The Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, announces that his Government is committed to the country transitioning to a Republic. Successive Prime Ministers have pursued a republic for the country going back over many years but have not managed to achieve the goal thus far. The Prime Minister says that opinion polls are strongly in favour but a deal is needed with the Opposition so that the process is bipartisan. Jamaica will hold a referendum on becoming a Republic and a two-thirds majority vote is required in both houses of Parliament to change the Constitution. In the meantime, a public education program to inform the public about the recommendations of the Constitutional Reform Committee will be started. [“Holness says Republic of Jamaica Coming Soon as Opinion Polls Say Ditch the Monarchy, editorial, the St Kitts and Nevis Observer online, 26 May 2024]
Woman for an Australian Republic, Adelaide Ironside, republican poet and artist 1831-1867
Self portrait 1855, Newcastle Art Gallery NSW
