"The Commission was established in 2013 following the presentation of a regional research report which revealed that Black populations exhibit conditions linked to the legacy of slavery. For instance, chronic and cardiovascular diseases are more prevalent among individuals whose ancestors experienced slavery. The research concluded that slavery is a contributing factor to the increased exposure to these diseases. Consequently, CARICOM members decided to formalize a request for reparations. Thus, at the CARICOM Heads of State and Government Conference in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in 2013, it was decided to create this commission to finalize the work and gather information from each country to negotiate reparations with the former colonial powers," explained Peterson Benjamin Noël regarding the origins of the reparations commission.

According to Peterson Benjamin Noël, the work of this commission is expected to result in a collective report, and this process does not preclude individual countries from pursuing their own reparations efforts. When asked about the progress of cases already addressed, the former Haitian ambassador to CARICOM noted that diplomatic results have been very slow. "To achieve results, member states must contribute to advancing the file," he emphasized.