An Awkward Royal Tour?
King Charles's Caribbean Getaway Is Off to a… Start
What's going on: When King Charles III kicked off his nine-day royal tour of the Caribbean in the Bahamas on Tuesday, he was greeted with chants, including “Pay us what you owe us!” That message will likely echo throughout the king’s tour as many call for the UK to pay reparations for slavery to countries it colonized. The Bahamas became independent in 1973 after over 300 years under British rule, but it remains part of the Commonwealth of Nations. The association of 56 countries — the majority of which were once under British rule — shares initiatives and trade relationships that can be financially beneficial. And 14 countries, including two on this tour, still recognize King Charles as their head of state. In a speech, King Charles acknowledged “the great suffering and injustices of the past,” but he fell short of apologizing or promising future action for the Bahamas. The king will also make stops in Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda.
Not the first time: These calls for financial reparations and independence for territories still under partial British rule have led to some memorably awkward royal tours in the region. (Remember that viral photo from Prince William and Kate Middleton’s visit to Jamaica in 2022?) But this year, the demands have become even louder. Ghana (which the British also colonized) led a UN resolution calling for reparations for the transatlantic slave trade, and a petition from Jamaica is making its way through the courts. Plus, Guyana has asked for an official apology for slavery, but the British government has advised King Charles not to give one for fear of potential legal ramifications. If this royal tour goes badly, some critics say it could lead to a mass exit from the Commonwealth. “I’m sure [King Charles] would not want to be the monarch under which it crumbles,” the chair of Parliament’s reparations group told The Guardian.
Related: This Illinois City Paid Reparations for Housing Discrimination. President Trump Is Trying To End the Program (NPR)
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An Awkward Royal Tour?
King Charles's Caribbean Getaway Is Off to a… Start
What's going on: When King Charles III kicked off his nine-day royal tour of the Caribbean in the Bahamas on Tuesday, he was greeted with chants, including “Pay us what you owe us!” That message will likely echo throughout the king’s tour as many call for the UK to pay reparations for slavery to countries it colonized. The Bahamas became independent in 1973 after over 300 years under British rule, but it remains part of the Commonwealth of Nations. The association of 56 countries — the majority of which were once under British rule — shares initiatives and trade relationships that can be financially beneficial. And 14 countries, including two on this tour, still recognize King Charles as their head of state. In a speech, King Charles acknowledged “the great suffering and injustices of the past,” but he fell short of apologizing or promising future action for the Bahamas. The king will also make stops in Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda.
Not the first time: These calls for financial reparations and independence for territories still under partial British rule have led to some memorably awkward royal tours in the region. (Remember that viral photo from Prince William and Kate Middleton’s visit to Jamaica in 2022?) But this year, the demands have become even louder. Ghana (which the British also colonized) led a UN resolution calling for reparations for the transatlantic slave trade, and a petition from Jamaica is making its way through the courts. Plus, Guyana has asked for an official apology for slavery, but the British government has advised King Charles not to give one for fear of potential legal ramifications. If this royal tour goes badly, some critics say it could lead to a mass exit from the Commonwealth. “I’m sure [King Charles] would not want to be the monarch under which it crumbles,” the chair of Parliament’s reparations group told The Guardian.
Related: This Illinois City Paid Reparations for Housing Discrimination. President Trump Is Trying To End the Program (NPR)
Together with Climate Power
Big Energy
If you’re feeling the squeeze from gas prices, increased energy costs, and higher utility bills, you’re far from alone. Americans’ household electric bills have risen as much as 18% over the past two years.
Ready to do something about it? Make your voice heard on or before Election Day (Tuesday, Nov 3) — it’s your chance to weigh in.
Before you head to the polls, learn more about the effects these costs have on your wallet and beyond. Then, get out there and vote.
Skimm This
Who skimm'd it best?
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