Caribbean News
200 Year old demand by France on Haiti was injustice from day one
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
April 16, 2025 – New York, USA – CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett has issued a renewed call for reparatory justice for Haiti, describing it as a central focus of the region’s reparations campaign. Speaking at the Fourth Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, Dr. Barnett highlighted the historical and ongoing injustices stemming from the 1825 indemnity France imposed on Haiti.
“April 2025 marks 200 years since France demanded 150 million Francs from Haiti as reparations for lost property, including enslaved Africans,” Dr. Barnett stated. “This precondition for recognising Haitian independence has had lasting economic and social consequences that still impact Haiti today.”
She praised the Forum for spotlighting Haiti during its closing session, framing the bicentenary as a chance to raise global awareness and push for action to address Haiti’s ongoing crises in security, governance, and humanitarian needs.
“Given the insightful conclusions and recommendations from the previous Sessions, and the transformative agenda which it has been
Systemic inequality, racial discrimination, and reparatory justice for the global African community continue to be priority areas to be addressed during the Second Decade.”
Dr. Barnett also addressed the broader reparations agenda, commending the partnership between CARICOM and the African Union. She emphasized shared priorities including economic, digital, and racial justice, particularly in the context of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent.
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, she warned of deepening inequities that could leave people of African descent behind. “We must invest in digital literacy and innovation to ensure fair access and inclusive development,” she urged.
Highlighting upcoming initiatives, Dr. Barnett expressed anticipation for the Second CARICOM-AU Summit in Ethiopia this September, as both regions work toward a common vision of justice and prosperity.
“The call for reparatory justice is not just about the past—it’s a call for equitable development, recognition, and repair,” she concluded.