Above: St Kitts (CJ Photo)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The government of St Kitts and Nevis has approved the formation of a committee on seeking reparations for slavery, the country announced Wednesday.

The committee follows a growing movement in the region to seek reparations from European countries for the enslavement of people of African descent.

“Here in St Kitts and Nevis, the local community, in particular, the black-conscious and Rastafarians, have long called for our governments within the region to collectively approach the subject matter of reparations to repair the consequences of the practice of the enslavement of our people,” said Information Minister Nigel Carty.

A number of countries across the region have expressed serious interest in formally seeking reparations.

Carty said the committee would include representation from the Rastafarian community, churches, the trade union, educational institutions, historians and other members of civil society.

“The specific membership of the reparations committee will be publicized after consultation with the organizations and individuals recommended for membership,” Carty said.