Whereas the nation of islands gained independence in 1981, it nonetheless holds the UK monarch as its head of state.
Antigua and Barbuda plans to resolve on whether or not to develop into a republic throughout the subsequent three years, the Caribbean nation’s prime minister has mentioned, in a transfer that will see Britain’s new King Charles III eliminated as its head of state.
“It is a matter that needs to be taken to a referendum … throughout the subsequent, most likely, three years,” Prime Minister Gaston Browne informed ITV Information on Saturday shortly after an area ceremony confirmed Charles III because the nation’s king following Queen Elizabeth II’s dying.
The 100,000-member nation gained independence from Britain in 1981, however is among the 15 nations a part of the Commonwealth – a political affiliation that features principally former territories of the British empire – that also share the UK’s monarch as their head of state.
Brown mentioned turning into a republic was “a last step to finish the circle of independence to make sure we’re actually a sovereign nation”, however harassed a referendum was “not an act of hostility” and wouldn’t contain retiring Commonwealth membership.
Browne’s pledge comes amid a rising republican push throughout the Caribbean area, with Barbados voting to take away the UK monarchy final yr, and the ruling get together in Jamaica having signalled it might observe.
Nonetheless, Browne – who’s up for re-election subsequent yr – mentioned he was not responding to a widespread push from Antiguans to carry a vote.
“I feel most individuals haven’t even bothered to consider it,” he informed ITV.
