Jamaica files slavery reparations petition with King Charles III

September 7, 2026 at 06:24 PM1 min

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A Jamaican delegation in London filed a petition addressed to King Charles III seeking legal guidance on slavery reparations. The government estimates the UK owes Jamaica about $10bn. The move comes as Jamaica moves to replace the British monarch as head of state.

Key Facts

The Jamaican government estimates the UK owes about $10bn in slavery reparations.
The petition is the first time a British Commonwealth state has used this legal route for reparatory justice.
In December 2024, Jamaica tabled a constitutional amendment bill to replace the British king as head of state.
UK exports to Jamaica reached about $222m in 2025, while UK imports from Jamaica were about $76m.

The Petition

A Jamaican delegation to the United Kingdom said it will file a petition addressed to King Charles III to seek legal guidance on the question of slavery reparations. This is the first time a British Commonwealth state will use this legal route for the cause of reparatory justice, the delegation said. The visit to London kicked off on Monday.

Historical Context

Jamaica became an English colony in 1655, and hundreds of thousands of enslaved African people toiled under more than 300 years of British rule. After independence in August 1962, Jamaica established diplomatic ties with the UK and became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. In March 2022, 100 Jamaican leaders rejected a visit by the duke and duchess of Cambridge, calling on the UK to apologise and pay reparations.

Republican Shift

Jamaica has continued to recognise the British monarch as its head of state since independence in 1962. In December 2024, the Jamaican government tabled a constitutional amendment bill in parliament to replace the British king as head of state. The UK has repeatedly refused to pay for historical slavery.