The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s Caribbean tour is facing new protests today as Jamaican activists accuse the Queen and her predecessors of perpetuating slavery.
A coalition of Jamaican politicians, business leaders, doctors and musicians has called on the British monarchy to pay compensation for slavery as the country celebrates its 60th anniversary in an open letter.
The group is expected to protest in front of the British High Commission in Kingston today when William and Kate are due to arrive in the country for a two-day visit as part of their Caribbean tour.
The letter, quoted by The Independent, said: “We note with great concern your visit to our country, Jamaica, at a time when we are still experiencing a global pandemic and preparing for the full impact of another global crisis related to the Russo-Ukrainian War.
“Many Jamaicans are unaware of your visit as they struggle to cope with the dire consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, exacerbated by pre-existing social and economic hardships inherited from our colonial past.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at a reception hosted yesterday by the Governor General of Belize at Cahal Pech.
A group of Jamaican leaders are expected to protest outside the British High Commission in Kingston (file image)
“We also note that your visit is part of the celebration of the 70th (platinum) anniversary of your grandmother’s coronation and the 60th anniversary of Jamaican independence.
“We see no reason to celebrate the 70th anniversary of your grandmother’s ascension to the British throne, because we believe that her leadership and the leadership of her predecessors perpetuated the greatest tragedy of human rights in the history of mankind.”
Also today, dancehall musician Beanie Man (real name Anthony Moses Davis) said Jamaicans don’t want Prince William to visit because they are still “controlled by the British” and the royals “are not doing anything for us.”
A Jamaican artist told ITV Good Morning Britain: “We’re just here, under British control, under British law, when you go to court it’s all about the Queen and the Queen serves and the Queen this and that.
“But what are they doing for Jamaica?” They don’t do anything for us. If Harry came, people would react differently, people are going to meet Harry, but William… we don’t want to see that.”
Kate and William will be arriving in Jamaica today for the next stop on their eight-day Caribbean tour and will receive an official welcome in the country.
William and Kate yesterday at the Mayan ruins in Cajal Pesh in Belize, visiting the Governor General of Belize, Fraila Tsalam.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge dressed up to impress at a reception hosted yesterday by the Governor General of Belize.
The Duchess of Cambridge speaks to guests at a special reception at the Mayan ruins in Cajal Pech.
They will then travel to the Royal House for a meeting with the Governor General of Jamaica, Sir Patrick Linton Allen, before celebrating Jamaica’s sporting and musical heritage.
The Cambridges will remain in Jamaica until Thursday, after which they will head to the Bahamas. Opposition in Jamaica arose after the couple’s tour began under controversial circumstances in Belize.
Kate and William were forced to call off their first major engagement due to protests from the villagers, who were outraged at being told they needed to clean up their soccer field to allow the couple’s helicopter to land on it so they could visit a nearby cocoa field. farm. They accused the visit of perpetuating colonialism.
The engagement was replaced by a visit to a chocolate manufacturer before the royals traveled to the cultural center of the Garifuna community in Hopkins.
The demonstrators are embroiled in a protracted dispute with government officials over what they say was communal land taken from them during the British colonial era, which has now been bought by an environmental charity whose patron is William.
The Duchess of Cambridge drinks vine water yesterday at the British Army Training Support Unit (BATSUB) in Belize.
The Duchess of Cambridge was pictured yesterday as she studied rainforest survival techniques with the Duke in Belize.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the British Army Training Support Unit (BATSUB) in Belize yesterday.
The Duke and Duchess visited the British Army Training Support Unit (BATSUB) in Belize yesterday.
Troops in Belize yesterday taught a couple how to survive, live and fight in the jungle.
Yesterday, William said the “vigilance” needed to defend democracy is being tested in Ukraine as he reaffirmed his pledge to “be in solidarity with them.”
The Duke’s words of encouragement came as his tour of Belize with the Duchess came to an end, and he quoted the Queen’s 1994 address to the country’s Parliament, which emphasized the need for people to work together to defend freedoms.
And in a lighter moment, the Duke revealed that his son Prince George has been keeping up with his parents’ international travel by sticking pins into a map.
Speaking in the shadow of Mayan ruins at Cajal Pech, near San Ignacio, at a reception hosted by Governor General Froya Tsalam, William quoted the Queen’s 1994 speech.
He told guests: “She said, ‘I am proud to join you in your determination to ensure that social justice and individual freedom flourish under the rule of law.’
Kate yesterday in Hopkins, a coastal village considered the cultural center of the Garifuna community in Belize.
The Duke of Cambridge dances during the traditional Garifuna Festival in Belize yesterday while touring the country.
William quickly got his wife involved in dancing in Belize as passers-by gathered to take pictures of the royal couple.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge showed off their incredible dance moves yesterday, much to the delight of the crowd in Belize.
Prince William was seen in hysterics as he tried to show his moves while dancing during yesterday’s Garifuna festival.
“However, it is always dangerous to be complacent and assume that democratic values will take care of themselves. Vigilance is needed to protect them.”
In his early morning speech, he added: “Her Majesty continued: ‘Above all, democracy is protected by working together – by the individual will of all citizens, each of whom unites to achieve one goal.’
“Unfortunately, in other countries of the world, this vigilance is now being tested in Ukraine. Belize joined many others in condemning the invasion and upholding the principles of international law, peace and security.
“Today we think of those who are fighting in Ukraine and stand in solidarity with them.”
William, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have spoken out in recent weeks in support of Ukraine as the country battles Russian forces after President Vladimir Putin’s forces invaded the country nearly four weeks ago.
Indian Creek villagers staged a protest against Prince William and Kate’s visit to Belize last Friday.
The charm offensive in Belize began last Friday when the villagers of Indian Creek (pictured) staged a protest.
The Duke also conveyed “warmest wishes from my grandmother, the Queen of Belize” on the occasion of her platinum jubilee.”
Speaking of his son George at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee reception, the Duke said: “We let them know where we are and he finds us on a map, puts a pin and shares with others.”
The Duchess wowed guests with a stunning Vampire’s Wife bright pink metallic dress and a Maya embroidered bag.
The couple met with community leaders, prominent Belizeans and government officials in the presence of Prime Minister Johnny Brienko.
In his speech, William also highlighted Belize’s fight against Covid, telling guests, “The last two years of the Covid-19 pandemic have been extremely difficult, but hearing from so many people that things are going well is reassuring.”