Local NewsNews Bajan theologian named to oversight group advising Church of England on reparative justice by Emmanuel Joseph 27/07/2023 written by Emmanuel Joseph Updated by Asminnie Moonsammy 27/07/2023 4 min read A+A- Reset Principal of Codrington College Reverend Canon Dr Michael Clarke is among 14 members of an Oversight Group to advise on response to historic links to transatlantic slavery. Share FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail 487 By Emmanuel Joseph Barbados has hailed as a major breakthrough in the fight for reparations, the appointment of a group, including a leading Barbadian theologian, to advise the Church of England on how to address its historic links to slavery. The Church Commissioners for England on Monday named the Principal of Codrington College Reverend Canon Dr Michael Clarke among 14 members of an Oversight Group that will advise the Board on how it establishes the new impact investment fund and grant funding programme that is being set up in response to its research findings of historic links to transatlantic chattel slavery. Deputy chair for the Barbados National Task Force on Reparations, David Comissiong said on Wednesday this development augurs well for the local reparations campaign. “It does constitute a very significant sign that our reparations campaign is gathering momentum, and is achieving very substantial breakthroughs,” he told Barbados TODAY. “This development also helps to generate greater critical scrutiny of the British government’s perverse refusal to issue an official historical apology for slavery and to commit to discussing a reparations package with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). “It brings into sharp relief the fact that a number of British institutions and families are morally and programmatically way ahead of their government on the issue of taking responsibility for historical wrongs and making reparations,” contended Comissiong who is also Barbados’ Ambassador to CARICOM, adding that more British people and institutions are calling into question their government’s “morally deficient” position on the issue of reparations. Commenting on the importance of his appointment to the group which will be chaired by the Bishop of Croydon, The Right Rev Dr Rosemarie Mallett, Dr Clarke said it was significant. “We all know that Barbados was very influential in designing the slave code, so we have had a significant part to play in the whole enslavement of the folks from Africa. So I think that this provides us, in a sense, with a way to contribute to any kind of restorative justice that could be coming toward the Caribbean and the Americas,” the Codrington College principal told Barbados TODAY. “So, for me, this is very significant that a Barbadian has been given the opportunity to participate in this whole undertaking. And also, one must remember that in many respects, Barbados has been considered ‘Little England’ for aeons and we had taken pride in that, and the Church of England has been an integral part of the Barbadian community almost from day one. “So, to have Barbados involved is very important…. To be able at this point in time, as the Church of England looks at the ways in which they need to offer some means of restorative justice, it is good that we can be involved in it,” added the senior theologian. The Church of England said the members of the oversight committee – including academics; investment, finance and legal specialists; journalists, and activists – were recruited through an open and transparent process. “The Church Commissioners published its research findings in January 2023 and expressed deep sorrow and shame over its predecessor fund’s links with transatlantic chattel slavery. In response, it has committed £100 million (BDS$261 million) to a programme of impact investment, grants and further research, and I am pleased to welcome the wealth of expertise in this new Oversight Group which will give advice to the Board as we work together to create a better future for all,” said the Right Reverend David Urquhart, the Chair the sub-group of the Church Commissioners’ Board. “Transatlantic chattel slavery is an appalling evil, whose consequences still affect society today, and we have a responsibility to respond to our historic links. We take seriously our commitment to do that collaboratively, listening widely, with sensitivity and accountability.” The Church Commissioners say they look forward to the challenge and insight of the committee members supporting the creation of a “truly innovative fund that will leave a lasting legacy.” Barbados TODAY understands that representatives of the team that put the Oversight Group together were due to arrive in Barbados on Wednesday night and were scheduled to meet with Anglican Bishop Reverend Michael Maxwell on Thursday morning. They will also be visiting Codrington College and are expected to hold talks with other stakeholders involved in the campaign for reparations and restorative justice. emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb]]> Emmanuel Joseph You may also like Sugar farmers warn of industry collapse without pay rise 12/02/2025 Six held in $4m drug bust at Welches Beach 12/02/2025 ‘Found’ gun costs man $40 000 12/02/2025