While acknowledging the significance of an apology for African enslavement, President Irfaan Ali has stated that it is but a first step towards achieving comprehensive reparative justice, as the legacy of slavery extends far beyond the confines of historical memory.
This remark formed part of President Ali’s statement at the receipt of an apology from the Gladstone family for its involvement in the African enslavement. According to a statement by the Office of the President yesterday, Ali welcomed the descendants of British slave owner, John Gladstone as the first steps in the process of reparative justice, while explaining that such an apology is an “implicit” acknowledgement of the cruel nature of African enslavement and indentureship in Guyana and as such, is an act of contrition that paves the way for justice.