Royal Couple Arrives In Jamaica Amid Calls For Reparations

The Royal couple, Prince William and Duchess Kate Middleton arrived at the Norman Manley international airport at about 2:20 Tuesday afternoon. They were greeted by Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson-Smith. The couple has since visited king’s house and trench town as part of their tour. There are a number of other engagements for the royal couple’s three day stay in the country. But with the visit came renewed calls for an apology and reparations for the inhumane treatment of the island’s indigenous people. 

Scores of Jamaicans gathered at the British High Commission building protesting what they say is the monarchy’s refusal to right the wrongs of history. Prince William and Duchess Kate Middleton were greeted upon arrival by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith and with a ceremonial welcome by the Jamaica Defence Force‘s special brigade.

Opposition Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Lisa Hanna and Queen’s Counsel Tom Tavares-Finson were also present. However their visit pales in comparison to that of prince harry in 2012 that generated a great deal of anticipation, with crowds gathered to see the then prince. 

Instead, Jamaican advocates and activists have been dreading this visit, noting it only indicates the strengthening of colonial ties.  Despite those comments and even calls for an apology from the royal family, it was all smiles by the Jamaican officials who welcomed the couple. In fact, Hanna told CVM Live she still believes this was a highly anticipated arrival. The visit is part of the royal tour to celebrate the queen’s 70th coronation anniversary and Jamaica’s upcoming 60th year of independence.

There are a number of engagements for the royal couple which will include a courtesy call on Jamaica House.