Dear Editor,

Jamaica has every right to pursue reparatory justice for the injustices of slavery and colonialism. But if we expect Britain and the international community to take our case seriously, we must also be prepared to confront the inadequacies within our own system of governance.

The handling of hurricane-relief funds is a troubling example. According to the Auditor General’s Department, of approximately $1.44 billion in cash donations received following Hurricane Melissa, only $26 million — about 1.8 per cent — had been spent for victims as of February 23, 2026. Nearly a year after the disaster, Jamaicans are entitled to ask why so little of the money intended to help affected citizens has reached them.

At the same time, our children are still dealing with the consequences of damaged schools. The Ministry of Education reported in September that only 57 of more than 300 severely damaged schools had been completed. There is nothing humorous about children being unable to learn in proper classrooms. This should be treated as a national emergency.

This is why Jamaica must be careful about how it presents itself internationally. Our current reparation petition to King Charles III is focused on legal questions surrounding slavery rather than a direct monetary demand. Nevertheless, Jamaica is asking the world to engage seriously with the consequences of historical injustice. We should, therefore, be asking ourselves an equally serious question: If Jamaica ever receives substantial reparatory resources, can Jamaicans trust our existing institutions to manage them transparently and effectively?

That is not an argument against reparation, it is an argument for stronger governance. We cannot demand accountability from Britain while refusing to demand accountability from ourselves. Historical injustice does not absolve present-day governments of responsibility for corruption, waste, inefficiency, or poor financial management.

We must also scrutinise our increasing dependence on foreign financing, including Chinese-funded infrastructure projects. International investment is not inherently bad, but Jamaica must ensure that borrowing and development agreements serve the long-term interests of Jamaicans rather than creating unsustainable dependence.

If a Caribbean leader were to make the strongest regional case for reparatory justice, I would have considerable confidence in Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley as an advocate. She has consistently articulated Caribbean economic and historical concerns on the international stage. But, ultimately, Jamaica must build its own credibility.

Fix the schools; account for the relief funds; strengthen financial oversight; investigate credible allegations of corruption; improve transparency; protect our economic sovereignty, then Jamaica can approach Britain from a position of moral and institutional strength.

Reparation may be a legitimate historical question, but Jamaica’s future cannot depend on money Britain may never pay. Our children need classrooms now! Our citizens need accountability now!

Jamaica must prove it can responsibly manage the resources it already has before asking the world to entrust it with more.

St Aubyn Richards

clever2g@yahoo.com