Antigua and Barbuda plans to hold referendum on whether to become a Republic
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne has said that he intends to allow Antiguans and Barbudans to determine whether the Caribbean nation should become a Republic.
This latest update follows the passing of Queen Elizabeth II just days ago.
During the Browne and Browne radio talk show on Saturday, the prime minister said becoming a Republic remains an ambition for Antigua and Barbuda.
He believes early in their next term, the government should be in a position to put a constitutional question to the people of Antigua and Barbuda to determine whether or not the country should transition from the monarch as their Head of State (King Charles III) and have their president, a local Antiguan and Barbudan, who will serve as president of the new Republic.
“Ultimately, it will be the decision of the people of Antigua and Barbuda. We will have to go to a referendum because that is an entrenched clause within the constitution. And we will put the necessary arrangements in place to facilitate such a referendum,” said Browne.
The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda notes that becoming a Republic does not represent any form of disrespect to the monarch but is just completing the circle of Independence to achieve full sovereignty in which Antigua and Barbuda will have a Head of State who will be a distinguished Antiguan and Barbudan.
Browne said: “It’s an aspiration, but ultimately it will be determined by referendum, and the people will have the say to determine whether or not they wish to move towards a Republic.”
The Antiguan Prime Minister spoke highly of the late Queen Elizabeth II. He said the Queen’s reign has been unmatched, 70 years, and perhaps will remain unprecedented for centuries to come.
Browne said she has left an enduring legacy and believes with the 70-year record, it is unlikely anyone will break that anytime soon as he noted some question if the monarchy will last another 70 years.
The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda said Queen Elizabeth II had left a rich legacy, and there were many aspects he admired about her, as he stated she was very tolerant and had a quiet assurance about her.
“I had great admiration for her,” he said.
He noted that she would have served over the last 70 years as the embodiment of the unity of the British people and as the social cement that held the Commonwealth of Nations together.
Browne said he believes King Charles III has some big shoes to hold the Commonwealth of Nations together.
He added that there is also still the issue of reparations which many countries in the Caribbean, which still have the Queen as the titular head, aspire to become a Republic.
The prime minister said Antigua and Barbuda is one of those countries that would like to become a Republic.
In a subsequent interview with ITV News, Browne said he plans to hold the referendum on becoming a Republic within the next three years.
Antigua and Barbuda's next general election is constitutionally due in 2023. Browne said he feels reasonably confident that his political party will win the next general election.
0 Comment