Jamaica has taken a step towards full sovereignty by introducing a bill to remove King Charles as its head of state, aiming to establish a Jamaican president in his place.
On December 10, 2024, Legal and Constitutional Affairs Minister Marlene Malahoo Forte tabled the Constitution (Amendment) Republic Act 2024 in the House of Representatives. She described this as a “historic moment” signaling the start of efforts to abolish the monarchy.
The bill proposes replacing the British monarch with a Jamaican president as the ceremonial head of state. This move responds to longstanding calls for constitutional change and reflects a growing desire among Jamaicans to fully decolonize and assert their national identity.
However, the bill has faced criticism regarding the selection process for the president. Opposition Senator Donna Scott-Mottley expressed concerns, stating that the proposed method “compromised everything.” She warned that it could allow the Prime Minister to nominate a preferred candidate without adequate checks and balances.
Additionally, debates have arisen over Jamaica’s final court of appeal. Critics argue that retaining the UK-based Privy Council contradicts the move towards full sovereignty. They advocate for adopting the Caribbean Court of Justice as Jamaica’s highest appellate court to align with the nation’s decolonization efforts.
The bill requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament and must be ratified through a national referendum. The government hopes to hold this referendum by next year, although a general election due this year may delay the process.
This legislative move aligns Jamaica with other Caribbean nations like Barbados, which removed the British monarch as head of state in 2021. It underscores a regional shift towards full sovereignty and the reassertion of national identities.
