The Tribune

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

KING Charles III yesterday acknowledged that the transatlantic slave trade continues to cast a shadow over the Caribbean, describing the history as one that fills his “heart with horror” and  “soul with the most profound personal sorrow”, as he urged Commonwealth leaders to turn historical injustices into action for future generations.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda, the King said history could not be changed. Still, countries could work together to address its lasting consequences through education, employment, investment and greater economic opportunities. “None of us, of course, would be here today were it not for our history, which has shaped us in myriad ways. History is not ours to choose or to change. It is bequeathed to us in complex synthesis by forebears we can never know. Our inheritance includes both their achievements and their failures – the good they did as well as the wrongs.

“History can be hard to compass, viewed as it is through the prism of time, which can be both clarifying and distorting, and yet its consequences resonate with contemporary force. Our history inspires us, can appall us, yet it can always teach us. We cannot change the actions of those who came before us. We can, however, learn from the past. The transatlantic trade in enslaved persons still casts a shadow over these islands and other Members of our Commonwealth. As I have said before, that shameful chapter of history is one that fills my heart with horror and my soul with the most profound personal sorrow,” he said.

The King's remarks come as Caribbean nations continue to grapple with the legacy of slavery and calls for reparatory justice. He said the Commonwealth had an opportunity to use its collective influence to confront present-day challenges, including climate change, international conflict and economic inequality.

“Yet history also teaches us that evil need not have the last word; that character and courage can combine to overcome the most monstrous injustice, as they did with the determination to end international trade in enslaved people, in which the Royal Navy played such a leading role,” he said during his speech.

“The more I have furthered my own understanding of the issues, through listening, learning and looking, the more committed I have become to finding ways for us to work in modern partnership to address the wrongs of the past with action for the future. Through improving access to education, investing in jobs and opportunities, encouraging intraCommonwealth trade, and inspiring vital climate resilience measures across the world, I have always felt that there is so much that can be done to help lift up those who struggle against hardship and disadvantage. I have always tried to play my part in doing just that.”

Describing climate change as a “catastrophic reality”, he warned that small island states had contributed little to the problem but were among those suffering its greatest consequences.

He called for greater investment in climate resilience, renewable energy and natural resource protection, while urging Commonwealth countries to strengthen trade and remove barriers to doing business across member states.

The King also stressed the need to expand education, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people, noting that Commonwealth countries were home to more than a billion young people.

He said the organisation's shared values of democracy, human rights, equality and sustainable development were increasingly important amid growing international instability.

“The Commonwealth of today is not merely a product of the past – it is a response to the world of today. Its vocation is more compelling than ever. In fact, in a desperately troubled world, the Commonwealth has welcomed new members who see the unique value of this organization and have chosen to be part of its future,” he said.”

This year's summit, held under the theme “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth”, is the first under the leadership of Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey.

Leaders are expected to discuss investment, climate financing, renewable energy, trade and opportunities for young people across the 56-member organisation.