As
Queen Elizabeth II prepares to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee relevance of the
monarchy to Britain's former colonies is being questioned. The most recent
indication came from Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller who in her inaugural
speech gave the clearest signal of the PNP lead administration’s plan is to
move away from the monarchy.
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| Most Hon. Portia Simpson- Miller, Prime Minister of Jamaica |
She
reiterated that as Jamaica celebrates its achievements as an independent nation
we need to complete the circle of independence. "In this regard we will
initiate the process of our detachment from the monarchy, to become a republic
with our own indigenous president as head of state” said Mrs. Simpson-Miller.
Jamaica
will not be the first to sever its links with the British monarchy to become a
republic within the Commonwealth. In fact, Trinidad & Tobago who gained
independence in 1962 severed ties with the British monarchy in
1976. Guyana which gained independence in 1966 became a republic in
February of 1970. The decision if taken, will effect changes to our legislative
structure and I believe it should be done with the people in mind.
As head of State, Queen Elizabeth II is represented by a Governor General who is the vice regal. Since the 1950’s the title of Governor General has been given to all representatives of sovereign independent Commonwealth realms, whose purpose is mere ceremonial. He acts upon the advice of the Prime Minister and in accordance with constitutional conventions.
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| Queen Elizabeth 11 |
If Jamaica, like Trinidad and Tobago transfers the role of Governor General to that of a president then I am not in support of this action. What we would see is the office of president being mere ceremonial and in essence would perform the same functions that the Governor General is currently performing.
We cannot move from the monarchy to an equally expensive ceremonial president. I am advocating for a worthwhile change and not just a change from Monarchy to Republic to say we are indigenous, that is not independence. What we should demand from our leaders is a complete overhaul of our structure of governance which is far reaching. We cannot declare true independence if we do not have a system that is tailored for us, we must have a meaningful change.
Suggestions surrounding this move
should be focused on having a President who is directly elected by the people
and who will serve the role of head of state and head of government. The process of going republic is too complex
for it to happen by year end; frankly the issue may even be shelved especially
because members of the Royal Family will tour Commonwealth countries later this
year and more specifically plans are already in full gear from Prince Harry
visit to Jamaica.
