Reparations In The News: August 2025
August 15, 2025
1st August marks 191 years since Emancipation in the English-speaking Caribbean.
The theme of “Emancipation and Reparations” has been central to several events taking place during the month of August. Here is a brief roundup of a few such events during August 2025, in which reparatory justice took a central focus.
2nd August 2025: Kamla vows to fight for reparations
“I commit my voice. I commit my office. I commit every ounce of political capital to move up reparations from aspirations to achievement so our next generation inherits not just the memory of freedom, but the means to flourish in its fullness.
“With one voice, we must all demand reparatory justice now!”
“With one voice, we must all demand reparatory justice now!”
31st July 2025: Trinidad and Tobago Hosts Youth Reparatory Workshop
The National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago hosted a youth workshop ‘Shaping Sustainable Futures through Reparatory Justice’, on July 31st featuring keynote speeches and conversations with youth leaders of the UWI International Reparation Debate, empowering youth advocacy in repair.
1st August 2025: “Jamaica will not relent in pursuit of reparations” - Hon. Minister Olivia Grange
Speaking during the 29th Seville Emancipation Jubilee, Minister Grange said: “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 …”
6th August 2025: Happy Independence Day, Jamaica
Jamaica celebrated 63 years of independence on August 6th with several events across the island and diaspora, including the annual Emancipation Jubilee Ceremony in Seville St. Ann.
6th August 2025: Columbus’ Statue Removed in Trinidad
The statue of Christopher Columbus in Trinidad was removed on 6th August and is expected to be followed a historic re-naming to commemorate a freedom fighter from Trinidad and Tobago. The statue is to be the National Museum of Trinidad and Tobago.
9th August 2025: Suriname Celebrates Indigenous People's Day
9th August is recognised annually as Ingi Dei – a day to celebrate the Indigenous people of Suriname, honour the resilience of Indigenous culture and advocate for repair.
17th August 2025: Celebration of Marcus Garvey’s Birthday
17th August celebrates the life and work of Pan-Africanist Marcus Garvey, well-known for compelling us to ‘emancipate ourselves from mental slavery’. Marcus Garvey Day lectures and events take place in Jamaica, Barbados, St Lucia, Suriname and across the entire Caribbean. The Repair Campaign participated in the 16th Annual Marcus Garvey Day Lecture at Liberty Hall in Kingston Jamaica.
23rd August 2025: International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition
The UN commemorates 23rd August each year in remembrance of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. The date was chosen to honour the beginnings of the Haitian Revolution in 1791. Commemorative events are expected to take place across the Caribbean and Europe.
31st August 2025: A Day for Celebrations
31st August marks UN International Day for People of African Descent. This day will be marked with commemorative ceremonies across the region, recognising the UN Second Decade for People of African Descent.
31st August also marks Trinidad and Tobago’s 63rd Independence Day.