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Jamaica to bring slavery reparations petition to King Charles
The petition seeks legal answers on slavery and a possible reparatory remedy, while Jamaica also presses for the return of cultural artefacts.
A Jamaican government delegation led by Culture Minister Olivia Grange arrived in London on Monday to file a petition with King Charles, requesting the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council review slavery reparations questions.
In 1833, when slavery was abolished across the British empire, the government paid £20 million to slave owners—40% of the Treasury's annual income—and continued repaying the debt until 2015.
The petition requests an advisory opinion on whether the enslavement of Africans was legal under English law, whether it breached international law, and if Britain now holds a legal obligation to provide redress.
Separately, the delegation is meeting with British Museum officials to advance discussions on the repatriation of cultural artifacts taken from Jamaica, specifically seeking the return of three Taino objects.
Under the Judicial Committee Act of 1833, the King has no personal authority over whether the petition is referred to the Privy Council and must act entirely on the advice of relevant authorities.
(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Hyun Young-bok = The government of Jamaica, a Commonwealth nation, submitted a petition to King Charles III of the United Kingdom asking about the legality of past slavery and reparations...