British Commonwealths in Caribbean Consider Becoming Republics
As part of the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge recently traveled to three British commonwealths in the Caribbean. The eight-day tour had the royal couple visit the countries Belize, Jamaica, and the Bahamas.
Prince William and Kate were met with protests in the former British colonies amid a call by some for Great Britain to provide slavery reparations. In addition, the chorus of those seeking to cut ties with the monarchy and become independent continue to grow louder in the region.
Why did the British royals travel to the Caribbean?
INSTRUCTORS: click the link below to download this week’s lecture for use in your classroom. The deck contains a writing prompt and a debate question as well as other assessment questions.
Videos:
News Articles:
Caribbean tour: Prince William says future is for the people to decide
BBC NEWS
March 27, 2022
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-60890440
William and Kate: what matters is better future for people of Commonwealth
THE GUARDIAN
March 27, 2022
Jamaica PM tells British royals island nation wants to be independent
REUTERS
March 24, 2022
Jamaica PM tells royal couple island will seek independence
ABC NEWS
March 24, 2022
News Articles (Analyses):
The Caribbean paradises replacing the Queen with Chinese millions: How BLM-inspired fury is driving Jamaica, Belize and Bahamas to cut ties with UK over slave past… after region took $7BN in Far East funds
DAILY MAIL
March 23, 2022
Jamaica will go it alone, PM tells royals
THE CANBERRA TIMES
March 23, 2022
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7671383/jamaica-will-go-it-alone-pm-tells-royals/
When royal tours fail
CNN
March 25, 2022
https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/25/uk/royal-news-newsletter-03-25-22-scli-gbr-cmd-intl/index.html
Being a republic would be symbolism for Jamaica — but powerful enough to change it?
WLRN
March 29, 2022
Assessment:
Writing:? Why do some British commonwealth countries in the Caribbean want to become republics?
Debate: Should reparations be provided to former colonies of Great Britain where slavery existed?
Poll: Should the U.S. and international community invest and provide more aid to countries in the Caribbean?
Short Answer: What is the significance if British commonwealth countries in the Caribbean become republics?
QUIZ:
Queen Elizabeth II recently traveled to Belize to celebrate the country’s independence. (T/F)
If Jamaica wants to become a republic voters would have to approve such a move in a referendum election. (T/F)
Changing the head of state is largely symbolic for British commonwealth Caribbean countries. (T/F)
Which of the following countries has invested billions of dollars recently into the Caribbean?
- Great Britain.
- China.
- Brazil.
- Russia.
Which of the following countries recently left the British commonwealth?
a. Barbados.
b. Cuba.
c. The Bahamas.
d. Haiti.
All the following help explain resentment towards the monarch in British commonwealth Caribbean countries EXCEPT.
a. Historical legacy of slavery.
b. Difficulty in securing British visas.
c. A racist gaffe by Prince William.
d. Black Lives Matter movement.
