Setting the record straight

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the author(s) do not represent the official position of Barbados TODAY.

Please allow me to set the record straight on what I said (or meant to say) in a recent column. I never “likened reparations to revenge” except in the single case of Sir Richard Drax, a present-day individual who is being targeted for the actions of his ancestors hundreds of years ago.

I thought I made that clear when I wrote: “I see reparations as one country compensating another for past wrongs. For Barbados to be targeting an individual, Sir Richard Drax…” That, to my mind, smacks of revenge. I note that Brass Tacks moderator Walter Blackman, and a caller shared my view (as I understood them) on asking an individual to pay reparations.

You further state that “there are some among us who reject the entire idea of reparations”, obviously meaning me. For the record, I have never, as far as I can recall, ever said one word against the idea of reparations. After many years of proposing that Barbados should continue as a monarchy with a local king or queen (as was the plan if the Bussa Rebellion had succeeded), I have had to fight off numerous accusations that I wanted to retain the British monarchy.

I would hate now to have to correct impressions that I spoke against reparations based on your incorrect interpretation or my lack of clarity.

– Richard Hoad