The International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly–Guyana (IDPADA-G) has written to President Irfaan Ali urging him to use the upcoming visit of King Charles III to advance the cause of reparatory justice both internationally and at home.

In a letter dated October 25, 2026 and signed by its Chairperson, Vincent Alexander, IDPADA-G called on the President to pursue reparations from the United Kingdom for the historical injustices of African enslavement and colonialism.

“We urge you to use it to demonstrate leadership on both fronts: to seek justice from Britain for the wrongs of enslavement and colonialism, and to commit Guyana to a measurable, accountable process of repair at home,” a section of the letter read.

It said simultaneously, the Government should commit to a National Reparatory Justice Programme aimed at addressing the enduring consequences of those injustices for African Guyanese.

In the letter, IDPADA-G said while Britain bears historical responsibility for enslavement and colonial exploitation, the Guyanese Government has a responsibility to address demonstrable inequalities and unresolved grievances within its own jurisdiction.

“Domestic action is not a substitute for British reparations, and it should not wait for Britain’s response,” the letter states.

IDPADA-G’s proposal includes the roll out of national consultations on reparatory justice; an evidence-based examination of historical and present-day disadvantages, including landownership, access to financing, public procurement, participation in the petroleum economy and intergenerational wealth; and an independent review of substantiated historical land claims, protection of legitimate land rights and investment in drainage, flood protection and community infrastructure.

The organization told the President that emphasis should also be placed on economic empowerment, proposing further that a productive-capital facility be established to support African-Guyanese businesses, cooperatives and farmers, accompanied by technical assistance and transparent access to economic opportunities.

Cultural restoration, particularly investments in the preservation of African-Guyanese history, archives, heritage sites and burial grounds, alongside a review of school curricula; and accountability were also cited in the proposal to the President.

IDPADA-G said August 1, 2027 — Emancipation Day — should mark the beginning of implementation of the first approved and funded measures, following national consultations, independent assessments and the development of a preliminary framework.

“The date would also fall in the year marking 400 years since the arrival of enslaved Africans inn 1627 as the Dutch established their colonial presence, providing an important historical context for national reflection and action,” IDPADA-G said.

It said Guyana’s emerging petroleum wealth presents an unprecedented opportunity to address longstanding structural inequalities and ensure that the country’s expanding prosperity contributes to the advancement of historically disadvantaged communities.

IDPADA-G maintains that the pursuit of international reparations must be accompanied by meaningful national action, in keeping with the United Nations call under the Decade for People of African Descent to which Guyana is signatory.

While it welcomed President Ali’s public statements supporting reparations and his recognition that an apology alone is insufficient, IDPADA-G said those principles must be translated into concrete commitments that would address the development gaps and inequalities arising from centuries of enslavement and its aftermath.

The letter, endorsed by member organizations at a Special Meeting on October 25, 2026, also recalled the immense contribution of enslaved Africans to the development of Guyana, including the reclamation of the coastal lands, construction of drainage and irrigation systems, and establishment of the country’s agricultural economy.

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