UK commits £40 million (about $53.6 million) to Caribbean infrastructure

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a commitment of £40 million (about $53.6 million) for critical infrastructure in the Caribbean over three years, France 24 with Reuters said. The announcement commits funding rather than describing completed infrastructure.

Downing Street said the allocation would come from existing budgets and was intended to speed up infrastructure investment, including green energy, LBC said. The reports do not name the countries or projects that will receive the funding or describe how it will be allocated.

Debt and slavery on the summit agenda

The commitment came as Commonwealth leaders met in Antigua and Barbuda amid discussion of whether Britain should apologize or pay reparations for its role in the transatlantic slave trade. Neither Britain nor King Charles had given an apology.

Burnham said he was open to an apology, and British officials were discussing its possible form with national leaders at the summit. He ruled out direct financial reparations, LBC said.

King Charles called for modern partnerships to address past wrongs, pointing to education, jobs, trade and resilience to climate change as ways to help people facing hardship.

Burnham also said he wanted to discuss debt resets for smaller Commonwealth nations. He wants to consider longer repayment periods and better interest rates for poorer countries.