One week ago, while visiting Jamaica, British Prime Minister David Cameron announced that the UK would be providing a package of more than 600 million US dollars in aid to the Caribbean. The money will be disbursed through the Caribbean Development Bank and Belize will get an as yet unknown portion of those funds for development programs in the areas of infrastructure, health, disaster preparedness and economic growth.
But some are saying that the region should not accept aid or any form of charity from England when that country owes this region reparations for slavery. Today the Prime Minister made it clear that is a CARICOM position, but he lives in the here and now:
Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"CARICOM has a group has agree to progress the reparations issue and we are a part of CARICOM. I certainly do not take the view that while that issue is exercising and preoccupying us, that we should look in any way askance at the sort of effort that Prime Minister Cameron is now making. That can't excuse the sins of history, but you will forgive me if I am more anchored in the present and focused on what we can do to advance the development agenda, or local development agenda."
Reporter
"You are aware that your colleague Dr. Gonsalves in his address last week at the United Nations, is insisting that this is the present situation."
Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"I am saying that is Dr. Gonsalves and how could anyone in fact quarrel with his particular approach and advocacy. I am telling you what my mindset is."
Reporter
"I thought you were speaking on behalf of CARICOM, that's why I am asking."
Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"But sir I have told you CARICOM indeed has agreed as an entity to press for reparations and that is an exercise that's ongoing. When Gonsalves goes to the United Nations, he speaks on behalf of St. Vincent and the Grenadines."
A statement from an organization called the Caribbean Pan-African Network says quote, "All we want from Mr. Cameron and his U K government…is Reparations - in the form of capital payments and developmental projects-- to compensate for the tremendous damage inflicted on the sons and daughters of Africa…as a result of the centuries-long CRIME of European-orchestrated slavery, slave trade and associated acts of genocide and crimes against humanity."
Why Is There Still No Integrity Commission
And, in one final comment from the Prime Minister - the press asked him about the integrity commission. Another term of office is finishing and he still hasn't appointed a functioning committee. Today he repeated what he's been saying: that because the members are listed as politically exposed persons - they have to list all their assets and holdings - and he can't find an accountant who's willing to do that.
Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"Once we can find a chartered accountant who is prepared to served, understanding that then open him/her up to scrutiny on the part of the US and others, we will proceed."
Reporter
"Is it a priority for your administration?"
Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"Is what a priority?" Which one?"
Reporter
"The integrity commission?"
Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"Of course it is a priority."
Reporter
"This is something you promise from 2013."
Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"Sir, I just explained to you, we need the appointments as you know, announce those appointments and then the people backed out."
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