CARICOM chairman calls for economic freedom and reparative justice in Emancipation Day message

GEORGETOWN, Guyana

CMC

The Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Philip J. Pierre has called on Caribbean nations to continue the “unfinished journey of emancipation” by pursuing economic empowerment, food security, energy independence and reparative justice.

In his Emancipation Day message, Pierre, who is also the prime minister of St Lucia, paid tribute to the resilience and sacrifice of enslaved Africans whose struggle secured freedom for future generations, saying Emancipation Day is a solemn reminder of both the region’s painful history and its continuing responsibility to build a more just society.

“Freedom was never handed to our ancestors. Freedom was demanded. Freedom was fought for. Freedom was paid for with sacrifice, with courage and with an unbreakable faith,” Pierre said.

He said the Caribbean owes a debt of gratitude to those who endured slavery while refusing to surrender their dignity, humanity and hope.

The CARICOM chairman acknowledged that while slavery officially ended, the injustices experienced by formerly enslaved people continued long after emancipation.

“Our ancestors walked into freedom without land, without wealth, without compensation, without opportunity. Yet those who benefited from their labour were rewarded,” he said, adding that understanding that history is essential to shaping a better future.

He described the Caribbean’s history as one marked by the displacement of Indigenous peoples, African enslavement, indentureship and colonial rule, but said the region has transformed suffering into resilience and achievement.

“We built nations. We built communities. We built democracies. We have created music that moves the world, literature that enlightens the world and culture that transforms and enriches the world,” Pierre said.

He urged Caribbean citizens to embrace their identity with pride, declaring, “We are Caribbean people. We are a proud people. We are a resilient people. And have every reason to believe in our future.”

Pierre stressed that true emancipation extends beyond political freedom and must include economic opportunity and prosperity.

“Our people deserve economic freedom. They deserve opportunity. They deserve ownership. They deserve prosperity,” he said.

He called for stronger regional economies where entrepreneurs can thrive, young people can find opportunities at home, and farmers, fishers and manufacturers are supported as key contributors to national development.

The prime minister also emphasised the importance of investing in education and equipping young people with the skills needed to innovate, lead businesses and harness technology to transform Caribbean societies.

Addressing regional development, Pierre identified food security and energy security as critical pillars of genuine independence, urging greater support for local agriculture and cleaner, more affordable energy sources.

He also reaffirmed CARICOM’s commitment to pursuing reparatory justice for slavery, saying the movement is rooted in truth and accountability rather than blame.

“The pursuit of reparations for slavery is not about blame, not about revenge. It is about the truth and justice for the human suffering of slavery,” Pierre said.

Concluding his address, the CARICOM chairman urged the region to honour the sacrifices of its ancestors by building stronger, more united and more prosperous societies.

“Let us continue the work begun by our forefathers; let us strengthen our Caribbean Community; let us build a future worthy of the sacrifices of those who came before us,” Pierre said.