By Mia Anthony
Yesterday’s momentous apology by the descendants of slave owner John Gladstone was not unanimously accepted by those in attendance.
After Charles Gladstone had read his apology (see other story on page three) , a woman’s voice rang out sonorously “We do not accept your apology.”
Placards were then raised by a group calling for reparations among other things.
While the Gladstone family’s apology sought to pave the way for healing and reconciliation, the protestors reminded all present that the wounds inflicted by past injustices run deep and cannot be assuaged by a mere declaration.
The contrasting sentiments that unfolded during the event underscored the challenging road that lies ahead in addressing historical wrongs and fostering genuine understanding.
The protesters were not from any particular group. Among them, Cedric Castelleo emerged as a prominent voice, embodying a sentiment that echoed through the gathering. Castelleo articulated a perspective that deemed the actions of the Gladstones hypocritical. In his view, the chasm between the disadvantages faced by descendants of slaves and the advantages once enjoyed by slave owners remained painfully evident, rendering any apology hollow without substantial actions to rectify the historic disparities.
Also present at the event yesterday was BBC reporter Laura Trevelyan whose family had made a similar apology in relation to slave-owning in Grenada.
