Multiple demonstrations and protests have erupted, calling for Queen Elizabeth to be removed as head of state of Jamaica.
The push coincides with Prince William and Kate Middleton’s tour of the Caribbean celebrating Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee. The week-long event is intended to celebrate months between when the Queen marked 70 years on the throne in February and when her official Jubilee begins in June. However, the royals were forced to cancel at least one event in Belize over the weekend due to protests.
In an open letter, a coalition of Jamaican leaders stated they didn’t see a reason to celebrate the Queen’s 70 years on the throne considering the suffering that took place before and during her reign.
Jamaica is hoping to change the country’s status from a constitutional monarchy to a republic. Many of the country’s politicians, doctors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders have also lent their voices to the movement to remove “the shackles of Jamaica’s colonial past.” The island is also seeking reparations for the kingdom’s role in slavery on the island.
Jamaica is not the only Caribbean country distancing itself from the royal family. Last year, Barbados became a republic during a ceremony attended by Prince Charles and Rihanna on November 29th.
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