President Irfaan Ali yesterday reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to gaining international reparations for the African slave trade.
According to a release from the Office of the President, the President made the reaffirmation at a high-level meeting to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action that was held under the theme “Reparations, racial justice and equality for people of African descent”.
Ali told the New York meeting that “Guyana is committed to gaining international reparations for the crime of African enslavement. Reparative justice must not only include a full and unconditional apology from those responsible and/or who benefitted from the transatlantic trade in captive Africans and their consequent enslavement, but must go beyond apology.”
The President said that Guyana will continue to support efforts being made within the Caribbean Community to press for the convening of an international summit to demand reparative justice for the victims of the transatlantic slave trade, African enslavement, and its effects.
The release said that the Head of State also emphasised Guyana’s commitment to the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and said that the country was pleased to join in adopting the Declaration.
Ali added that the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action is a comprehensive, action-oriented, document that proposes concrete measures to combat racism, racial discrimination, and xenophobia. He reiterated that equality and non-discrimination are not only fundamental principles of international human rights and international humanitarian laws but are at the root of political, social and economic development.
“Despite advances made over decades of struggle, racism and racial discrimination continue to be sources of conflicts and inequalities among people in all regions of the world. I am proud to belong to a country that honours and celebrates its ethnic diversity. Our people seamlessly participate in each other’s religious and cultural festivals and traditions. In many ways, we can be a wonderful example to the world”, Ali stated.
Ali cautioned that too often in the political arena ethnic insecurities, real or perceived, and race are used opportunistically to manipulate issues in a manner that promotes tension and racial feelings. This remark appeared to be a reference to the domestic situation.
“Social media, whilst a powerful tool to inform people, has also been much misused. The Government of Guyana will continue to work assiduously to eradicate all forms of racism and racial discrimination and to ensure inclusive development with equal access and sharing in Guyana’s wealth.”
The release said that Ali also used the opportunity to convey appreciation to the UN Secretary-General for his role in the Guyana-Venezuela border issue as per the Geneva Agreement.
