Jamaica begins move to remove Queen as head of state, pushes for republican rule

Jamaica has begun a move to remove Queen Elizabeth from her current position as the country’s Head of State as the Caribbean Island pushes for parliamentary rule over the monarchy.

On Friday, Marlene Malahoo Forte QC, who heads Jamaica’s Ministry of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, made the announcement in parliament.

“The goal is to ultimately produce a new Constitution of Jamaica, enacted by the Parliament of Jamaica, to inter alia, establish the Republic of Jamaica as a parliamentary republic, replacing the constitutional monarchy, and affirming our self-determination and cultural heritage,” Ms Malahoo said.

The process of removing the Queen from her current position will span several stages, including voting at the House and Senate of the Jamaican parliament and a peoples’ referendum. Ms Malahoo noted that a Constitutional Reform Committee will be established which will include opposition members.

Jamaica’s intent to abandon the monarchy comes as Barbados transitioned to republican rule last November and Australia declared interest in removing the Queen as its head of state in January.

Jamaica’s withdrawal from the monarchy will bring the number of Commonwealth countries to 14. Other commonwealth countries include Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

News Agencies