The Prime Minister of a Caribbean country has disclosed that, his nation is “not totally free” as long as King Charles III reigns. Dr. Terrance Drew said during his tenure as the Prime Minister, a public consultation on whether St Kitts and Nevis should become a Republic would commence. He also stated that, he would acknowledge any apology from the monarchy, for its historical involvement in the slave trade.
The Buckingham Palace has already said, it takes the issue of “Slave Trade” very serious and would do the necessary things to appease the nations that it had offended.
The Palace stated last month that, it would be collaborating with an independent research body into the relationship between the British monarchy and the transatlantic slave trade, during which millions of African men, women, and children were transported to the Americas for use as slaves from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
Dr. Drew regarded the research as a welcome step to the city of St Kitts and Nevis, Basseterre. “I think acknowledging that something wrong was done, acknowledging it, and apologizing for it, is a step in the right direction,” he averred.
When contacted for comment, Buckingham Palace stated that, the King had previously vowed to learn more about the impact of slavery. “Since His Majesty’s Accession, that learning process has continued with vigor and determination.”
The statement further added that the monarch “has long acknowledged the discussion about constitutional arrangements,” referring to a speech given to Commonwealth leaders last year in which King Charles III said, “I want to say clearly, as I have said before, that each member’s constitutional arrangement, whether republic or monarchy, is purely a matter for each member country to decide.”
The Dutch government issued an official apology, for its role in the slave trade last year. Slavery, according to Prime Minister Mark Rutte, should be considered a “crime against humanity.”
St Kitts and Nevis were the first Caribbean islands, the English colonists established permanent settlements. The dual island federation is tagged as the “mother colony” by locals. It was a legacy built on sugar and slavery that lives on today.
King Charles III Visit To St. Kitts And Nevis
Brimstone Hill Fortress, on the other hand, explains St Kitts and Nevis’ colonial past. It was designed by the British in the 17th century, built and maintained by enslaved Africans. In 2019, King Charles paid a visit to Brimstone Hill. During his visit, the Monarch was also given a tour of the island by local historian called Leonard Stapleton.
“It was very exciting,” Leonard happily said, “I’m still proud to have been given that important task.” The historian’s admiration and affection for the Royal Family was obvious, but he is also aware that symbols are important.
While the Royal Family is “kind and genuine human beings” in person, he believes the Crown “represents the same force that was behind the enslavement of Africans.” Leonard Stapleton believes it is time to modernize some of the governance language in St Kitts and Nevis.
“One of the things that irks us as a people is that when our leaders are sworn in, we still hear them swear allegiance to the King or Queen and their heirs and successors,” he explained. “We want to get to the point where we can swear allegiance to our own beliefs, our constitution.”
But he remains optimistic. “I do believe that King Charles is going to do something positive about past injustices. I am very confident. As I’ve said, I’ve met him.”
Dr. Terrance Drew further spoke about slavery compensation, which apply to some form of restitution offered to the descendants of enslaved Africans, such as formal apologies, cash payments to individuals, or the cancellation of national debt for certain countries.
“We’re not just talking about monetary contributions because we’re not acting like victims,” he explained. “It is about making genuine modifications, even within systems that continue to harm people of African descent.”
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