Just three months after one of their members was present to see Barbados jettison the UK queen as their head of state (1), more of the Saxe-Coburg-Gotha tribe, this time monikered “Cambridge” have again made a beeline to the region this time the Bahamas, Belize and Jamaica – by all accounts a trip, described by some as “offensively tone deaf”, foisted on the independent island without consultation or agreement. (2)  Trips by other members of the clan are planned for later this month.  (3)

Not surprisingly, the UK media amplified the tone deafness ad nauseum, with one outlet referring to “Kate’s charm offensive.” (4)  On the ground widespread protests greeted the Cambridges wherever they went amid demands of “apologise” and “reparations” that statements of “profound sorrow” nor even drafting in the likes of footballer Raheem Sterling could deter. (5)

Amid all this, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared that the island was “moving on” intending to become a republic. (6)  There was also anger over those on the island that expressed support for the visit such as “ Rastafarian high priest” Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith, leader of the Bingi Strong band who said: “history is not enough reason for him to harden his heart towards a member of the human race.” (7)

(1) Afrika Speaks with Alkebu-Lan on Galaxy Radio (29/11/21) Barbados Republic: How will it affect the region? https://alkebulan.org/2021/11/21/aswag-358-barbados-republic/

(2) Nadine White (23/03/33) William and Kate’s royal visit to the Caribbean is offensively tone deaf. https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/william-kate-royal-tour-caribbean-colonialism-b2042293.html?utm_content=Echobox&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR1lVjTaS51P0a5o7Y_aXO-OH25ddLtwjuG7YySSycFspU_L1x_Usp4XmHI#Echobox=1648056486

(3) Kenneth Mohammed (29/03/22) Sorrow and regret are not enough. Britain must finally pay reparations for slavery. https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2022/mar/29/sorrow-and-regret-are-not-enough-britain-must-finally-pay-reparations-for-slavery

(4) Mark Duell, Katie Weston and Jamie Phillips (24/03/22) Kate’s charm offensive: Duchess woos Jamaica by wearing yellow of country’s flag as she and William continue their Caribbean tour in the face of protestors demanding couple apologise for benefiting from ‘blood, sweat and tears’ of slave trade.  https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10640293/Prince-William-Kate-face-anti-royal-protests-Jamaica.html

(5) Gozde Bayar (23/03/22) British royals’ Jamaica visit stirs demands for apology, slavery reparations. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/british-royals-jamaica-visit-stirs-demands-for-apology-slavery-reparations/2543053; Lauren Said-Moorhouse and Max Foster (24/03/22) Prince William expresses ‘profound sorrow’ over slavery in Jamaica speech. https://edition.cnn.com/2022/03/23/americas/william-kate-caribbean-royal-tour-intl/index.html; White. Op. cit

(6) Chris Ship (22/03/22) Jamaica serves notice that it will become a republic in front of William and Kate. https://www.itv.com/news/2022-03-23/jamaica-serves-notice-it-will-become-a-republic-in-front-of-william-and-kate

(7) Shanel Lemmie (23/03/22) ‘Love and love alone’ – Rastafarian high priest explains embrace of royal couple. http://jamaica-star.com/article/news/20220323/%E2%80%98love-and-love-alone%E2%80%99-rastafarian-high-priest-explains-embrace-royal-couple

we ask the question:

What do the royal protests really mean?

1) Was the trip “tone deaf” or did it serve another purpose given that more trips are planned? 

2) What does “moving on” really mean?

3) Is there a changing consciousness in the Caribbean?

4) What is the path towards reparations demanded by the protestors?

5) Would the response have been different if it was Megan & Harry?

6) Are those protesting against the Cambridges “hard hearted”?

Our Special Guest:

Bro. Ldr. Mbandaka: Resident guest who is Spiritual Leader of the Alkebu-Lan Revivalist Movement and an Afrikan-Centred Education Consultant.  Bro. Ldr is a veteran activist of almost 40 years standing, a featured columnist in The Whirlwind newspaper and author of Mosiah Daily Affirmations and Education: An African-Centred Approach To Excellence.