On Thursday 24th October 2024, Senator the Honourable Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs addressed the Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth in Apia, Samoa, during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
Minister Browne referenced the critical role of the Commonwealth in promoting international peace and security and in contributing to the resolution of international conflicts.
Minister Browne's intervention focused primarily on the necessity of dialogue within the Commonwealth of Nations on the issue of reparatory justice, if the Commonwealth truly intends to help achieve One Resilient Common Future. His remarks covered the ongoing negative impacts of chattel slavery, colonialism, and genocide committed against native peoples, and the role of regional and multilateral organizations for acknowledgement, apology, and meaningful justice to be realized. In response to recent comments by the Prime Minister of the UK and other senior officials that suggested that reparations would not be on the CHOGM agenda for consideration, Minister Browne advised the gathered delegates that this is our Commonwealth. Minister Browne emphasized CARICOM's strong stance on reparations, and declared during his remarks, "There should be no place for anything resembling imperial arrogance at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting".
He also shared the perspectives of Trinidad and Tobago on the journey towards climate justice and adequate financing for adaptation and mitigation.
The Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs is part of the Trinidad and Tobago delegation which is led by Prime Minister Dr. The Honourable Keith Rowley at the ongoing CHOGM in Samoa.
