Jamaica Introduces Bill to Abolish Monarchy

Jamaica has initiated the process to transition from a constitutional monarchy to a republic by tabling a bill in parliament to remove King Charles as head of state. This legislative move follows public calls for constitutional reform and aims to establish a Jamaican president as the ceremonial head of state, thereby addressing perceptions of colonial remnants associated with the British monarchy. Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs Marlene Malahoo Forte highlighted that the bill represents significant progress in achieving national goals and will also redefine citizenship and political structures. The bill must undergo several legislative processes, including reviews, a parliamentary vote, and a national referendum. Opposition parties have expressed concerns over the timing of the bill and the lack of plans to replace the UK Privy Council with the Caribbean Court of Justice as Jamaica’s highest court. The government aims to complete this transition by 2025, coinciding with the next general elections.