Jamaica plans to become a republic and remove King Charles as head of state by 2025
Jamaica plans to become a republic by 2025, removing King Charles III as its head of state, according to Alando Terrelonge, a state minister. This move aims to liberate the nation from over 350 years of colonial rule and honor the memory of African ancestors who suffered under British colonization. Despite the British monarch being mostly a ceremonial figure, the transition reflects Jamaica’s desire to have all governance powers rest solely with its own government and people.
The move will mean the former British colony would become “truly liberated” while honouring its African ancestors who were trafficked, brutalised and enslaved by Britain for centuries, he said in an exclusive interview with The Independent.
“We remain hopeful that by 2025 we would have completed those reforms and removed the British monarch as the head of our democracy,” he said, adding “notwithstanding it being a figurehead and that real power resides with the government of Jamaica and the people of Jamaica.”
Charles is currently king of Jamaica and a British monarch has ruled Jamaica since imperialists colonised the country in 1655.
“Last year, I received several of the British parliamentarians at the ministry of foreign affairs and, of course, the question of visa was at the top of the list as well. It remains an ongoing concern for us.
“Given the historic ties between Jamaica and the UK, we believe it would be good for the visa restrictions to be lifted.”
As a point of compromise, the state minister suggested that Britain should begin by lifting travel restrictions on Jamaican creatives, business owners and members of government.
Jamaica is currently the only country with the British monarch as head of state that requires visas to enter the UK. All Jamaican citizens are subject to the restrictions if they wish to enter the UK.
“When I travel for work, I still need a visa to come to the United Kingdom even though I travel on a diplomatic passport,” he explained.
This sanction was introduced in 2003 and the UK government’s own data reveals a significant number of refusals of visitor visa applications from Jamaica.
Prime minister Andrew Holness announced intentions for the realm to become a republic during an ill-fated royal tour of the country by the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The goal is for this process to be completed by the time of the next general election in 2025, building upon discussions raised by successive governments in Jamaica since the 1970s.
“I’ve always maintained that we owe it to our ancestors who fought and died so that we could be free, we owe it to the framers of our constitution, the work done by our national heroes, for Jamaica to now walk as truly liberated and independent,” said Mr Terrelonge, during a visit to London.
During a discouraging royal visit by the Prince and Princess of Wales, Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness put forth his plans for the nation to transition into a republic. Aimed for conclusion by the 2025 elections, this initiative aligns with the debates and proposals brought forward by Jamaican administrations since the 70s.
“Our obligation to those who fought and perished for our liberty, to the architects of our constitution, to the work done by our national heroes, is to make Jamaica decidedly free and self-standing,” stated Mr. Terrelonge during his trip to London.