-by Celestine Chacon
Guyana has reaffirmed CARICOM’s strong commitment to advancing reparatory justice, equity, and sustainable development for people of African descent.
Guyana’s Minister within the Culture Ministry, Steven Jacobs, spoke on the region’s behalf at the fifth session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent held in Geneva.
Minister Jacobs told the UN Forum that the Caribbean community remains actively engaged in advancing its 10-Point Plan for Reparatory Justice.
He emphasised that the enduring impacts of enslavement and colonialism are still entrenched in global systems, driving economic disparities and development challenges—especially for Small Island Developing States. Jacobs said the Second International Decade must be a decade of delivery that result in measurable outcomes in the lives of people of African descent.
“CARICOM remains committed to working constructively with this forum and the wider international community to ensure that the next chapter is not written for the people of African descent but by them and with them in justice to their past, present and future,” he said.
Also addressing the forum was Minister within the Housing Ministry, Vanessa Benn, who reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to fair and inclusive development for people of African descent.
“Guyana stands resolute in our support to and advocacy for people of African descent to live in dignity and thrive is societies defined by equity justice and opportunity,” the minister said.
She emphasised that policies implemented by the Guyana government to expand homeownership and reduce social and economic inequalities, continue to support this vision.
The UN forum is being held from April 14–17 under the theme “Expanding the human rights of people of African descent under the Second International Decade for People of African Descent.”