The International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly–Guyana (IDPADA-G) has written to President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali urging him to use the upcoming visit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, scheduled for October 29–30, 2026, to advance the cause of reparatory justice both internationally and at home.
In a letter dated October 25, 2026, signed by its Chairperson, Vincent Alexander, IDPADA-G called on the President to pursue reparations from the United Kingdom for the historical injustices of African enslavement and colonialism, while simultaneously committing the Government of Guyana to a credible national programme to address the enduring consequences of those injustices for African Guyanese.
The organization emphasized that these are two distinct but complementary responsibilities. While Britain bears historical responsibility for enslavement and colonial exploitation, the Government of Guyana has a responsibility to address demonstrable inequalities and unresolved grievances within its own jurisdiction.
“Domestic action is not a substitute for British reparations, and it should not wait for Britain’s response,” the letter states.
IDPADA-G welcomed President Ali’s public statements supporting reparations and his recognition that an apology alone is insufficient. It urged him to translate those principles into concrete commitments that would address the development gaps and inequalities arising from centuries of enslavement and its aftermath.
The letter, endorsed by member organizations at a Special Meeting on October 25, 2026, recalls the immense contribution of enslaved Africans to the development of Guyana, including the reclamation of the coastal lands, construction of drainage and irrigation systems, and establishment of the country’s agricultural economy. It also highlights the extraordinary achievements of formerly enslaved Africans who, despite receiving no compensation upon emancipation, pooled their resources to purchase plantations and establish independent villages, beginning with Victoria in 1839.
IDPADA-G noted that these communities subsequently faced colonial policies that undermined and continue to undermine collective landownership and economic independence, with consequences that warrant examination and redress.
The organization also drew attention to the findings of the United Nations Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent following its 2017 visit to Guyana. The Working Group identified serious deficiencies in the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights among people of African descent and recommended targeted development measures, improved access to affordable financing and greater attention to African-Guyanese history in schools.
IDPADA-G has proposed that President Ali announce a national reparatory justice process during the royal visit, incorporating the following measures:
- National consultations: An inclusive process involving African Guyanese communities, farmers, entrepreneurs, women, youth, cultural organizations, researchers and the Diaspora.
- Independent assessment: An evidence-based examination of historical and present-day disadvantages, including landownership, access to financing, public procurement, participation in the petroleum economy and intergenerational wealth.
- Land justice: Independent review of substantiated historical land claims, protection of legitimate land rights and investment in drainage, flood protection and community infrastructure.
- Economic empowerment: Establishment of a productive-capital facility to support African-Guyanese businesses, cooperatives and farmers, accompanied by technical assistance and transparent access to economic opportunities.
- Cultural restoration: Investment in the preservation of African-Guyanese history, archives, heritage sites and burial grounds, alongside a review of school curricula.
- Accountability: Transparent oversight, independent evaluation and annual public reporting on the implementation of agreed measures.
IDPADA-G proposed that August 1, 2027 — Emancipation Day — mark the beginning of implementation of the first approved and funded measures, following national consultations, independent assessments and the development of a preliminary framework.
The date would also fall in the year marking 400 years since the arrival of enslaved Africans inn 1627 as the Dutch established their colonial presence, providing an important historical context for national reflection and action.
The organization stressed that Guyana’s emerging petroleum wealth presents an unprecedented opportunity to address longstanding structural inequalities and ensure that the country’s expanding prosperity contributes to the advancement of historically disadvantaged communities.
In concluding its letter, IDPADA-G urged the President to seize the historic opportunity presented by the royal visit:
“We urge you to use it to demonstrate leadership on both fronts: to seek justice from Britain for the wrongs of enslavement and colonialism, and to commit Guyana to a measurable, accountable process of repair at home.”
IDPADA-G maintains that the pursuit of international reparations must be accompanied by meaningful national action, in keeping with the United Nations call under the Decade for People of African Descent to which Guyana is signatory, thus ensuring that the principles of recognition, justice and development are translated into tangible improvements in the lives of African Guyanese.
