Trinidad & Tobago calls on Commonwealth to reject ‘anything resembling imperial arrogance’

Garfield Ekon

Staff Writer

Trinidad and Tobago, November 6, 2024 – Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Senator the Hon. Dr. Amery Browne highlighted the important role of   the Commonwealth in promoting international peace and security and in contributing to the resolution of international conflicts.

Addressing the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), in Apia, Samoa, the Minister emphasised the necessity of dialogue within the Commonwealth of Nations on the issue of reparatory justice, if the Commonwealth truly intends to help achieve “One Resilient Common Future.”

His wide-ranging address focused on the ongoing negative impacts of chattel slavery, colonialism, and genocide committed against native peoples, and the role of regional and multilateral organisations for acknowledgement, apology, and meaningful justice to be realised.

“There should be no place for anything resembling imperial arrogance at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting,” he said, reminding the delegates that CARICOM has a strong stance on reparations, and the Conference needed to take a position on the issue.

He also shared the perspectives of Trinidad and Tobago on the journey towards Climate justice and adequate financing for adaptation and mitigation. The theme of the Conference was “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Commonwealth.”

The theme highlights how member countries must harness their strengths by building resilience, unlocking potential, leveraging the ‘Commonwealth Advantage’ and fostering a connected, digital Commonwealth.

The Secretary-General report illustrated how the Commonwealth Secretariat has supported member countries, and how it has been reformed, modernised and strengthened under the leadership of the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, the outgoing Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

On October 25, at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa, leaders announced the selection of the Honourable Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, currently Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ghana, as the incoming Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.