The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, had to make adjustments to their itinerary during their tour of the Caribbean following protests from Indigenous people in a village that was formerly colonized by Britain. The couple was scheduled to start their royal visit to Belize with a trip to an environmentally-friendly sustainable cacao farm, but the villagers in "Indian Creek" organized a demonstration against William and Kate's visit, prompting Kensington Palace to cancel the visit.
Protesters opposing the couple’s visit raised signs describing their presence as "colonialism" and a "slap in the face," while others wrote "we do not welcome William on our land," and "the colonial legacy continues with the prince," emphasizing their ownership of the lands in "Indian Creek," which is home to around a thousand people.
The dispute originates from a conflict between the village and the organization "Fauna & Flora International," a charity that owns a contested property in "Indian Creek," which Prince William has been a patron of since 2020. The villagers of "Indian Creek" have been engaged in a legal battle over land they lost during the British colonial era, totaling 1,200 acres, according to the British newspaper "Daily Mail."
According to the village mayor, Sebastian Shoal, he was not consulted about the visit, leading residents to organize a protest with the main slogan "We do not want you to step on our land." Shoal noted that the way the visit was handled brought to mind the colonial era and its accompanying practices and behaviors. He clarified that the village's issue lies with "Fauna & Flora International," but residents believe that William bears responsibility as its patron.
No comment has been issued from Kensington Palace regarding the incident, but aides confirmed the cancellation of the visit and that the couple will make alternative arrangements.
