A Rastafari organisation in The Bahamas plans to stage a protest during King Charles III’s upcoming visit, calling for reparations for slavery, a formal apology from Britain and greater self-determination for people of African descent.
Royal Ambassador High Priest Richmond McKinney, of the Ethiopia Africa Black International Congress (EABIC), told The Tribune that the organisation has prepared a petition to present to the King during his visit, scheduled for October 27 to 29.
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The petition calls for the British state to formally acknowledge the historical injustices associated with slavery and colonial rule and provide reparatory compensation. It also seeks structural measures to address the lasting effects of enslavement, displacement and exploitation, as well as support for people of African descent who wish to return to Africa.
McKinney said the Rastafari community had advocated for reparations and greater self-determination for decades. He argued that The Bahamas’ continuing constitutional relationship with the British monarchy raises questions about the country’s independence.
“We can’t say we are an independent nation when we still have to swear to the monarchy of Great Britain,” he said.
The organisation’s planned protest comes amid growing regional discussions about reparatory justice and the Caribbean’s relationship with Britain. McKinney welcomed the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) involvement in the reparations movement, describing it as an important development in a cause Rastafari advocates have long supported.
“We give thanks that CARICOM is on board now for reparation,” he said.
In its petition, EABIC argues that the abolition of slavery did not adequately address the harm caused by generations of forced labour, family separation and exploitation. The group maintains that reparations should extend beyond symbolic recognition to include financial compensation and practical measures to confront the consequences of slavery and colonialism.
The organisation is also asking for its petition to be formally acknowledged and forwarded to the appropriate British and diplomatic institutions. It wants a written response outlining the channels through which further discussions could take place.
McKinney estimated that Rastafari adherents account for about 15 per cent of the Black population in The Bahamas, although the figure was presented as his estimate rather than an official statistic.
The planned demonstration follows similar calls from the Bahamas National Reparations Committee, which has urged the British Royal Family not to visit the country without addressing the legacy of slavery and colonialism. The committee has also renewed its call for The Bahamas to become a republic rather than retain the British monarch as head of state.
King Charles, who is head of state of The Bahamas, is scheduled to visit the country from October 27 to 29 before travelling to Guyana and then Antigua and Barbuda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
The Bahamian Government has said the royal visit will highlight youth empowerment, culture, environmental conservation and maritime security. However, reparations advocates intend to use the occasion to draw international attention to their demands for historical accountability and meaningful action.
