Antigua and Barbuda on the brink of historic leap: Saying goodbye to British Monarchy!

Published by [email protected] at May 13, 2023

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Posted: Saturday, May 13, 2023. 1:08 pm CST.

By Breaking Belize News Staff: Antigua and Barbuda’s government has reaffirmed its intention to transition from a constitutional monarchy to a republic, dropping the British Monarch as the country’s head of state. This announcement followed Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s recent participation in the coronation of King Charles III in London on May 6.

Despite the ceremonious events, the administration is determined to push forward with the Republican agenda. The issue was among the topics discussed during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday. “Despite their participation, the Head of Government reiterated his administration’s determination to bring about a Republican form of Government,” a cabinet statement read.

Ambassador Lionel Hurst, Chief of Staff at the Prime Minister’s Office, confirmed that a referendum will be held to decide on this critical constitutional change. However, no specific timeframe was given.

King Charles III currently serves as the head of state for Antigua and Barbuda, along with 14 other independent states, referred to as Commonwealth Realms. Several of these countries, including Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, Belize, St Vincent and the Grenadines, have also expressed their intentions to dismiss the British Monarch as their head of state.

In addition to the proposed republican shift, the Gaston Browne Administration hopes citizens will support stripping the London-based Privy Council of its powers as Antigua and Barbuda’s apex court. The administration proposes to replace it with the Caribbean Court of Justice.

This transition, if carried out, will mark a significant milestone in the nation’s journey towards full autonomy, as it continues to reassess and redefine its ties with the British monarchy.

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