UWI’s International Reparations Debate progresses to Quarterfinals

The University of the West Indies Centre for Reparation Research (CRR) recently hosted its inaugural International Reparation Debate Competition for secondary schools, focusing on pivotal themes such as reparations and Pan-Africanism. A UWI press release outlined the competition’s provocative statements, including, “This House believes that enslaved people were the primary agents of their own freedom” and “This House would require reparations from companies with historical ties to slavery.”

Launched in March, the competition engaged high school students from across the CARICOM region and the United Kingdom, encouraging them to explore crucial issues regarding the legacy of slavery. Student participants demonstrated their debating skills while promoting discussions on the historical and contemporary significance of people of African descent within families, communities, and the broader public sphere.

After the first round, 16 schools advanced to the competition’s second phase. Judges noted the impressive performances during the preliminary rounds, with Glenmuir High School from Jamaica scoring 282 out of 300 and St. Joseph’s Convent in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, achieving 290 out of 300. The competition subsequently narrowed down to the ‘Elite Eight’ schools, which are set to compete in the quarterfinals on April 9, followed by the semifinals on April 16. The finals will take place on April 25 at The UWI, featuring guest judges from various fields, including diplomacy, civil society, and academia. Spectators can follow the debates via the CRR’s YouTube channel and The Repair Campaign’s Instagram account.

According to the press release, CRR has emphasized the necessity for strategic engagement regarding reparative justice discussions, particularly considering the historical context of the Transatlantic slave trade. The organization recognizes debate as critical for fostering education, advocacy, and research on such significant matters.

Supported by regional governments and growing partnerships in the Global North, the Centre aims to enhance awareness of reparatory justice as part of a broad-based initiative. Various organizations, including the CARICOM Reparation Commission, the Jamaican Association for Debating and Empowerment, the Repair Campaign, and the Wilberforce Institute, have partnered to bolster this movement, particularly focusing on increasing youth engagement, a key aspect of the CRR’s strategic objectives.

In this competitive format, students have showcased their debating prowess, offering compelling arguments on both sides of the issue. As the tournament progresses, the CRR will continue to highlight young people’s intellectual and communicative potential in tackling historical and political discussions related to reparations, said the report.

For further inquiries or information, individuals are encouraged to contact the Centre for Reparation Research via email at [email protected], as outlined in a statement from UWI.