The University of the West Indies (The UWI) welcomed Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama on August 3, with his visit underscoring the increasingly close relationship between Africa and the Caribbean in the push for reparatory justice.
President Mahama’s regional visit came as Jamaica marked its 64th Independence anniversary and provided an opportunity to recognise The UWI’s longstanding contribution to reparations advocacy, research and Pan-African development.
The University hosted the Ghanaian leader at its Regional Headquarters in recognition of the work being done by the reparations and wider Pan-African movements as per a press release.
The release added that for decades, The UWI has been deeply involved in shaping the modern reparations campaign through academic research, public education, advocacy and policy development. The institution is widely recognised for helping move reparatory justice from a largely marginal issue into a major subject of regional and international diplomacy.
During his visit, President Mahama praised The UWI for its continued leadership, particularly through its Centre for Reparation Research, which has emerged as an important hub for research, policy development and public education on reparatory justice.
He also highlighted the work of Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles in guiding CARICOM’s reparations strategy and pointed to growing international attention to recognition, accountability and redress for the historical crimes of chattel slavery and native genocide.
Mahama’s connection to The UWI also carried special significance. He is an alumnus of the University of Ghana, a sister institution of The UWI. The two universities were founded together in 1948 and share a history of promoting education, intellectual development and self-determination among formerly colonised peoples.
Welcoming the President, Vice-Chancellor Beckles praised his efforts to advance the reparations cause internationally, particularly through his work at the United Nations.
“President Mahama has provided courageous and visionary leadership in elevating the cause of reparatory justice within the global community,” Vice-Chancellor Beckles said. “His efforts have helped secure unprecedented levels of international support for recognising chattel slavery as the gravest crime against humanity and have strengthened cooperation among nations committed to justice, development and human dignity.”
Beckles said recent developments at the United Nations point to an important change in global awareness and political commitment, reflecting stronger solidarity among CARICOM countries, the African Union, and nations in Latin America and Asia.
Describing Mahama as “a presidential leader of the movement,” Beckles stressed the importance of cooperation between African and Caribbean leaders in pursuing a shared reparatory justice agenda.
He also recognised Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, who chairs CARICOM’s Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Reparations, for her efforts to build international support for the cause.
According to the University, the visit further reinforced The UWI’s role as a living link between Africa and the Caribbean and as a major intellectual contributor to global discussions on historical justice, human rights and sustainable development.
As international attention to reparatory justice continues to grow, The UWI said it remains committed to research, dialogue and evidence-based policies aimed at advancing justice for Caribbean people and the wider African diaspora.
