Prince William and Kate Middleton are 'not welcome' in Jamaica as slavery reparation protests continue

Prince William and Kate Middleton are 'not welcome' in Jamaica, say activists, as slavery reparation protests continue, along with questions surrounding the royal family's role in colonialism.

• In celebration of the Queen's 70-year reign on the throne, Prince William and Kate Middleton are currently touring the Caribbean.
• The royal couple is currently in Jamaica, but they may receive a frosty reception from some Jamaicans who do not welcome their visit.
• In other royal news, Kate Middleton’s shimmering hot pink Vampire’s Wife dress on Belize tour divides royal fans.

Jamaicans have spoken out against the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's visit to the country, conceding that the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations are not welcome. 

Arguments and protests that have erupted in the country are about slavery reparations that have not been paid to Jamaica, and the historic role played by the Royal Family when it comes to colonialism. 

On the day of their arrival, March 22, a demonstration in Kingston was organized by activists and equality organizations who will give 60 reasons Jamaica deserves an apology and compensation from the crown. The 60 reasons will also reflect Jamaica's 60th anniversary of independence.

An open letter to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge was published in the Independent by Professor Rosalea Hamilton, the founder, and CEO of Jamaica’s Institute of Law & Economics at the University of Technology, Jamaica. 

In the letter, the professor explained why she and 100 other influential signatories felt that reparations needed to be paid from the crown.

"We note with great concern your visit to our country Jamaica," began the Professor who explained that the royal couple's visit to the country is not an event to celebrate for many Jamaicans.

"We see no reason to celebrate 70 years of the ascension of your grandmother to the British throne because we believe her leadership, and that of her predecessors, have perpetuated the greatest human rights tragedy in the history of humankind."

She added that the Queen has also made no attempts to apologize for these atrocities, "During her 70 years on the throne, your grandmother has done nothing to redress and atone for the suffering of our ancestors during the entire period of British trafficking of Africans, enslavement, indentureship, and colonialization."

This argument has been supported by other Jamaican activists and campaigners who have reiterated their lack of support for Prince William and Kate's visit.

Kay Osborne, a local human rights activist told the Guardian, “We do not welcome Kate and William. We do not want them here. We reject the photo ops that will be staged here for the UK’s consumption.”

The campaigner added that she will be joining the protest on Tuesday and is taking part to aid the demand that Jamaica becomes a republic and, “loosens and removes the Queen’s gloved hands from around our necks so we can breathe”. 

Nora Blake, co-organizer of the protest also, told the Independent, "It is important as we turn 60 years old as an independent nation that we stand as ‘adults’ on solid ethical, moral and human justice grounds to say to Britain, who was once our ‘parent’, that you have done wrong in enriching yourselves off of chattel slavery and colonialism."

"Morally this requires an apology, and it is only just that reparations be made. Many precedents have been set for this."

"Today we are setting the conversation of our future generations, for them to have something to build a brighter future."

As the royals continue their tour of the Caribbean on behalf of Her Majesty, it remains to be seen if there will be an apology relayed by Prince William, or if the Royal Family members will encounter any of the protests that are taking place to mark their arrival in Kingston.