Jamaica, Belize and Bahamas groups form coalition for reparations after royal visit

Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Moreover, the Bahamas National Reparations Committee, the Advocacy Network in Jamaica and the indigenous Maya people of Belize – all of which staged demonstrations during the Cambridges’ time there – denounced the royal visit, declared a “united” stand in ongoing calls for reparatory justice and condemned Britain’s “brutal” colonial legacy. We will stand strong, united in our celebration of the resilience of Caribbean people who have accomplished much since our independence, against the odds, and we commit to continuing in this tradition in tackling contemporary challenges, rooting out all vestiges of our post-colonial past and empowering our people to achieve more.” open image in gallery Cristina Coc: ‘We will not continue to remain silent in the face of continued threats to our identity’ This follows protests which took place during their visit to the northern Caribbean country following conflict about the “colonial legacy of theft” and land rights between the Maya people, local indigenous residents, and Flora and Fauna International, the conservation charity Prince William supports as patron. Through, what can only be described as an indigenous land grab, an international conservation organization called Flora and Fauna international has taken over the charge, depriving and restricting Indian Creek Villagers of their lands and resources for their use and enjoyment.” “We will not continue to remain silent in the face of continued threats to our identity, dignity and agency while privileged royals travel around in desperation to maintain the legacy of colonies,” Ms Coc continued. “Before they ask us to heal, they must right the wrongs they have caused on Indigenous people and People of African heritage.” open image in gallery Professor Hamilton and two other protesters at the Advocates Network demonstration Professor Rosalea Hamilton, of Jamaica’s Advocates Network, said support for their organisation has grown since their protest outside of the British High Commission in Kingston last Tuesday.