USVI reparations leaders hold public meeting

Dr Chenzira Davis-Kahina	Shelley Moorhead

by Susan Mann
Caribbean Net News USVI Correspondent

Monday, May 30, 2005

CHARLOTTE AMALIE, USVI: US Virgin Islands reparations leaders met with a public audience at Ottley Legislative Hall, Legislative House, in Charlotte Amalie on May 25. The date, which has been celebrated internationally since 1991, is recognized as African Liberation Day.

The formal gathering was entitled “Reparations, where do we go from here?” and was moderated by Dr. Malik Sekou, Chair if the Social Sciences Division at the University of the Virgin Islands. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Senate President Lorraine Berry and former US Ambassador to Denmark, Terrance A. Todman, participated by teleconference.

Senator Terrance "Positive" Nelson of the St. Croix District offered an overview of his experience, as a member of the Reparations delegation which traveled to Denmark last month. He reported that Danish officials expressed a deep regret about the treatment previous generations of Danes inflicted upon former West Indies slave colonies. Dr Etherero Akinshegun of the African Hebrewite Community of Jerusalem, who also participated in the trip, shared his impressions with the group.

The definition of the term, "reparations" was explored at some length, throughout the discussion. For the most part, the panel was unified about the need to focus on how reparations can benefit the present citizens of the USVI. Mr Khalil Osiris, Executive Director, Circle of Courage STJ, stressed the need to focus on, "land, language, and cultural" reparations.

Mr Shelley Moorhead, founder of the African - Caribbean Reparations and Resettlement Alliance, stated that any reparational intent "must first be spiritual", and that the "most important part is our self-reparation."

Dr Chenzira Davis-Kahina, co-organizer of Per Ankh, Inc., of St. Croix, pointed out that there is currently no officially designated Pan African Representative for the USVI. She cited examples of how this had been a stumbling block in her attempts to be a part of this movement. Dr Davis-Kahina offered to immediately help draft necessary documentation for consideration for such an appointment.

The African-Caribbean Reparations and Resettlement Alliance organized the territory's first meeting in November 2004. A nine member delegation from the Virgin Islands was then invited to travel to Denmark to discuss reparations with Danish humanitarian and cultural groups in April, 2005.

A memorandum of understanding was signed during the visit, as well as an agreement to establish a Joint Task force with the Danish Institute of Human Rights. The intent of the document is to further study the issue of reparations, and explore possible ways to promote cultural exchanges, education, and training opportunities. Historical research projects will also be a focus.

Senator Nelson told other members of the panel and the audience that the Danish officials the reparation delegation met with explained to the Virgin Islands group that direct reparation was not likely. For instance, companies in Denmark today, such as sugar manufacturing companies, would not participate. The Danish Institute for Human Rights is a United Nations chartered organization.

According to Moorhead, the signed agreement is "the first document of its kind between Europe and the Caribbean that officially recognizes that the descendants of enslaved Africans have suffered economic, psychological, social and emotional harm as a result of the European institution of slavery."

Former Ambassador Todman agreed to assist those assembled for the meeting with the reparation effort. Copies of the signed Memorandum of Understanding between the African-Caribbean Reparations and Resettlement Alliance and the Danish Institute for Human Rights were distributed to those in attendance. It indicates that a plan of action shall be completed by the Joint Task Force within a period of no more than 180 days from the date of signature.

Panel members then answered questions from the audience. The next meeting will be held on St. Croix, and is scheduled for early July.

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