Speaking at a press conference held at government headquarters on Monday, (27th February, 2012), Lorne said, “The aspect of slavery and all its problems reached a (particular) level and we are saying in a just world, where everybody is talking about justice, equality and so on, isn’t it time now that the Africans and descendants of Africans get our justice, and we are saying that justice can begin with reparation.”
He continued, “Reparation can come in many forms like in returning to Africa and the Africans, all there stolen treasures which have been placed in various museums all over the world.”
He further argued, “The playing field is not level because of the atrocities of slavery and we must now seek how we can make the playing field level and this is why as a people we got to face slavery. Naturally any form of reparation will not bring back our ancestors alive many who were thrown overboard and were murdered.”
Secretary General at the National Commission for UNESCO Antonio Maynard, in his presentation stated, “We are very pleased to have here this morning Michael Lorne. He is considered an expert on the topic of reparation in the Caribbean. This activity falls within the broader framework of the UNESCO Slave Route Program that is been implemented right now in St. Kitts and Nevis. We are proud to have Mr. Lorne here and we intend to have a very fruitful and thought provoking discussion. We thought it was time to examine this very important issue of reparation. Reparation is not a pie in the sky, it is real and it is definitely a possibility. “
Lloyd Lazar Chairman of the UNESCO Slave Route subcommittee also addressed the press conference and indicated that his team is concerned in moving forward, and that one of their underlining themes is, ‘reconciling the past into the future with confidence.’ “We thought it would be essential and necessary to continue to demonstrate and educate our Caribbean people, in particular our young people, who contribute to our nation building and to build also a culture of peace within our nation, and the Caribbean.
Lorne also said that he is deeply honoured that the UNESCO movement here has invited him to St. Kitts and Nevis to make a presentation on this important topic.