HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – Britain’s King Charles will view a museum exhibition dedicated to the history of Bermuda, furthering his understanding of its connection to the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the Governor of the British Overseas Territory (BOT), Andrew Murdoch, has said.
In a statement ahead of King Charles and Queen Camilla’s April 30 to May 2 first royal visit, Murdoch said the program will reflect the links between Bermuda and the United Kingdom across culture, economic growth, and youth opportunity, as well as celebrating Bermuda’s communities.
“The King’s program will showcase the very best of Bermuda and provide many opportunities to engage with communities across the Island,” Murdoch said, adding that following the royal couple’s visit to the United States, he would be welcomed here with a 21-gun salute.
He said that the King will see efforts to support biodiversity on the island and will also meet young people taking part in a living classroom session run by the Bermuda Zoological Society, where they engage in hands-on activities to preserve
local habitats.
“The King will celebrate Bermuda’s arts and culture, meeting Bermudians from different creative sectors and engaging with people from across the islands. The King will learn about Bermuda’s history and culture and see some of its seafaring activities.
“He will view a museum exhibition dedicated to the history of Bermuda, furthering his understanding of its connection to the Transatlantic Slave Trade,” Murdoch said.
Last month, the chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Reparations Commission (CRC), Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, criticized the decision of the United Kingdom to abstain from voting on a United Nations resolution which recognized the transatlantic slave trade as the “gravest crime against humanity”.
Sir Hilary, who is also the Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), said the legacy of the slave trade is still hampering development and shaping the realities people expect.
Murdoch said that the King will formally open the new Great Bay Coast Guard Station and hear from Coast Guard personnel about their operations to provide safety around the island and about their work tackling illegal maritime activity.
“The King will also meet representatives from the UK Space Agency to hear about plans to install a new telescope site in Bermuda as part of global efforts to track space debris, supporting international space sustainability.”
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