King Charles III addressed a summit of commonwealth nations in Samoa, stating that past is unchangeable while subtly recognizing the demands from some former colonies for accountability regarding the Britain’s involvement in the Trans-Atlantic slave trade.
His statements during the official opening ceremony reflected the sentiments expressed in the previous day by British Prime Minister Kier Starmer , who emphasized that the meeting should steer clear the dwelling on the past and engaging “In very , very long endless discussion about reparations”.
King Charles III who is struggling with Cancer did not specify tackle the issue of financial reparations that some attendees had called for. He said that :”None of us can change the past. But we can commit with all our heart to learning its lessons and to finding creative ways to right inequalities that endure”.
The 75 years old monarch urged leaders of the 56 members states to unite and to “discover the appropriate methods and languages” to tackle all the current issues that have historical origins. He added that :”As we look around the World , and consider its many deeply concerning challenges , let us choose with our commonwealth family , the language of community and respect and reject the language of division”.
King Charles III earlier rejected calls from Caribbean nations for direction conversation about reparations for Britain’s involvement in the slave trade and mention the its matter in its final joints statements.Many observers view Britain approach to its role in the Atrans-Atlantic Trade as crucial indicator of how commonwealth is adapting to contemporary issues especially as other European countries and certain British institutions begins to acknowledge their participation in the trade.
The UK has yet to issue a formal apology for its involvement in the trade that saw millions of African individuals abducted and shipped to plantations in the Caribbean and Americas over several Centuries , Benefiting numerous individuals and business.