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Is Jamaica A Republic?
What Is Its Significance To The Country?
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Is Jamaica a Republic | by Sheree-Anita Shearer, Associate Writer
With Jamaica’s 60th Independence celebrations coming shortly and with Caribbean neighbours Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica and most recently Barbados becoming Republics, there is even more of an urgency for Jamaica to follow suit.
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While there have been attempts by prime ministers in the past, to remove the Queen as head of state, it is the first time that both the government and the opposition have been able to agree on the move away from Britain.
What Does It Mean To Be A Republic?
To be a republic means the head of state is not a monarch and the supreme power rests on the body of citizens entitled to vote for those who represent then the leader of the said country has been known as a president in recent times.
Is Jamaica A British Territory?
Jamaica is not considered a British territory but instead is classified as a constitutional monarchy of Britain with the Queen as Sovereign. Under this current system, the Queen is still able to represent Jamaica internationally as Queen of Jamaica on official duties separately from her role as Queen of England. The monarchy also still plays an important ceremonial role in Jamaica.
The Queen’s representative on the island, similarly to other constitutional monarchies is the Governor-General. A position that would be discontinued when the nation does become a republic.
As it now stands, the Governor-General is appointed on the advice of the prime minister and his/hers role is to:
- Give formal assent to laws passed before they can take full effect.
- Name the date of the general elections
- Appoint or ask the winner of the locally held general elections to form a government and handle the responsibilities of Jamaica on behalf of the Queen.
Does Jamaica Pay Taxes To England?
No, the nation, does not pay taxes to Britain and Jamaica is not responsible for any expenses accumulated by the monarchy unless duties are being carried out in Jamaica or abroad in her role as Queen of Jamaica. Jamaica also is not responsible for personal income or to support royal residences outside of Jamaica.
Are Jamaicans British Citizens?
No. All Jamaicans who were moved to the UK before Jamaican independence in 1962, were automatically granted British citizenship because Jamaica was still an overseas colony. If Jamaicans are to become British nationals now, they would have to apply for citizenship.
What Steps Are Being Made For Jamaica To Become a Republic?
In a recent visit to Jamaica, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were addressed by the Prime Minister who made Jamaica’s intention to become a republic and remove the Queen as our head of state known.
How exactly does the nation plan on doing this? The Governor-General has announced the creation of a legal and constitutional affairs ministry headed by Attorney General, Marlene Malahoo-Forte. This ministry has the responsibility to supervise the progress of shifting Jamaica’s status from its current constitutional monarchy to a republic.
When Will Jamaica Become a Republic?
While Jamaicans were anticipating the changes in time for the 60th year Independence celebrations it will, unfortunately, not be possible given the time frame. The constitution has its own procedures to follow if amendments are to be made, that cannot be deviated from.
Throughout this process, a full assessment of the constitution itself is being done and possible amendments are to be considered.
What Is The Process Of Becoming A Republic?
A two-thirds majority vote in each house is required plus a referendum where the electorate will have their chance to vote on the issue as well. There is also a required three-month wait between the date the bill was tabled in the House of Representatives and the commencement of the debate.
What Is The Significance Of Becoming A Republic?
In becoming a republic, Jamaica will no longer be considered as being ruled by or bearing allegiance to the Queen or the monarchy which would be significant because we were once a colony of Britain.
We await the day when the answer to the question, “Is Jamaica a republic?” can be answered with a resounding YES!
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Return to Colonial History of Jamaica from Is Jamaica A Republic?
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References & Sources For Is Jamaica A Republic?
- Transitioning to a republic is more than replacing The Queen – Jamaica Observer, https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/transitioning-to-a-republic-is-more-than-replacing-the-queen/
- Jamaica | The Royal Family, https://www.royal.uk/jamaica
- Work has started to make Jamaica a republic; expect details in early 2022, https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/work-has-started-to-make-jamaica-a-republic-expect-details-early-2022/
- Jamaica makes additional moves towards a republic - New York Amsterdam News, https://amsterdamnews.com/news/2022/02/17/jamaica-makes-additional-moves-towards-a-republic/
- From Monarchy To Republic Will Take Some Time, https://jis.gov.jm/from-monarchy-to-republic-will-take-some-time/
- Republics in the Commonwealth of Nations - Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republics_in_the_Commonwealth_of_Nations
- Jamaica - Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamaica#:~:text=Jamaica%20is%20a%20parliamentary%20constitutional,directly%20elected%20House%20of%20Representative
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