After 300 years of British colonization, the island of Jamaica became an independent nation and member of the British Commonwealth in 1962. But while independence meant the country could elect its own prime minister, establish its own currency and have ambassadors represent their interests around the world, being a member of the Commonwealth meant it also had to accept the British monarch (currently King Charles III) as their head of state.
Now, over 60 years after gaining its independence, the island is making major moves to cut ties with the royal family and turn the country into a republic.
According to the Jamaica Observer, Marlene Malahoo Forte, the country’s Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, introduced legislation in the House of Representatives on December 10 that would remove King Charles III as head of state and replace him with a Jamaican president. The bill also includes language that would impact definition of citizenship and the appointment of senators in the House of Representatives.
Forte called the act a “historic moment” and an important step towards abolishing the monarchy, something Jamaicans have wanted for decades.
“Every year when we celebrate independence on August 6, the nation is invited to reflect on its achievements since independence and what remains to be done, and every year the question is asked when are we going to abolish the monarchy and have a Jamaican head of state,” she told The Guardian in an interview.
The overwhelming reaction online is that a split with the Brits is long overdue.
“Well done Jamaica, time to signal an end to this ridiculous colonialism,” wrote one person on X.
Senator Donna Scott-Mottley, Deputy Leader of Opposition Business in the Senate echoes the feelings of most people online, telling The Guardian that it’s time for Jamaica to have real independence.
“At the end of the day, this is not about political parties. It’s about our nation. It’s about our people, and it’s about closing the full circle of independence for the people of our country,” she said.