Haiti’s Independence Debt: 200 Years Later – CARICOM’s position By Dr. Hilary Brown
Being a statement presented by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Reparations Commission at UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent – Fourth Session, on April 17, 2025
The CARICOM Reparations Commission stands in solidarity with Haiti on the bicentenary of the ransom of 150 million gold francs imposed by France, as a precondition for recognizing the island’s independence.
The Commission regards Haiti as being at the centre of our call for reparatory justice, recognizing Haiti as a beacon of resistance to African enslavement and a safe haven for any enslaved African who made it to the shores of Haiti. The crippling injustice of the independence debt and trade blockade imposed for decades, are at the root of the political, security and humanitarian crisis that Haiti continues to face today.
Haiti has been punished for its historical significance as the world’s first Black Republic in the modern world, the enslaved people of then French colony Saint-Dominique having broken their chains and defeated, in succession, the mighty armies of France, Britain and Spain and established the first free nation in the Western Hemisphere.
The global reparations movement is deeply indebted to Haiti for what it achieved for the dignity of all Africans and for paving the way for the emancipation and reparations movements across the Caribbean and the Americas.
The CARICOM Reparations Commission welcomes the announcement by the President of France of his intention to establish a joint commission with Haiti, to examine their shared past and renews its relentless call on France to issue an unreserved apology, to pay reparations and repair the damage done to the well being, hopes and aspirations of the Haitian people.
Trinidadian singer/songwriter David Rudder in his 1993 composition “Haiti,” says on behalf of all of us:
“Haiti I’m sorry, we misunderstood you…..One day we’ll turn our heads, and restore your glory.”
Justice for Haiti! Thank you.
Dr. Brown is the Programme Manager, Culture and Community Development, CARICOM Secretariat.
CARICOM is a regional integration group of 20 countries – 15 member states and 5 associate members in the Caribbeans.
