APOLOGY YES, REPARATIONS YES - GABBERTS

Verse 1 Dey chain we hand, dey brand we skin, Dey call we cargo, count we kin. From Africa shore to Caribbean cane, Dey build up empire wid we pain. Plantation bell and auction cry, Church bell ringing while children die. Bookkeeper writing profit clean, But blood was dripping in between. Chorus Apology yes! Reparations yes! No more polite regret and diplomatic press. Apology yes! Reparations yes! Truth without repair is another distress. Say sorry with substance, Say sorry with land, Say sorry with justice And cheque in yuh hand! Apology yes! Reparations yes! Caribbean rising — we come to collect! Verse 2 Dey say, “That was long ago, Why allyuh still talking so?” But bank still standing, church still rich, University name still stitch With cotton, sugar, rum and gold, With stories never fully told. Private sector, holy men, Facilitators now and then — Don’t hide behind cathedral stone, The ledger calling every loan. Chorus Apology yes! Reparations yes! No more polite regret and diplomatic press. Apology yes! Reparations yes! Truth without repair is another distress. Say sorry with substance, Say sorry with land, Say sorry with justice And cheque in yuh hand! Apology yes! Reparations yes! Caribbean rising — we come to collect! Verse 3 Sir Hilary ring de bell loud-loud, History walking through de crowd. CARICOM bring ten points clear, Not begging bowl — a justice spear. Health, education, debt relief, Cultural repair for ancient grief. Technology, development plan, Lift up the child of stolen man. Bridge Netherlands say sorry — first step through de door, But sorry alone can’t settle de score. England church kneel, Scotland church bow, Universities asking, “How we repair now?” But Britain still ducking, France still slow, King Charles came close — but no cigar, you know! We want no whisper, no royal finesse, Say it official — and pay up de debt! Final Chorus Apology yes! Reparations yes! No more polite regret and diplomatic press. Apology yes! Reparations yes! Truth without repair is another distress. From Bridgetown to Kingston, Belmopan to Port of Spain, Georgetown, Castries, Roseau calling Justice in we name! Apology yes! Reparations yes! Caribbean rising — we come to collect!