King Charles begins Caribbean tour in Bahamas

King Charles arrived in the Bahamas on October 27 to begin a planned nine-day Caribbean tour, as regional leaders and campaigners press Britain to address its role in the transatlantic slave trade. The itinerary includes Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda, where the King is expected to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The Bahamas is the first stop. Charles received a ceremonial airport welcome and inspected a guard of honour from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. His first engagement was scheduled to be a youth rally at Clifford Park, where he attended the islands’ independence celebrations as Prince of Wales in 1973. Buckingham Palace said the programme would include opportunities in all three countries to reflect on slavery’s legacy, including visits to memorials and places of remembrance. It said the tour would also focus on modern partnerships and opportunities for the region. The palace stated that Charles would not apologise for Britain’s role in the slave trade or offer reparations, in line with the UK government’s position. The visit comes amid calls from Caribbean leaders and reparations campaigners for an apology and compensation. Niambi Hall...