Jamaica poised to remove King Charles as Head of State by 2025, Minister asserts

Jamaica is on a trajectory to sever ties with King Charles III as its head of state by 2025, announced the nation’s State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Alando Terrelonge.

Terrelonge, emphasized that Jamaica is moving towards establishing itself as a republic after more than 350 years under colonial rule. This transition, he stated, signifies a true liberation for the former British colony while paying homage to its African ancestors who endured trafficking, brutality, and enslavement by Britain for centuries.

“We are optimistic that by 2025, we will have completed these reforms and eliminated the British monarch as the head of our democracy,” Terrelonge remarked, highlighting that despite being a symbolic figurehead, real power resides within the government and people of Jamaica.

Currently, Charles serves as the King of Jamaica, a position held by British monarchs since the country was colonized in 1655. However, in 2022, Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared intentions for Jamaica to transition into a republic during a royal visit by the Prince and Princess of Wales.

The objective is to finalize this process by the next general election in 2025, building upon discussions initiated by successive Jamaican governments since the 1970s.

“I have always asserted that we owe it to our ancestors who fought and sacrificed for our freedom, and to the architects of our constitution, the heroes of our nation, for Jamaica to stand as truly liberated and independent,” Terrelonge affirmed during a visit to London.

With a Jamaican head of state, he noted, “every young king and queen in Jamaica can aspire to lead their own country, no longer obligated to pay homage or pledge allegiance to a foreign monarch.”

To achieve republic status, Jamaica must introduce the Constitution of Jamaica Bill, which requires approval by a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of parliament. Subsequently, a referendum will be held to decide whether Jamaica should become a republic, necessitating approval by the majority of registered voters.

Last year, Prime Minister Holness appointed 14 members to a Constitutional Reform Committee to outline the necessary steps for Jamaica’s transformation, including the selection of the president to replace the British monarch.

In recent years, various Jamaican government officials have reiterated the nation’s commitment to discarding the monarchy. Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs Marlene Malahoo Forte previously cited Britain’s inadequate response to racism, failure to apologize for slavery, and involvement in the Windrush scandal as factors driving Jamaica’s desire to embrace republicanism.