By Islam El-Sakka
King Charles III addressed the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in St John's, Antigua and Barbuda, on Tuesday, acknowledging the "shameful chapter" of the transatlantic slave trade but stopping short of a formal apology or explicit support for reparations. Caribbean leaders and campaigners intensified demands for both during the summit.
Charles acknowledges 'shameful chapter'
The king told the 56-member bloc that deepening his understanding of slavery's horrors had made him more determined to address past wrongs. "We cannot change the actions of those who came before us," he said, adding that the trade "still casts a shadow over these islands." He pointed to education, employment, intra-Commonwealth trade and climate resilience as ways to tackle continuing disadvantage.
UK prime minister rejects reparations
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham reiterated that Britain does not support reparations, though he said the government backs development aid, debt relief and green finance for Commonwealth nations. Burnham announced £40 million for critical Caribbean infrastructure over three years and expressed openness to a structured dialogue on slavery's legacy.
Caribbean leaders push for reparatory justice
Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne called for "honest engagement with our shared history." Caricom chair Philip J Pierre described an apology as an "essential first step" but insisted it must be accompanied by repair, referencing Caricom's 10-point plan covering public health, education, cultural restitution, debt cancellation and monetary compensation.
Protesters demand apology and reparations
Outside the summit venue, demonstrators held placards reading "We know what you did and we can see you." Protesters argued that the king's constitutional role should not prevent an apology, and that Britain's wealth was built partly on enslavement. A candlelight vigil commemorated enslaved Africans brought to Antigua.
Critics say speech falls short
Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission chair Dorbrene O'Marde said genuine moral consciousness demands apologies and commitment to reparations, accusing the king of failing those who recognise him. Former St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves called the speech a disappointment, noting it lacked any mention of reparatory justice beyond existing UN development goals.
