Jamaica: "We now need to complete the circle of independence"
Jamaica went to the polls on 29 December and elected a new government led by Portia Simpson Miller of the People's National Party. In her inaugural address as Prime Minister, she stated:
"We now need to complete the circle of independence. We will, therefore, initiate the process for our detachment from the Monarchy to become a Republic with our own indigenous President, as Head of State.
Jamaica's 50th year of independence will be marked on 6 August, so it's an ambitious target to turn Jamaica into a republic by then. Previous Jamaican Prime Ministers have set time frames for republican status which haven't been met.
Interestingly, Jamaica's constitution requires both a two-thirds majority and a minimum three-month debate period to amend the constitution. A Bill to abolish the monarchy would need to be introduced in May to make the August deadline, not counting time for a referendum.
Update: Unfortunately the original date of Jamaica's independence in this blog was wrong - it's actually August 6. The BBC also has a blog on the issue, which is raising concerns for Prince Harry's trip there later this year.
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Great news that things are happening in Jamaica. They are the sixth largest realm after us at (fifth). Perhaps they are aiming to vote on or around May 31st. To tke advantage of the celebrations.
Oops, got the date wrong. 31st May was the dissolution of the West Indies Federation (the colonial administration of the British colonies in the Caribbean), the actual independence date is August 6. So they've got a bit more time up their sleeves, but not much.
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