Jamaica is reportedly moving to have Queen Elizabeth removed as the head of state.
The Independent reports that “a coalition of Jamaican politicians, business leaders, doctors and musicians” is pushing for the country to formally cut ties with the monarchy.
The Parliament of Jamaica shared that the government is starting the process of becoming a republic—with a completion goal of Aug. 6, which marks the country’s 60th Independence Day.
“It’s a long and arduous process, but having already put the wheels in motion, it will be full steam ahead in the coming weeks and months,” a senior government official told Harper’s BAZAAR.
Prince William and Duchess Kate headed off on a “charm offensive” to win over the people of Jamaica on Tuesday. The queen is still the reigning monarch of eight countries.
While government officials and dignitaries welcomed the royals, many Jamaicans took to the streets in protest of their presence. A group of Jamaican advocates (individuals and organizations) also penned an open letter to the royal couple, explaining their opposition.
“We also note that your visit is part of the celebrations to mark the 70th Anniversary (Platinum Jubilee) of the Coronation of your grandmother and the 60th Anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence. We see no reason to celebrate 70 years of the ascension of your grandmother to the British throne because her leadership, and that of her predecessors, have perpetuated the greatest human rights tragedy in the history of humankind,” the letter reads in part.
“Her ascension to the throne, in February 1952, took place 14 years after the 1938 labour uprisings against inhumane working/living conditions and treatment of workers; painful legacies of plantation slavery, which persist today,” the letter continues.
“During her 70 years on the throne, your grandmother has done nothing to redress and atone for the suffering of our ancestors that took place during her reign and/or during the entire period of British trafficking of Africans, enslavement, indentureship and colocalization.”
The royal family has not publicly commented on this.
