Kate and William forced to scrap first stop on Caribbean tour after villagers protest

Britain's PrinceWilliamandhis wifeKatearrive in Belize on Saturday for a week-longCaribbeantourthat sparked controversy before it even beganamidgrowing scrutiny of the British Empire'scolonialties to the region.

The arrival of the DukeandDuchess of Cambridge coincides with the celebration of Queen Elizabeth's 70th year on the throne,andcomes nearly four months after Barbados voted to become a republic, cutting ties with the monarchy but remaining part of the British-led Commonwealth of Nations.

The queen's grandsonandhis wife are due to spend their first three days in Belize, formerly British Honduras. But on the eve of their departure, Belize officials said an event planned for Sunday was scrapped when a few dozen villagers staged a protest.

Residents of Indian Creek, an indigenous Maya village in southern Belize, told Reuters they were upset that the royal couple's helicopter had been granted permission to landon a local soccer field without prior consultation.

The village has for years been engaged in a landdispute with a conservation group supported by the royal family, stirring anger overcolonial-era territorial settlements that are still contested by indigenous groups in the country.

A visit to a different site is being planned instead, Belize's government said. In a statement, Kensington Palace confirmed the schedule would be changed because of "sensitive issues" involving the Indian Creek community,andsaid more details would be provided in due course.

After Belize, the dukeandduchess are due to move on to Jamaicaandthe Bahamas. Meetingsanda variety of events are scheduled with politiciansanda range of civic leaders.

Dickie Arbiter, Queen Elizabeth's press secretary from 1988 to 2000, described thetouras a goodwill visit that ought to give at least a temporary lift to the family's popularity.

Today, many people see the monarchy as an anachronism that should be let go, he said. But he expected that little would change while Elizabeth remained on the throne.

"The Royal Family is pragmatic," he said. "It knows it can't look at these countries as realm states foreveranda day."

POPULAR OPINION

Debates overcolonial-era oppression, including possible reparations for the descendants of slaves in Jamaica, could push more countries to emulate Barbados' recent move.

University of the West Indies Professor Carolyn Cooper said royal couple's visit would be unlikely to discourage Jamaica from opting for republic status.

"I think there is a groundswell of popular opinion against the monarchy," she said. Some in Belize, which gained independence from Britain only in 1981, speak warmly about remaining in the fold.

"I believe it's a wonderful opportunity for them to appreciate the country's multiculturalism, natural attractions,andto enjoy our culinary practices," said Joseline Ramirez, a manager in the Cayo district of western Belize.

But others are less enthusiastic. Alan Mckoy, a mechanic in Belize City, said he "couldn't care less" about the royal family. "They are no better than any of us," he said.