Rastas Message to Royal Couple

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Members of the Rastafarian community plan to protest during the Royal visit.

Jared Higgs has their reaction to the video showing members of their community in Jamaica chanting and teaching Prince William how to beat their drums.

With Prince William and Kate Middleton set to arrive in the country on Thursday, Priest Rithmond McKinney says a group of Rastafarian organizations are preparing to have their voices heard through a protest.

The Rastas are known for their agitation for reparations for the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism. They want compensation and repatriation to Africa for those who want to return. Chair of The Bahamas National Reparations Committee Dr. Niambi Hall Campbell-Dean shared a similar view about the visit.

Meanwhile, in Jamaica, the Royals engaged with some Rastas.

Much to the dismay of McKinney, who says while they would welcome the Royal pair to their camp, they would only have them observe, and wouldn’t allow them to beat their drums. He says there is a fine line between being diplomatic and being subservient.

The Royal couple will make stops in New Providence, Abaco and Grand Bahama during their three-day stay. While there have been some protests around their presence in Belize and Jamaica, there have also been displays of support.

Nevertheless, McKinney says the Rasta community in The Bahamas has its own message that it wants the Royals to receive.