Africa Speaks with Sister Ekua (Aka Esther Stanford-Xosei) and Dr Yehoeshahfaht Ben Israel Voice of Africa Radio (VOAR) 94 FM 8-10 pm BST voiceofafricaradio Britain’s only licensed African Radio Station 4-6pm Eastern Caribbean Time 3-5pm New York Standard Time 2-4 US Central Time 3-5pm US Eastern Standard Time 3-5 pm Daylight Saving Time 10-12pm Israel Time 8-10pm Ghana Time 10-12 pm Eastern African Time Wednesday 10th July, 2013 “What is the strategic role, place and significance of financial reparations in regards holistic reparations (self-repairs) of the African Humanity?” Let me begin by noting that reparation is not just about money: it is not even mostly about money; in fact, money is not even one percent of what reparation is about. Reparation is mostly about making repairs. self-made repairs, on ourselves: mental repairs, psychological repairs, cultural repairs, organizational repairs, social repairs, institutional repairs, technological repairs, economic repairs, political repairs, educational repairs, repairs of every type that we need in order to recreate and sustainable black societies. For the sad truth is that five centuries of holocaust have made our societies brittle and unviable. And as the great Marcus Garvey warned over 50 years ago, if we continue as we are, we are heading for extinction. More important than any monies to be received; more fundamental than any lands to be recovered, is the opportunity the reparations campaign offers us for the rehabilitation of Black people, by Black people, for Black people; opportunities for the rehabilitation of our minds, our material condition, our collective reputation, our cultures, our memories, our self-respect, our religious, our political traditions and our family institutions; but first and foremost for the rehabilitation of our minds. Prof Chinweizu The agitation for reparations has a long historical record. In the natural order of justice, and then in the mantra of the current global family of nations it has been used as a tool for both collective and restorative justice. The case precedents of the Japanese and Jewish people continue to echo hope for the resolution of injustices long inflicted. Other communities like the native Indians in contemporary times have also had this instrument invoked and applied to soothe the abuses they have suffered. Apart from financial compensations there have been other aspects which beyond monies which have complimented the reparations effort. With the above said the case of the kidnapped African, the trauma of the African family both sides of the Atlantic - continental and Diaspora and the extended length of the abuse and miscarriage of justice far overshadows the historic cases of the peoples mentioned above. With an extended span of time, over 400 to 500 years and still counting, it would seem that this case célèbre would not only earn appropriate attention but would receive overwhelming support from the international communities. Surprisingly if not blatantly race bias and bluntly contempt of the high principle of Global justice, the African case has yet to receive any reparations. The 2001 Durban conference, "on African Soil" was a humiliating punch in the face for the African community when the European nations that avidly played a role in the African demise refused to offer a moral apology. Some of them even went further to articulate that it was not a crime against humanity as it was trade - a business venture. This resurfacing the adjective chattel. Other counter arguments are that there are African communities that must be equally culpable in this charge, as such liable also in the reparations indictment and pay-out obligations. The last 12 years have not seen any conclusive movement towards external reparation. Sadly the 21st African narrative portends more gloom whether it is Haiti or Congo. On the surface these issues seem internal and self inflicted. Further uncovering though reveals the same idea, vested interests and parties mostly foreign with local accomplices, continue the damage that would require further reparation for the African Humanity. Great acknowledgement must be given and duly recognized for the tireless efforts of activists who have tirelessly maintained momentum for the just redress of the African injustice. With whatever sincere tools at their disposal they have forged forward to overturn the cliché "Justice delayed is justice denied." One of these activists is Rev Buddy Larrier. His activism for an advance reparations payment of $20,000 has added to the waves for global justice for the African Humanity. Ironically, a TV interview with a State Minister from Malawi indicated that the natural resource financial potential of Malawi is estimated over 3 trillion dollars. Add this to the still exploited natural resource base of Africa - the coltan of Congo, gold of South Africa, diamonds of Zimbabwe, newly discovered oil in Ghana, etc and it is evident that the continent had the overwhelming financial capacity, if managed properly to stimulate its internal reparations without external assistance. Last but not the least with over centuries of abuse and inhumane oppression would the financial reparations serve as a stimulus enough to heal and repair the damage and trauma that has affected the African Humanity today and continues to play out as a liability in regards harnessing the collective African advantage for its own benefit? Tune in to dialogue with Dr Yehoeshahfaht, hear and share more. Our Guest tonight is: Rev Buddy Larrier – Minister, Activist and Local Councilor from Barbados Since this is a dialogue in the Pan-African world programme, we are keen to hear your views on any of the following: (REMEMBER YOU DO NOT HAVE TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW TO PARTICIPATE, WE WOULD APPRECIATE EMAIL COMMENTS IN ADVANCE OR EVEN AFTER THE SHOW). 1. What aspect of reparations is the most important for the African Humanity? 2. Does the African family have the financial savvy to constructively utilize financial reparations to repair its current condition? 3. What reason is there for the lack of global support for reparations of the African family? 4. Looking forward would countries like China and India become also candidates for the African reparations agenda? 5. What effective role have the African leadership, considering its vast economic resources played in assisting in financial self-repairs of the African family? 6. What role has foreign influence via education and religion played in creating corrupt and unpatriotic behaviors in African leadership? 7. What role can the NAPP (National African Peoples Parliament play in its activism here regarding the significance of financial reparations? WHILST BROADCASTING SHOW: Phone: + 44 (0)208 180 2523 or + (44) (0)7961573 883 Text phone: + (44) (0)7904 899 195 Skype:voiceofafricaradio Email:studio@voiceofafricaradio
Posted on: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 00:52:43 +0000
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