Antigua PM Demands Reparations and Republican Status Amid King Charles Visit Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne calls for UK reparations for slavery and a shift to a republic, criticizing Kemi Badenoch's stance on apologies during the King's tour. Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has publicly declared his personal desire to see King Charles removed as the country's monarch. This statement came following a meeting with the sovereign and Queen Camilla, who recently joined her husband on his Caribbean tour. Browne insisted that the United Kingdom should pay reparations for the historical injustices of slavery, marking a significant point of contention during the royal visit. Republican Ambitions and Constitutional HurdlesBrowne spoke to ITV News after attending a Sunday morning church service with the royal couple at St John's Pentecostal House of Restoration. He expressed deep respect for the British Monarch but maintained his firm belief that Antigua and Barbuda should become a republic. He stated that if asked for his personal view, he would support replacing King Charles as the head of state, reflecting his identity as a Republican.However, the Prime Minister acknowledged the legal complexities involved in such a move. The current constitution requires a supermajority vote, specifically more than two-thirds of Antiguans, to approve the change. Until a referendum is held and the people make their decision, Browne affirmed his duty to serve the King. He noted that the monarch will continue to receive all courtesies and respect afforded to him by the state.Conflict With UK Conservative LeaderTensions were further highlighted by Browne's reaction to comments made by UK Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch. She had suggested that Britain should stop apologizing for the slave trade and accused Caribbean nations of using the Commonwealth summit to extract welfare from the UK. Browne criticized her views as misguided and stated that it was unfortunate she was only the opposition leader rather than the Prime Minister.He emphasized that the sentiments expressed by Badenoch are not shared by the government of Antigua and Barbuda. When asked if she should reconsider her position, Browne remarked that it was up to her, but he made it clear that her stance was fundamentally at odds with the Caribbean perspective. This clash underscores the growing ideological divide between the UK opposition and Caribbean leaders regarding historical accountability.The Case For Financial CompensationBrowne also addressed the broader political landscape in the United Kingdom, referencing recent statements by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Burnham had indicated a willingness to discuss an official apology, a first for a British Prime Minister, but firmly rejected the idea of the British public paying compensation for historical wrongs. Browne understood the political difficulty in agreeing to any form of reparations but argued that this does not negate the moral necessity for them.The Prime Minister insisted that Caribbean nations are not making demands that the UK cannot afford. He suggested that the compensation money should be sourced from Britain's budget for overseas development. He framed the issue not as a financial burden but as a matter of justice and global responsibility. His argument centers on the idea that the UK has the capacity to provide restitution without causing economic harm.Warnings On Global ConsequencesBrowne issued a stark warning about the potential global consequences if Britain fails to pay for its role in the transatlantic slave trade. He argued that without compensation, there is a risk of seeing a repeat of such atrocities in the future. He pointed to current global events, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as evidence of increasing brutality in international relations.He explained that countries are becoming far more aggressive in their actions. Browne suggested that if there is no form of deterrent, such as liability for future generations, the present generation must understand that inaction could have severe repercussions. He believes that compensation and acknowledgment are essential to preventing similar humanitarian crises on a global scale.Royal Tour And Public AppearanceDespite the political friction, the royal visit proceeded with traditional pomp and ceremony. Queen Camilla, who arrived from the UK on Thursday, reunited with King Charles, who had come from Guyana. She attended the church service wearing a turquoise chiffon dress by Anna Valentine and diamond earrings from her private collection. The couple was greeted by a steel pan band and flags representing the fifty-six Commonwealth nations.The King and Queen enjoyed a private day at a luxury beach resort before the public engagements. Buckingham Palace had clarified before the trip that the tour would follow existing government advice, meaning there would be no official apology or reparations offered. The King is in Antigua primarily for his role as Head of the Commonwealth during the biannual CHOGM gathering, even as the political dialogue surrounding his reign continues to evolve.