The Bahamas catches Jamaica disease
Jamaica disease has continued to spread in the Caribbean states where Britain's Queen remains head of State. With Jamaica's own republican moves gathering pace, there are now also moves afoot in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and Grenada. The Bahamas - a chain of Islands off the coast of the United States - is now starting the process of reviewing its constitution. Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Perry Christie, has announced that a Commission is to be established to consider constitutional issues. From local Bahamas newspaper Tribune:
Mr Christie also said the Commission is expected to examine complex questions ... whether the Bahamas should remain a constitutional monarchy or evolve into a republic and whether if the Caribbean Court of Justice or perhaps final court in the Bahamas should replace the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council as the final court of appeal under our constitution.
The Bahamas is coming up to a major anniversary - 40 years of independence from the United Kingdom - so it seems now will be the time to move on this. Much like Jamaica, the impetus is not driven by the Royals but by the desire for greater independence. Let's hope it goes well for them.
-
- LJ Holden's blog
- Login or register to post comments
Printer-friendly version
Send by email
Comments
All countries should be run by the people for the people with consideration for minorities,and an ambition of equality for each and every citizen.
Friendship binds all people together,and equality encourages friendship.
Republics make up 90% of developing nations and all non developed nations and are increasing.
Hi Anon, I'm not sure republics much up all of the "non-developed" nations, going on the UN's HDI there's the Solomon Islands and PNG which both rate lowly.
Jamaica has failed to becoming a republic in time for it's 50th independence celebrations.
Sure, that was the original timeframe. That doesn't mean it won't happen.
We must all contribute and fight for and take control of our destiny. Contact and continue to harass all Cdn elected officials to remove the Monarch as our head of state.
I'm doing it. Like you, I'm busy but make time to keep track of the well-reasoned letters I have written and re-write to our public servants.
I hate to disagree with all your "freedom" speak but as someone who lives here in the Bahamas it's well known that our government is corrupt. One step further away from the queen (and more importantly the Privy Counsel) is one step closer to those idiots in power driving this country into the ground. If we lose our tie to the Commonwealth there will be nothing standing in their way to turn this place into.......well.......Jamaica. It's know fact that Bahamas is walking "the Jamaica road"
Crime is out of control
Government spending (and the national debt) is rising more and more every year.
God Help This Country!
Hi Anon, very interesting perspective. However, it's worth pointing out that the country you deride - Jamaica - is currently a monarchy under the Queen and has the Privy Council. If either of these things were actually effective at preventing the corruption and crime you rightly take issue with, then surely Jamaica would be in a much better state. In other words, your reasoning is flawed.