William said: “I completely agree with my father, the Prince of Wales, who said in Barbados last year that the terrible brutality of slavery would forever stain our history.
“I want to express my deep sadness. Slavery is disgusting, and it should never have happened,” he continued.
“While the pain runs deep, Jamaica continues to forge its future with determination, courage and fortitude. The strength and common sense of purpose of the Jamaican people, embodied in this card. your flag and motto, honor an invincible spirit.”
The duke’s statement came a day after a small group of anti-monarchy protesters gathered in the Jamaican capital, Kingston, to demand an apology from Britain.
Some chanted “Sorry now, please compensate now” while others carried posters and banners that read “Sorry” and “Let’s get started now. Get out of trouble. rule of the Queen.”
A royal engagement on Saturday in Belize was also called off amid reported protests from local residents.
Britain’s relationship with Jamaica spans centuries. The island was captured by the British in 1655 and remained under its rule until independence in 1962 but remains an area of the Commonwealth with the Queen as head of state. The majority of Jamaicans are of African ancestry and are descendants of slaves trafficked by European colonists.
Jamaica will mark 60 years of independence from Britain in August this year but there are some in the country hoping to seize the moment to transition to a republic.
On Wednesday, William and Kate met Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness before visiting a school, hospital and a project helping young people at risk, before a dinner hosted by the Governor-General.
In what appeared to be a tense meeting, Holness told the Jamaican couple that they were “moving on” and would achieve their “true ambitions” of being “independent”.
“Jamaica is like you will see a country that is very proud of its history, very proud of what we have achieved and we are moving forward, and we intend to achieve it in a short and real time. show its true ambition to be an independent, developed and prosperous country,” said Holness.
“There are problems here that, as you know, are unresolved. But your presence provides an opportunity for those problems to be put in context, front and center, and to be addressed as best as possible. possible,” added the prime minister.
Republican debate on the rise
At Tuesday’s rally, human rights activist Kay Osborne told Reuters: “It is an insult to use these young people (the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) here to try to convince The goal is to loosen and remove the Queen’s hand, the gloved hand from our necks so we can breathe.”
Meanwhile, former Jamaican senator Imani Duncan-Price told the news agency she was joining the protest “because we started our independence economically weak after being plundered by the monarchy.” ; people today live on the benefit of that wealth.”
“Sixty years of independence we have not forgotten and we demand an apology and compensation,” an unnamed woman told protesters over a megaphone, according to video from Reuters.
On Sunday, two days before the Cambridges arrived in Jamaica, a coalition of 100 prominent Jamaican individuals and organizations signed an open letter to the couple, calling on them to take responsibility and “start a the process of punishing justice.”
“We see no reason to celebrate the 70th anniversary of your grandmother’s accession to the British throne because her leadership and that of her predecessors caused the greatest human rights tragedy in human history.” , part of the letter written.
“Her ascension to the throne, in February 1952, came 14 years after the 1938 labor uprising against living/working conditions and inhuman treatment of workers; her painful legacy plantation slavery, which persists to this day,” it continued.
“During her 70 years on the throne, your grandmother has done nothing to remedy and atone for the sufferings of our ancestors that took place during her reign and/or during the British era. African trafficking, enslavement, immigration and colonization.”
Uninteracted with Belize
“From the darkest days of our past and the terrible atrocities of slavery, which forever dye our history, the people of this island have forged their way with extraordinary resilience. Liberation, self-governance and Independence are your way. Freedom, justice and self-determination are your guides,” he said.
Demonstrations of royal tours are not uncommon, and this one was no exception.
Things seemed to be starting to get rough when organizers had to cut an engagement session in Belize on Saturday, the first day of William and Kate’s tour.
Ahead of the trip, Kensington Palace said in a statement that the Duke and Duchess were “very much looking forward to” their tour of the Caribbean and the “opportunity to thank communities across Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas” for the support they have given her. Your Majesty during her seventy years of reign.”
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