 

Dr Brown Burke says it is important that Jamaicans understand whether or not there has been a departure from the stated positions. 

She points out that this should become part of public discourse in Jamaica and across the region.

Meanwhile, spokesperson on culture and creative industries Dr Deborah Hickling Gordon says following these new discussions, it is important to understand through the government whether the Caricom Reparation Commission remains optimistic that the Caricom Reparatory Justice Programme will gain acceptance as a necessary path to progress. 

She adds that given the recent vociferous stance on matters to do with the horrors of enslavement and its legacy, providing the country with a clear position on reparatory justice is necessary. 

Dr Hickling Gordon states that the update on the way forward after the commonwealth meetings in Samoa must be a priority, along with Jamaica’s position from the National Council on Reparation.