Today marks another humiliating defeat for the United Kingdom today as the UN General Assembly voted in favor of a resolution demanding that the UK relinquish control of the Chagos islands. The results was an embarrassment and crushing defeat as 116 members voted in favor of the resolution, 56 abstained and 6 members voted against the resolution including the United States of America, Australia, Hungary, Maldives and Israel. What was surprising from the vote is the fact that several European countries voted in favor of the resolution.
This is one of the topics I closely follow, as an islander within a completely different geographic region with similar history I at times understand the acute nature of these cases. The advisory ruling was already a disappointing blow for the United Kingdom which stated they should do precisely what the resolution drafted. For those who aren't aware colonialism remains a hot topic in the Caribbean, in fact, several of the islands are still colonies. The Caribbean past is particularly troubling and one of Europe low moments. From the Spanish, English, Dutch, French, etc they all had the glory days of domination within the region. It is beyond the scope of today's discussion but highlights part of history the Europeans should keep in the past. Nonetheless, it was relieving to see some European countries voting in favor of the resolution. I was particularly impress with several Caribbean countries that continue to demonstrate strength given their vote today. As most of you know, some of the islands foreign policy closely follow their former colonial rulers or the United States of America.
The Chagos islands case in particular is a troubling one, it is probably a lapse of the UK policy approach and general decline of their empire. To summarize the events highlighting the case, the UK round up everyone on the islands put them on a boat and ship them off and gave the islands to the United States of America to build a military base. The base was part of the UK and USA plan of maintaining peace and security of both countries strategic assets in the region. What is troubling for me is the parliamentarian and officials within the British government haven't shown any remorse, even the United States of America government haven't thought it prudent to mend this broken part of history and bring those citizens within the United Kingdom or the United States of America giving those people special rights if they deem those islands as key assets. Rather, they for 50 years use the levers of power to silence the voice of the islanders. It is definitely going to be a challenge for the people of Chagos islands and Mauritius going forward as they try to rebuild what is left of the indigenous population. As for the UK and USA, its a big blow in particular for the USA as one of its biggest military base in the region is located on the island. The British empire continues its decline as politicians make bad moves, it isn't that power don't want to be part of UK but the approach of their politicians. As for the Caribbean, look at how they treated the Windrush generation, people got their dignity and pride, it isn't a case of I have the money and I get to set to dictate the pace. First off, these politicians need to realize the past is WRONG, and secondly and most importantly, its time to come at the table of brotherhood/ sisterhood if we want them to be part of the kingdom. It would be painful for UK losing more of its territories but its time that their politicians realize its their approach that is pushing people away.
As for the Caribbean, the Dutch, French and English still enjoys some colonialism but its something that can change anytime. There are some islanders complaining within some of the Dutch territories with several groups lobbying the Caricom community to stand on their behalf as they deem the action of the Dutch authorities disrespectful particularly in Bonaire and St Eustatius. Others within the French territory have jump ahead an become signatures of regional bodies such of Organization of Eastern Caribbean States. It would definitely be a big blow for some of these European countries if they lose some of these territories as some of shown to have a lot more potential than just traditional plantation. For the British in particular, some of these territories resource wealth could have transform its economy and some of these former territories could 'probably' do with some technical expertise of their former colonial power.
For me personally, I hope that someday we can all just get along, probably a formal apology and some mutual respect. Some people like to talk about reparation but fail to realize all these countries are 'DEAD' broke. Where would France get the money to repay Haiti, where would UK get the money? All these countries financially are all broke, they all passing austerity measures to curb government spending. As for the Chagos people, it would probably be a good gesture that they at least help rebuild homes and get people back to some mobility, but if history is our judge, I say they more than likely end up with nothing.
The power structure of this world is changing, countries like the UK and USA that traditionally enjoyed levers of power are finding themselves humiliated at the UN, places where they once enjoyed leverage. Probably its a good thing, but we see what exactly replace it. I have a feeling the power brokers of the future would be the country that can provide mutual beneficial agreements/ models, it definitely won't be an empire first or country first model, people are going to go where there are opportunities and mutual beneficial relationships.
One love to the people of Chagos islands