Sylvia Wynter's Dream

On September 8, 2022, Queen Elisabeth II was announced dead at the age of 96. The sudden news not only surprised the royal family but stunned the entire world. However, I felt the news about her death was going to be soon since the lost of her Husband King Phillip. I personally felt that the queen had lived long enough and should pass on like any other human being regardless of her royal title and achievements over her long reign as Queen of Britian.

The Queens death was announced online by Buckingham Palace stating that she died peacefully at Balmoral in the afternoon. I was taken aback by the news and the initial reaction of most Jamaicans was that of joy and relief. The Queen reigned for 70 years and was the longest-reigning monarch in Britain. Queen Elisabeth II reigned through economic and social shifts in Britain, which further proved her dedication and loyalty to her country and citizens. Not to mention that she worked with over fifteen prime ministers as her time as Queen proved her longevity.  

With all that said, I cannot mourn the death of the Queen in anyway. I was taught that slavery and colonization in the Caribbean was done by the royal family specifically the queen. Also, the punishment in African schools was just a slice of the many controversial decisions and actions of Queen Elisabeth II and the royal family. Many, including myself, saw the Queen as a representation of all the nefarious actions taken during her 70-year reign on the throne even if she didn’t do them herself. What I see is a lack of empathy expressed by the queen, she has never formally apologized on behalf of her family for what was done in the past which still affects many Caribbean countries today. A simple apology wouldn’t change the past, but it would have been a step towards accountability, which is what most Caribbean citizens wanted.

The pain and struggles of our ancestors still linger in the minds of Caribbean people. Therefore, the nonchalant behavior of the queen when it came to handling matters related to the Caribbean rubbed people including myself the wrong way. I have no feelings of sadness about her death since history has described her as a strict and obedient leader over her subjects including our ancestors in Jamaica

The queen and those who ruled before her were symbols of oppression and greed in my thoughts over the years of learning Caribbean history. However like any other human being, Rest in Peace.

GOD SAVE THE WORLD!