Caricom Commission Urges UK to Return British Virgin Islands, End Control Over 20 Caribbean Colonies
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 14
Caricom Commission Urges UK to Return British Virgin Islands, End Control Over 20 Caribbean Colonies
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 14
Summary
The Caricom Reparations Commission used a London briefing to demand that Britain return the British Virgin Islands and that King Charles back decolonisation of the UK’s remaining Caribbean territories.
20 colonies remain across the Caribbean—British, French, Dutch and American, the commission said—arguing reparations and decolonisation must advance together because the region is still “the most colonised part of the world.”
Six British overseas territories in the Caribbean have internal self-rule but remain subject to UK-appointed governors on defence, foreign affairs and parts of security and law, which the commission cited as proof of incomplete sovereignty.
November’s Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Antigua and Barbuda is emerging as a test for Charles, whom Caribbean leaders want to advance debate on sovereignty and reparatory justice despite his constitutional limits.
The push comes as the wider reparations movement shifts toward negotiations after what chair Hilary Beckles called an avalanche of apologies and a March UN vote recognising slavery as the gravest crime against humanity.
King Charles is urged to 'break the chains,' but can a monarch truly decolonise the legacy of the British Empire?
If Western nations pay reparations, who ensures the money reaches the people and not just political elites?
With Africa's critical minerals now leverage, will the West's green transition be forced to pay for colonial sins?
Decolonization and Reparations in the Caribbean: The British Virgin Islands’ 2026 Push for Self-Determination and Justice
Overview
In July 2026, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) became a leading voice in the Caribbean’s renewed push for decolonization, as regional leaders like David Comissiong highlighted the ongoing presence of colonial territories and linked these issues to reparations. Ahead of a major Commonwealth meeting, Caribbean nations called on King Charles to address sovereignty and justice. The BVI responded by appealing directly to the UN decolonization committee and starting important constitutional talks with the United Kingdom, led by Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley and legal expert Sir Jeffrey Jowell KC, signaling a strong commitment to self-determination and reform.