‘Long Overdue and Non-Negotiable’- Senator Nwoko On Reparations During Meeting With Caribbean Envoy

Senator Ned Nwoko, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriations, has reaffirmed his stance on reparations, saying that it’s “long overdue and non-negotiable.”

He spoke on Thursday when he had a private meeting with Her Excellency, Ambassador Rosalyn Hazelle of St. Kitts and Nevis, in his Abuja office at the National Assembly, on Thursday.

The private meeting between the two leaders, focused on critical issues surrounding reparations for Africa and the African diaspora, as well as fostering economic ties between Nigeria and the Caribbean.

Senator Nwoko, a vocal advocate for justice and equity, emphasized the need for a tangible apology and action from nations that profited from the transatlantic slave trade.

Ambassador Hazelle, a seasoned diplomat and former CEO of the St. Kitts and Nevis Investment Promotion Agency, expressed her full support for Senator Nwoko’s position, describing reparations as a shared struggle.

She noted that St. Kitts and Nevis shares similar sentiments, having benefited from global discussions on the matter.

Amb. Hazelle emphasized on the need for continued dialogue on reparations, saying that Saint Kitts and Nevis has long been a vocal advocate for the redress of historical wrongs, especially in relation to the transatlantic slave trade.

She highlighted the necessity of a united approach to addressing the legacies of colonialism and slavery, pointing out that such conversations were integral to global justice and healing.

She said, “I believe that cooperation between African nations and the Caribbean, particularly in matters of reparations, is essential to repairing the injustices of the past.

“Saint Kitts and Nevis is committed to supporting initiatives that bring awareness and solutions to this critical issue, and we are eager to collaborate with like-minded leaders such as Senator Nwoko in advancing these efforts.

The meeting, which marked a significant diplomatic exchange between Saint Kitts and Nevis and Nigeria, focused on several key issues, including collaboration in various sectors, and opportunities for mutual growth.

The former High Commissioner of Saint Kitts and Nevis to the United Kingdom, also shared details about the growing opportunities in Saint Kitts and Nevis, particularly in relation to the country’s Citizenship by Investment Program.

She informed Senator Nwoko that Saint Kitts and Nevis offers visa-free access to over 160 countries, including the United Kingdom, making it an attractive destination for global investors and travelers.

She also highlighted her country’s success in education with 98% of population and healthcare, noting that Saint Kitts and Nevis has trained numerous young Nigerians in medicine.

Many of these graduates, she said, have returned to Nigeria to practice, contributing to the development of Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

The meeting also explored economic opportunities between Nigeria and the Caribbean, with Senator Nwoko highlighting the potential for partnerships in tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy.

He noted that such collaboration could create wealth and opportunities on both sides.

The reparations agenda, however, remained the central theme of the discussion, with both leaders agreeing that African nations and their diaspora counterparts must present a united front.

Senator Nwoko commended the Caribbean countries for their proactive stance on reparations and called for stronger synergy.

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a country in the Caribbean with a population of over 400, 000 people. She got her independence on September 19, 1983 with the capital in Basseterre.