This gold carriage in which the British king and queen travelled after their coronations represents the continuity of a monarchy reponsible for enslaving millions of Africans.
May 8, 2023
From slavery to coronation day 2023
I woke up the blessed morning of Saturday, May 6 to CNN’s live broadcast of the coronation of a king in my living room. Immediately, I recalled what I learnt about the Middle Passage — men and women tied in the bottom of boats — and the millions of Africans who were enslaved on plantations for hundreds of years thereafter.
I reflected on my visit to the Elmina Castle in Ghana, where I touched the Door of No Return. The same door through which millions of kidnapped men and women were dragged, with every ounce of their human rights removed. If we want to understand the roots of human trafficking in our world, I invite you to study the history of the British monarchical system’s exploitation of black people during the slave trade and indentureship.
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I also remembered that part of history when this same monarchy was a part of a design responsible for the greatest atrocity in human recorded history, and no open apology has been offered to date.
How can we forget the wealth extracted from colonies which were used to build the economies of these colonial powers? Celebration without a conscience indeed! The fact remains that I am a descendant of the indigenous people of St Vincent and the Grenadines who experienced genocide and I cannot hide that my foreparents were former enslaved Africans by the said monarchical system which also abused indentured workers in the post-apprenticeship (1834-1838) period.
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I represent a constituency where there is a very strong Garifuna history, strong anti-slavery history, strong Christian principles of fairness and equality, and strong Rastafarian roots. Let it be clear, this article is not against a particular race but against a monarchical system, the continuity of which, in 2023, given all with which it has been associated, is being celebrated in a gold carriage. We, the descendants of an enslaved people, have a duty to teach our children the source of those jewels.
I see the coronation as a timely reminder that we must rise up and demand reparative justice. We must not allow a selected few to own the process and turn it into a simplified discussion exercise. Neither must we sit with folded hands and suggest that only the handful of hard-working anti-colonialists should continue the fight without our help. Instead, people of all races must join a global fight to demand reparation for the atrocities against the indigenous people of the Americas and African enslavement.
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Our fight today builds upon the efforts of British humanitarians who fought in the British Parliament against enslavement, with success achieved in 1833. It also builds upon the platforms of the resistance established by Joseph Chatoyer, Cuffy, Sam Sharpe, and Toussaint L’Ouverture. Hence, this is certainly not about race but about justice, for all races have shown at one time or the other their true colours, that we are at one against the atrocities of slavery.
It is interesting to note that news reporters were very open in their discussions during the coronation on issues of both slavery and reparation. The world is indeed watching.
To the millions of souls who continue to rest in eternal peace, killed by colonial powers and monarchies, be reminded that some of your grandchildren are still ready, willing, and able to fight for justice. We shall advance the cause for the true liberation of all constitutions and parliaments. We find it very offensive every single time we hear songs and see things which remind us of the oppression you experienced. Continue to rest in peace.
Saboto Caesar is a Member of Parliament in St Vincent and the Grenadines and a lawyer by profession.
Saboto Caesar
