Jamaica is a failed state. It's lawlessness and backward condition is a reflection of the people. A demand for reparations is merely an excuse to avoid dealing with the collective failure of Jamaicans. Other societies which have far worse environmental conditions and a more dire financial state have managed to avoid engaging in the tribal violence and corruption that plagues Jamaica. The reality is that Jamaica was not the property of the African slaves, nor did they have any legal claim to the island. The claim of lost assets, isn't theirs to make since the sugar cane, rum, spices were not theirs. They were labour. If a claim is to be made it would be for unpaid wages. Since the abolition of Slavery Act was passed in 1807, Great Britain has given Jamaica hundreds of millions of pounds in direct aid. It has provided preferred trade arrangements and other benefits such as educational access and healthcare support. No mention of this aid has been made by Jamaica. Nor does Jamaica acknowledge how the slaves came to Jamaica, that they were sold into slavery primarily by Africans. If the UK is pursued, then the Jamaicans must also go after the Africans who sold the slaves. Yes, slavery is wrong and tremendous damage was done, but the UK has already compensated Jamaica for the wrongdoing.
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