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Lisa Hanna, who allegedly 'snubbed' Kate Middleton, says she's 'more important things' to focus on than Royals

Hanna wrote, 'Condemning slavery with no action, as both Prince Charles and Prince William did, is not particularly bold, nor does it show courage'

Jamaican politician and beauty queen Lisa Hanna has broken her silence after being accused of snubbing Kate Middleton while she was in the Caribbean country. It was alleged that Hanna was cold with the Duchess of Cambridge when they met each other in front of the media. But the 46-year-old dismissed it and wrote in a piece for The Guardian, “In Jamaica, we often use the word “respect” when we greet or part ways with other people, no matter who they are or where they come from. We say this word because we mean it.”

She continued, “The word respect does not mean that we always agree with that person; it is simply an acknowledgment of their humanity and their value. I have nothing but respect for Catherine as a person, and I treated her with that respect and cordiality, as evidenced by many other photos and videos of our interaction. I do not have any quarrel with the duchess herself, the people of the United Kingdom or the government.”

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Hanna then went on to insist on "more important things" than just focusing on her meet and greet with the royals. She noted, “The more significant issue at play is the current global reality that our institutions have created over centuries. We all know the history of wars of conquest, slavery, subjugation and colonisation. We all know about the extraction of resources and the exploitation of lands and labour. What we now need is for the west, especially the United Kingdom, to seriously engage with us on this matter. Flowery words and artful symbols not only do not placate us, but words without action will also offend us.”

She also mentioned the Caricom Reparations Commission’s 10-point action plan and said, “the leaders of this commission and the region are ready to in good faith engage on this plan and implement a framework for moving forward,” before stating: “We in the Caribbean cannot do it alone any more. And it is not just something our diaspora can lead on. It is going to take bold leadership in the UK and indeed across the western world to have the bravery, humanity and political courage to stand up and agitate for the issue of reparations.”

Hanna’s essay also added that “the evils of slavery cannot be forgotten. Indeed, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have a unique opportunity to define their own issues and advocacy. It is my hope that this Caribbean visit will stir their emotions and their thoughts, and that as they ascend they will refine the monarchy’s perspective with an eye toward building a fairer and more just global society. Condemning slavery with no action, as both Prince Charles and Prince William did, is not particularly bold, nor does it show courage. I would hope that this rhetoric is a start and not an end to their journey on the issue of reparations and justice.”

Besides, Hanna took to Twitter to present her side when allegations were made against her regarding her meeting with Catherine. In a series of tweets, she said: “We had a very interactive and pleasant conversation throughout the proceedings as we talked about family, our cultures and our people. There’s no doubt at this time that we all seek our true independence and want to develop systems & strategies where we become free from the monarchy. But until then we will always remain a courteous and respectful country.”

“I am a firm believer in repatations and as such when I was Minister of Youth and Culture of culture I led the reparations committee which made strides in developing a legal submission to Britain which examined the economic cost of slavery to our country. I welcome them wholeheartedly with our warm hospitality and look forward to us having productive discussions about our future,” she stated.