To Commemorate The Jubilee, William And Kate Are Embarking On A Caribbean Tour
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are embarking on a week-long tour of the Caribbean, their first joint excursion outside of the United Kingdom since the outbreak began.
However, a scheduled visit at the start of the tour has been canceled after local residents in Belize apparently expressed their displeasure. The feud is tied to a charity that William is a patron of.
William and Catherine will also travel to the Bahamas and Jamaica.
This year's tour will commemorate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
The couple's planned excursion to the Akte 'il Ha cocoa farm in Indian Creek hamlet, in the Maya Mountains' foothills, has been canceled.
According to accounts, a protest against the trip took place on Friday.
Residents of Indian Creek hamlet and Fauna and Flora International (FFI), which has William as patron, are allegedly in a disagreement over land owned by the conservation organization, according to Belizean news station Channel 7.
Concerns were also expressed regarding the landing spot chosen for the Cambridges' helicopter, with neighbours stating that they were not consulted about the site, which is a local football pitch.
"We can confirm that the visit has been moved to a different location due to sensitive issues involving the community in Indian Creek," a Kensington Palace spokeswoman said. "Further details will be provided in due course."
In a statement, Belize's government said: "Indian Creek was one of several potential locations. Because of the problems in the hamlet, the Belizean government activated its contingency plans, and a new venue has been chosen to highlight Maya family enterprise in the cocoa business."
As part of its project in the area, FFI would "help the livelihoods, educational possibilities, and customary rights of local people," according to a representative for the organization.
"We're starting a conversation with key stakeholders about land ownership and management in the future," he said. "We want to work with - and support - the indigenous community while respecting traditional Mayan rights."
On Saturday afternoon, local time, William and Kate are expected to arrive in Belize.