Barbados Halts £3M Purchase of Former Slavery Plantation Amid Public Outcry

The government of Barbados has suspended its planned £3 million acquisition of a former slavery plantation owned by UK Conservative MP Richard Drax, following widespread public backlash. Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced the decision to pause the compulsory purchase of 50 acres of the 617-acre Drax Hall plantation, which the government had intended to use for providing housing to low-income Barbadians.

The move comes amid growing discomfort among Barbadians over the prospect of Drax receiving any revenue from the government and people of Barbados. Mottley acknowledged the public's concerns and stated that the government will hold consultations with the Barbadian people on the matter. "We have heard the cries of Barbadians who feel they have been robbed of an appropriate settlement for the reparations owed," Mottley said.

Why this matters: The case highlights the ongoing debate over reparations for the historical injustices of slavery and the challenges faced by former colonies in addressing their painful past. It also emphasizes the importance of public consultation and the need for governments to be responsive to the sentiments of their citizens.

The Drax Hall plantation, described as a "killing field" where an estimated 30,000 enslaved people died over 200 years, has been in the Drax family since the 17th century. Richard Drax, who inherited the estate, had previously acknowledged his ancestors' actions as "deeply regrettable" but maintained that he cannot be held responsible for events that occurred centuries ago.

However, many Barbadians, including reparations advocate and ambassador David Comissiong, argue that the land is "soaked in the blood, sweat and tears" of enslaved people and that Drax should transfer the property to the state as a reparations gesture. Prime Minister Mottley stated that while the government has met with Drax, they are not satisfied with the conversations and are evaluating all legal options.

Mottley emphasized that although Barbados will aggressively pursue reparations for the inhumane treatment of enslaved African ancestors, the government has no intention of breaching the Constitution by taking the land without paying. She stressed that the focus should be on pushing for a reasonable settlement with Drax and that the country is governed by the rule of law.

The government's decision to halt the purchase has been welcomed by Trevor Prescod, the lead for reparations in Barbados, although he expressed concern over the use of the word "pause," fearing a potential renewal of the commercial relationship with Drax. Prime Minister Mottley assured that the government will continue to pursue legitimate actions through advocacy and legal means to justify its claim for reparations, while also finding ways to meet the immediate housing needs of Barbadians.

Key Takeaways

• Barbados halts £3M acquisition of slavery plantation owned by UK MP Richard Drax.
• Public backlash over Drax profiting from the land's history of slavery and oppression.
• Barbados to hold consultations on reparations and the plantation's future ownership.
• Drax Hall plantation has been in the Drax family since the 17th century.
• Barbados seeks a reasonable settlement with Drax while pursuing reparations legally.