Read below the statement from the Alliance For Change (AFC):
The Alliance For Change (AFC) warmly welcomes His Majesty King Charles III to Guyana and recognises the significance of his visit as an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, strengthen relations and confront the enduring consequences of slavery and colonialism.
Guyana’s history, like that of much of the Caribbean, bears the deep scars of slavery, exploitation and the forced labour of generations of Africans whose suffering and sacrifice helped build the wealth and institutions of the British Empire. The consequences of that history continue to shape social and economic inequalities across our society.
The AFC believes that reparations for slavery are not merely a matter of historical regret; they are an imperative of justice, accountability and meaningful redress. Expressions of sorrow and acknowledgement, while important, must be accompanied by concrete action.
We therefore call on His Majesty to use the moral influence of the Crown to encourage the Government of the United Kingdom to engage constructively and in good faith with Guyana, CARICOM and the wider reparations movement. Such engagement must move beyond symbolic gestures towards substantive dialogue on reparatory justice, including education, cultural restoration, institutional support and measures to address the enduring consequences of slavery.
We recognise that the Crown and the British Government have distinct constitutional roles. Nevertheless, His Majesty’s voice can help encourage a national and international conversation grounded in truth, reconciliation and a shared commitment to justice.
The AFC welcomes King Charles III to our shores in a spirit of friendship and respect. We hope his visit will contribute to a renewed relationship between Guyana and the United Kingdom—one that acknowledges the painful realities of our past while demonstrating the courage to address their consequences.
The time has come to transform historical acknowledgement into meaningful action. Reparations are imperative, and the pursuit of justice must not be deferred indefinitely.
Balanced trade, ceremonial visits and favourable relations with the United Kingdom is what Guyana desires, and these must be solidified on a bedrock of mutual respect, and accountability for historic injustices.
