Issue #7
October 4th 2003.
"In Support of Reparation" (Part 2 of 2)
...by Lady Dixon
Earlier this year, at a function in the Eastern Caribbean, it was reported that the famous lawyer, Mr. Johnny Cochran said that the time is right for Black people to deal with the issue of reparation. Mr. Cochran came to Jamaica, a few weeks before the Caribbean Heads of Government Conference and unfortunately, as happens too many times, our lawyers missed the opportunity to ask Mr. Cochran to state how best this could be done, and to even solicit his help in putting forward the case. Our Caribbean leaders also missed a grand opportunity. To my mind, the meeting in Montego Bay would have served us all better if they, like the Jews, could have jointly prepared a claim and spoke with one voice, on behalf of the Caribbean peoples and the rest of the Diaspora, against our colonial masters, their countries, churches and companies that benefited tremendously from slavery. I get the feeling that earthly riches must be enjoyed by every other race, except the Black race. We have been brain-washed and oriented to believe that our riches lie somewhere up in a place called "Heaven" and if we suffer in silence, go to Church everyday and 'chaw Bible leaf' then that is sufficient for us here on earth. We live the belief that we must not store up treasures on earth for moths and decay to destroy. Although I am not a Biblical scholar, it seems obvious to me that Biblical interpretation is usually given a white voice and that voice is primarily to keep Black people in their place and comfortable with poverty. This is evidenced by the attitude many Black people have about money and richness. Many are afraid to even think that they could become wealthy. So it would seem that even our leaders are afraid to ask for the wealth that rightfully belongs to us.
Cardinal laws that many of us take lightly are two laws that say: "Do all you agree or promise to do and don't trespass on a person or a person's property.." Our European masters made many promises to the former slaves and they reneged on almost every promise. For the most part, their word was not their bond.
Let us keep the argument fair. No one is saying that we must take away anybody's possessions and give it to Black people. The fact of the matter is that we know who reneged on their promises, we know that it was the forced labour of mainly Africans that built Europe and made those countries First World countries. We also know that they know, that both human and material treasures were stolen from us. Yes, the Pope and others have asked for forgiveness and in many instances forgiveness has been given. But we still need reparation.
If England had paid reparation to us in Jamaica and all her other colonies in the Caribbean, social infrastructure would have been in place and we would have been able to reduce the social deprivation to such an extent, that crime and violence would not now be the only ways for some of us to survive and make a living. Real opportunities for economic development would have been in place and there would be very little need for a Privy Council or a Caribbean Court of Justice. People would be in jobs, and could determine for themselves how rich or poor they want to be. There would be no 'let off' or 'bligh' from anyone - our self esteem would be too high for us to become beggars. We would have been a civilized society, able to dispense justice to every citizen, without too much intervention from outsiders.
I'll argue further. Britain and other European countries have imposed restrictions on Caribbean people entering their countries. The burden that Caribbean countries place on their societies could have been solved at the point of Emancipation, if social infrastructure had been put in place for the development of the ex-slaves. There would have been no need for us to become a migratory people, always searching for ways and places to improve our lot in life Because of this deprivation, we have helped to develop their countries and our homeland sinks further into hopelessness and degradation.
Reparation money for x number of slaves over 250 years (and this should have been settled over 150 years ago) would be enough for social infrastructure, creating revolving loans, debt release - so that taxation can be reduced, since most of our earnings go to debt-servicing. We could convert inner-cities into modern cities that would reduce the creation of drug barons and yardies who now plague their ancestors owners' homelands.
I can hear the detractors cackling about how much money each man is to get and who is going to be the 'cutter' and making light of a serious matter. Well thinking people understand that money from foreign agencies should be handled by a Commission or Board set up for such a purpose (watch those consultants' fees) so as to ensure transparency and avoid the temptation to lodge such funds in private European and non-European bank accounts. So what's the point then of receiving compensation?
The answer to my mind lies in Black people finally realizing that tribalism and disunity throughout the Diaspora have not served them well. Civil society must therefore be strengthened. We must build the capacity of Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and our Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). However, we are putting the cart before the horse. When we get to that bridge we will cross it. Let us support the call for reparation first. Let us find good lawyers to take our case and win it, because deep in our hearts we all know that we cannot have peace and justice and lay the past to rest until we get justice for the sacrifices that our African ancestors made so that we can be here today.
In the meantime, those who have never had the Black experience, regardless of race, colour or creed, must not argue that this is a 'simplistic' argument or that it is spurious. It may also do some of us well to experience snow and learn what winter is all about. This argument is sincere and simple because there is no need to mesmerize people with big words and intellectual diatribe.
By the way has anyone seen Lord Gifford lately?
NEW JAMAICAN Vol.1
