Commonwealth Secretary-General calls for slavery apology and reparations talks

Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has stated that a formal apology from King Charles III regarding the transatlantic slave trade “wouldn’t hurt” and that the time has come for serious discussions on reparations.

Speaking to Sky News, Botchwey noted that many Commonwealth member states have requested an apology. She emphasized that the issue cannot be avoided indefinitely, though she noted that the specific form of reparations remains to be determined by the member states. Potential measures could include concessional financing, debt relief, climate-related support, or the return of cultural artifacts, rather than solely direct financial payments.

Sir Hilary Beckles, chairman of the CARICOM Reparations Commission, has also called for the King to ensure the Commonwealth becomes a “moral institution committed to human justice.” While Buckingham Palace has previously indicated the King will not offer a formal apology for the Crown’s historical role, the Royal Family has stated they will “not shy away from the darkest days of our past.”