In a captivating address at the Permanent Forum of People of African Descent in New York on May 30th, Guyana’s esteemed attorney, Mr. Nigel Hughes, delivered a powerful speech demanding reparative justice and greater equity in his homeland. Attorney Hughes shed light on the pressing issues faced by the African Guyanese community, urging the government and international bodies to take decisive action.
Hughes emphasized that the path to true progress extends beyond symbolic gestures and requires concrete measures. He expressed disappointment in the slow pace of redress for past injustices, particularly in relation to land restitution. Despite a Land Commission of Inquiry conducted in 2018, none of its recommendations have been implemented. Hughes further highlighted the need for the Dutch apology, a vital step towards acknowledging and rectifying historical wrongs suffered by African Guyanese.
Central to Hughes’ address was the urgent call for a national commission in Guyana to assess the contributions of African Guyanese to the country’s development. He specifically pointed to the Venn Commission Report of 1948-1949, which exposed the harsh realities faced by enslaved Africans in building the British Guiana Sugar Industry. Hughes passionately argued that the backbreaking labor performed without compensation should be acknowledged and compensated for as part of the reparative justice process.
Furthermore, the attorney stressed the necessity of affirmative action and comprehensive reparations. He urged the government to set aside national revenues for a compensation package that addresses historical inequalities. Hughes underscored the importance of rectifying disparities in access to permits and titles in sectors such as natural resources, quarrying, mining, forestry, and agriculture. He vehemently condemned the unfair denial of quarrying concessions to African Guyanese, exposing the need for swift redress and equal opportunities.
Addressing the preservation of African Guyanese history and culture, Hughes criticized the lack of investment in institutions that safeguard their rich heritage. He called upon the government to prioritize the development of initiatives that address cultural loss, foster public recognition, and promote a comprehensive understanding of the lasting consequences of systemic racism. Hughes firmly believes that incorporating this history into textbooks is essential for building a more inclusive and enlightened society.
In closing, Hughes called for increased transparency and accountability while urging states to provide data and reports to the Permanent Forum or UN Special Mechanisms on their progress in achieving reparative justice for people of African descent in all sectors.
