Barbados halts slavery land purchase from a Tory MP

The Barbados government has halted plans to buy a £3m former plantation from a British Conservative MP whose family profited from slavery. Richard Drax, the MP for South Dorset, owns a 617-acre land in Barbados that was once operated as a sugar plantation by his ancestors in the 17th century, where thousands of enslaved African people were forced to work.

- NADINE WHITE

The government had planned to pay market value for his land to provide housing for Barbadians, while simultaneously pursuing the politician for reparations over his family’s instrumental role in slavery. However, following widespread backlash prime minister Mia Mottley has now announced that the acquisition will be paused in light of Barbadians’ anger with the move. A public consultation will take place.

“I understand the concerns of many Barbadians, who may feel that they have been robbed of the opportunity of having an appropriate settlement for the reparations that ought to be made as a result of the blood, sweat and tears of Barbadians over centuries,” Ms Mottley said yesterday.

“I want to make it clear that this is not a matter that we take lightly. Given the conversation, I believe that it is appropriate for us to pause the acquisition to allow for greater conversation to take place, and also for us to be able to see where we are, in terms of being able to get some kind of reasonable settlement with Mr Drax, recognising that in our conversations – without prejudice to anything else – he is aware that the government of Barbados feels strongly about this and will pursue these matters.”