In a powerful display of unity, four leaders — Prime Minister Gaston Browne in a red jacket, Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin of Antigua & Barbuda, Captain Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso, and former President Uhuru Kenyatta — stood together, raising their fists to the sky as jets soared overhead. This captivating image symbolizes defiance, solidarity, and the urgent push toward justice.
During this pivotal moment, Donald Trump recognized their stance, emphasizing the growing worldwide acknowledgment of the Caribbean and Africa’s shared demand for reparations, restitution, and respect. The rally not only signified strength but also conveyed the resolve that historical injustices must be addressed.
Gaston Browne’s Vision for CARICOM and Africa
Prime Minister Browne has consistently advocated for the idea that the Caribbean and Africa are united as one people, adversely affected by the legacies of slavery and colonial exploitation. To him, CARICOM represents not just a coalition of island nations but a living embodiment of Africa's diaspora, forged by shared history and struggle.
Browne argues that the wounds of the transatlantic slave trade are ongoing issues; the repercussions still profoundly impact both regions. He asserts that reparations should not be viewed as charity, but rather as restitution—a recognition that the descendants of Africa in the Caribbean were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands to contribute to the wealth of colonial powers.
Through CARICOM, he envisions a powerful alliance with Africa, combining political strength, economic resources, and cultural resilience. The fight for reparations, as he sees it, is a journey across the Atlantic, with Africa and the Caribbean standing as one family in the demand for justice.
Browne’s vision extends beyond the historical narrative, focusing on rebuilding and empowering both regions together. Highlighting the vast resources of Africa and the strategic positioning of the Caribbean, he sees a unified future in climate justice and sovereignty.
“The Caribbean is Africa, Africa is the Caribbean. Until restitution is made, until justice is done, our mission is incomplete. Reparations justice must come.”
Gaston Browne, widely known as Gassy Dread, has emerged as a prominent advocate for reparations, voicing this commitment from various platforms—from CARICOM stages to international summits. He underscores that the legacy of colonial wealth was built upon exploited lives, arguing that true peace can only be achieved once these debts are settled.
“Reparations justice must come,” he asserts. “Chains on the feet, whip in the hand — we will not forget. Africa and the Caribbean are one, and together we demand restitution.”