Jamaica's government plans to file a petition with King Charles III, formally requesting that he refer three questions concerning transatlantic chattel slavery to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, Jamaica's highest court of appeal. The petition is scheduled to be lodged during a visit to London by Jamaican ministers.
The move marks the first time a Commonwealth State has utilized this specific legal avenue for reparatory justice, according to a delegation statement. The British monarch holds the authority under the Judicial Committee Act of 1833 to direct legal matters to the London-based committee for an advisory opinion. Jamaica, which was a British colony until 1962, was a significant hub in the transatlantic slave trade, with estimates suggesting up to one million Africans were transported to the island between the 16th and 19th centuries.
Culture Minister Olivia Grange is leading the delegation that will submit the historic petition. An estimated 12.5 million Africans were forcibly taken from Africa by European nations during the 16th to 19th centuries, enduring brutal conditions on plantations in the Caribbean and elsewhere.
The petition filing is accompanied by a program of events in London, including an ecumenical church service focused on remembrance, justice, and repair, held on Sunday. A political engagement event is scheduled for Westminster on Monday, followed by an event with the National Windrush Museum on Wednesday.
Ms. Grange stated that the petition filing is a milestone moment in Jamaica's history, asserting that citizens are exercising their right as members of the Commonwealth to petition the King. "We look forward to a positive programme of engagement around this issue," she added.
Separately, Jamaica has indicated plans to meet with the British Museum to discuss the repatriation of cultural artifacts taken from the island. In recent years, the UK has maintained its stance against providing financial reparations for slavery, while Caribbean leaders have continued to advocate for a formal apology and other measures, including debt cancellation.
This push for reparations has seen increased activity, including a meeting between Caribbean leaders and senior clergy from the Church of England in July. Earlier this year, the issue also gained attention when Reform UK leader Nigel Farage proposed blocking visa requests from British Overseas Territories if their governments demanded slavery reparations.