A landmark high-level public discussion focused on reparatory justice is scheduled to take place in Jamaica in 2026, co-hosted by The University of the West Indies (The UWI) and the Office of the Prime Minister of Jamaica. The event, which will feature Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama as a key guest, is a core part of the Ghanaian leader’s official state visit to the Caribbean nation.
Named the Special High-Level Reparation Dialogue, the event will kick off at 4:30 PM local Jamaica time (5:30 PM Eastern Caribbean/AST) on August 3, 2026. It will be held in person at the Eon Nigel Harris Council Room, located at The UWI’s Regional Headquarters, according to an official press statement released by the university. To ensure global accessibility, the entire dialogue will be broadcast live via UWItv, enabling audiences across the Caribbean region and the wider world to follow the conversation in real time.
President Mahama will participate in a headlining conversation with Sir Hilary Beckles, a leading voice in the global reparations movement, during the dialogue. The discussion comes as the global call for reparatory justice for historical harms connected to the transatlantic slave trade continues to grow in visibility and influence on the international stage. The UWI emphasized that the event aligns with the institution’s long-standing commitment to facilitating critical, inclusive dialogue on historically significant issues and their modern public policy implications.
The conversation between Mahama and Beckles will center on connecting centuries-old historical realities to contemporary policy challenges. Key topics on the agenda include the changing trajectory of the global reparations movement, the core responsibilities of national governments in addressing historical injustice, and the role that academic and regional institutions can play in advancing global equity and restorative justice.
The event’s program follows a structured format: opening remarks will be delivered by Sonjah Stanley Niaah, after which both President Mahama and Sir Hilary Beckles will deliver individual opening addresses. The two guests will then take part in a moderated conversation, followed by a question-and-answer session open to in-person attendees. A representative from Jamaica’s Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport will deliver closing remarks to conclude the session.
Organizers have opened the live broadcast to all interested members of the public and media professionals. Viewers can access the stream through multiple platforms: UWItv’s official website, the network’s public Facebook page, and dedicated Flow television channels.