Barnett Renews Call For Jamaica to Ditch British Monarchy

Prominent constitutional attorney, Dr. Lloyd Barnett, has renewed his call for Jamaica to decisively move away from the British monarchy.

He described the current constitutional arrangement as inconsistent with the nation’s identity, aspirations, and dignity, having endured for more than 60 years of independence.

In a statement echoing both poetic conviction and legal urgency, Dr. Barnett likened the nation’s constitutional makeup to a living body.

Shaloy Smikle tells us more.

According to the legal luminary, the composition of Jamaica’s body politic is the spine of the courage and sacrifices of its National Heroes and freedom fighters.

The nation’s organs are composed of its missionaries, icons, and celebrities, the blood of its people’s aspirations and self-determination.

Its thick skin of resilience and fortitude is now all covered by the outer layer of an imperial monarchy.

Dr. Barnett says the nation must join together in a process of transformation by the removal of the imperial outer layer.

He says there is no reason that is consistent with Jamaica’s national identity and pride that should further delay this process of transformation.

The message forms part of the nation’s Emancipation and Independence celebrations.

It also follows a constitutional reform process which has stalled due to the withdrawal of the People’s National Party due to concerns over Jamaica’s final appellate court.

Dr. Barnett, a long-time advocate of republicanism, urged Jamaicans to combine all their hopes and aspirations in carrying forward the desired reconstruction and transformation.

He calls the monarchy’s retention an outdated symbol that no longer aligns with the country’s democratic maturity.

Dr. Barnett’s message adds to the growing chorus of influential voices urging the nation to complete the journey it began in 1962 by finally removing the British Crown as its head of state.