ABRSC HONOURS AMBASSADOR Dorbrene O’MARDE FOR DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP IN REPARATORY JUSTICE

The Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission (ABRSC) has paid a special and heartfelt tribute to its Chairperson, His Excellency Ambassador Dorbrene O’Marde, honouring him for his outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment and distinguished service to the cause of reparatory justice.

Ambassador O’Marde was surprised with an Honour Award during the Commission’s Africa-CARICOM Gala Dinner held on Friday, October 3, in recognition of his decades of advocacy, leadership and service to Antigua and Barbuda, the Caribbean and the wider reparations movement.

Members of the Commission were unanimous in their decision to honour their esteemed Chairperson, whose visionary and steadfast leadership has helped to advance the cause of reparatory justice both locally and across the wider Caribbean.

For the members of the ABRSC, the presentation was more than an award. It was an opportunity to say thank you to a man who has given so much of himself to the pursuit of truth, justice, dignity and redress for people of African descent.

The inscription on the award reads:

“In recognition of your visionary leadership, unwavering commitment and distinguished service to the cause of reparatory justice.

Your steadfast pursuit of truth, justice, dignity and redress has strengthened the reparations movement and created an enduring legacy for generations to come.
Ubuntu — ‘I am because we are.’

Ambassador O’Marde’s contribution to the reparations movement extends far beyond Antigua and Barbuda. As a respected Caribbean intellectual, cultural advocate, writer and regional voice, he has remained resolute in advancing conversations surrounding historical accountability, African identity, cultural restoration and reparatory justice.

His leadership of the ABRSC has similarly been marked by a commitment to ensuring that the reparations movement reaches beyond institutions and academic discussions and becomes a cause understood and embraced by ordinary citizens, particularly younger generations.

The Commission expressed its profound appreciation for the privilege of working alongside Ambassador O’Marde in what it described as a continuing struggle for justice for the historical crimes committed against African ancestors and their descendants.

As an additional gesture of appreciation, Ambassador O’Marde was presented with a limited-edition 90th Anniversary English Harbour Rum, commemorating another important piece of Antigua and Barbuda’s heritage.

The evening’s presentation reflected one of the central messages that has guided the Commission’s work: Ubuntu — “I am because we are.” It was a fitting sentiment for a leader whose work has consistently emphasized collective responsibility, shared history and the obligation to ensure that the sacrifices of previous generations are honoured through continued action.

The Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission said it remains immensely proud of Ambassador O’Marde and grateful for his continued leadership, wisdom and service.

His legacy is not only reflected in the work already accomplished, but in the generations he continues to inspire to carry forward the pursuit of justice, dignity and reparations.