Jamaica will not relent in pursuit of reparations: Minister Grange

Jamaica will not waver in its pursuit of reparations for slavery, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, declared during the 29th Seville Emancipation Jubilee held Thursday night at Seville Heritage Park.

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“We must repair the damage. That is why we will be petitioning the King [of England], as we call for reparations for the damage to be repaired that they did to our ancestors,” Minister Grange told the crowd gathered at the annual cultural vigil, which carried into the early hours of Emancipation Day on August 1.

Grange emphasized that the fight for reparative justice is a vital step in honoring the sacrifices of those who endured centuries of enslavement. “It is because we must repair the damage. I call on every one of you, on us all, to reflect on our resilient forebears, their struggles and their triumphs. Let us commit like they did, to doing our part to make our homeland Jamaica a better place,” she said.

Her remarks come on the heels of a June 24 announcement in Parliament, where she revealed that Jamaica is in the process of submitting a formal petition to His Majesty King Charles III. The petition will request that the King refer a specific set of legal questions about reparations to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.

In a call for unity, Minister Grange stressed that the issue of reparations transcends politics. “Just consider our enslaved ancestors… they died so that you and I could be free today. I don’t want you to take it lightly. We owe a great debt to the ancestors, and we repay them by drawing on their incredible resilience to ensure that never again will the black race or any people be enslaved. So… as we celebrate our freedom, let us build Jamaica and let us always choose Jamaica,” she said.

She urged Jamaicans to move beyond divisions, particularly in matters of cultural heritage, and to work collaboratively toward nation-building.

The Seville Emancipation Jubilee, organised by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT), offered a vibrant tribute to African ancestors and marked the moment, at midnight, when the Emancipation Proclamation was read—symbolizing the abolition of slavery in British colonies.

The event featured a rich tapestry of cultural performances from the Kaya Junkunnu Band, Charles Town Maroons, and Akwaba Drummers, as well as a stage show with popular local entertainers. Patrons also enjoyed traditional food, drumming, dancing, and free chocolate tea throughout the night.