Above: Buckingham Palace (Photo: British Monarchy)
By the Caribbean Journal staff
New Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller signaled her government’s intention to sever its ties with the British Monarchy at her swearing-in today at King’s House.
“This 50th Anniversary year will be a time for reflection on the lessons of the past, and, as we celebrate our achievements as an independent nation, we now need to complete the circle of independence,” she said. “In this regard, we will initiate the process for our detachment from the Monarchy to become a Republic, with our own indigenous President as Head of State.”
Under the Jamaican constitution, Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state, represented in Jamaica by Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen.