Antigua Prime Minister Calls for UK Reparations and Expresses Republican Views

Antigua's prime minister, Gaston Browne, told ITV News that the United Kingdom should provide compensation for its involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, warning that a lack of reparations could encourage future atrocities. Speaking after attending a church service with King Charles and Queen Camilla during the monarch's Caribbean tour, Browne said the issue should not be dismissed simply because UK opposition leader Kemi Badenoch has argued that apologies for the slave trade should cease.

"I understand the politics in the UK, in which it may be a difficult proposition for him to agree to any form of reparations, but that does not negate the need for reparations," Browne said.

He added that Caribbean nations are not making unaffordable demands and suggested that any compensation could be sourced from the UK budget for overseas development. Browne warned that without a deterrent, similar abuses could reappear, citing global trends as evidence.

When asked about Badenoch's stance, Browne responded that she was "misguided" and noted that she is the opposition leader rather than the prime minister. He emphasized that his personal view is republican, expressing a desire for Antigua and Barbuda to become a republic, while acknowledging that constitutional change requires a two-thirds majority in a public referendum.

"I can say to you, I am a Republican. So if you asked me about my personal view, I would like to see Antigua and Barbuda become a republic… but I have to recognise and accept the fact that there are certain constitutional provisions to become a republic, and that, ultimately, it is the decision of the people to determine whether or not we become a republic," Browne said.

He affirmed his respect for the British monarch and said he will continue to serve the King until any constitutional change is decided by the Antiguan electorate.