Jamaicans Reject Prince William And Kate's Visit And Slam British Colonialism

Jamaicans have slammed Prince William and Duchess Catherine ahead of their visit to the the country and are demanding a formal apology and slave reparations for the British colonised nation.

The couple took a short trip to Belize and will spend two days in Jamaica to coincide with the 60th anniversary of Jamaica's independence.

Here, they will meet with government officials and tour the neighbourhood of Trenchtown, where iconic musician Bob Marley grew up, according to ABC News.

However, many professors and politicians are less than pleased by their visit, stating there is no reason to 'celebrate' the British monarchy as they have inflicted pain and suffering on the nation.

In an open letter signed by 100 Jamaican leaders, it reads: "We see no reason to celebrate 70 years of the ascension of your grandmother to the British throne because her leadership, and that of her predecessors, have perpetuated the greatest human rights tragedy in the history of humankind.

"You, who may one day lead the British Monarchy, are direct beneficiaries of the wealth accumulated by the Royal family over centuries, including that stemming from the trafficking and enslavement of Africans."

The letter written by Advocates Network Jamaica is seeking the British monarchy to 'redefine' their relationship with the people of Jamaica.

They also demanded an apology for the 'exploitation of the indigenous people of Jamaica, the transatlantic trafficking of Africans, the enslavement of Africans, indentureship and colonialisation' and wish to begin the 'process of healing, forgiveness, reconciliation and compensation.'

The letter also criticises the 'painful and offensive' comments made in 2015 by former British Prime Minister David Cameron, where he advised Jamaica to 'move on' from their painful legacy while praising British leaders for ending 'the horror' of slavery.

Jamaica was colonised by Britain in 1655 and they quickly enforced a plantation labour system that relied on the hard work of enslaved Africans.

Alamy

It's estimated that 600,000 enslaved Africans were shipped off to Jamaica.

Jamaica became independent 60 years ago, but Queen Elizabeth II remains their head of state.

Demands for the country to become a republic have only intensified since Barbados remove the Queen as their head of state in November last year.

ABC News reports, as the Prince and Duchess of Cambridge stepped off their flight at Kingston's Norman Manley Airport, they were greeted by Jamaican foreign affairs minister Kamina Johnson-Smith and Defence Force Chief Antonette Wemyss Gorman.

However, following the letter, many Jamaicans came too and protestedd their arrival. Some chanted for the Prince and Duchess to address the historical wrongdoings of their ancestors while others held up signs that read, `Seh Yuh Sorry!' and 'Apologize now!'

Topics: News, Jamaica, the royal family, Britain