Shanese Davis

20207258
PURE301 Cases in Public Relations
March 15, 2024
Position Paper

DISCLAIMER: His Majesty, King Charles III, and Queen Elizabeth II will be used

interchangeably because they represent the same constitutional monarchy. The constitution

recognizes and quotes the Queen; nonetheless, the United Kingdom is ruled by the King, and as

such, he is recognized in this paper.

Since 1962, Jamaica has been a constitutional monarchy with the Queen as the sovereign.

The title of ‘Queen Elizabeth II, by the grace of God of Jamaica and of her other realms and

territories, Queen, Head of the Commonwealth.’ The Queen is represented in Jamaica by the

Governor-General. The governor general's function is alleged to be mostly ceremonial, cutting

ribbons and making speeches. Her Majesty's role is symbolic; so what does this symbol

represent? As the head of the United Kingdom, the Queen represents British culture and history.

Essentially everything that is great about Great Britain, but when it comes to Jamaica and the

other 15 Commonwealth Realm, the Queen represents slavery, suppression, resource

exploitation, and so on, which is precisely the problem. It is critical to weigh the practical

grounds for preserving or removing the monarch as head of state in Jamaica. The House of

Parliament fully approved Jamaica becoming a republic.

This takes us to the first question: is Jamaica independent while keeping ties to the

monarchical authority? Being an independent nation or country differs significantly from the

simple definition of independence, which is freedom from external control. The word

"independent country" is far more complex. The United Kingdom (UK) depends on its

relationship with the European Union (EU). It must abide by international laws, as well as many
Shanese Davis
20207258
PURE301 Cases in Public Relations
March 15, 2024
Position Paper

policies, treaties, and regulations. Does this imply that the United Kingdom is not an independent

country? What about countries in the EU? Do decisions made at the EU headquarters in

Belgium and then applied to all countries imply that they are not truly independent? The concept

of an independent country refers not only to how a country interacts with the rest of the world,

but also to how the world interacts with it. Independence is more than simply self-sufficiency

and how a country rules its people; it is also about how the rest of the world interacts with it.

Independent countries have the freedom to develop and implement their own foreign policies.

In discussing matters of independence, it is imperative to understand the limitations of the

constitutional monarchy in Jamaica. The Jamaican (constitution) order in Council 1962 states:

Chapter VI-68 (1-3) of the Jamaican Constitution states, “The executive authority of Jamaica is

invested in Her Majesty. (2) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the executive

authority of Jamaica may be exercised on behalf of Her Majesty by the Governor-General

either directly or through officers subordinate to him. (3) Nothing in this section shall prevent

Parliament from conferring functions on persons or authorities other than the Governor-

General.” This means that the final decision on anything Jamaica does comes from the King. An

independent state must be free to formulate its own laws and policies without the approval of any

other country or nation. Jamaica needs the approval of the Governor General, who represents the

Queen. This means Jamaica needs to complete the circle of independence by removing the King

and becoming a republic. The powers exercised by Parliament are the legislative power, the

executive power and the judicial power. The legislative power has to do with making laws; the

executive power means enforcing laws; and the judicial power is how justice is made, and this
Shanese Davis
20207258
PURE301 Cases in Public Relations
March 15, 2024
Position Paper

power belongs to the network of courts. The Jamaican parliament consists of the senate, the

house of representatives, and His Majesty the King or rather, His Majesty's representative, the

Governor-General. The Jamaican (constitution) order in Council 1962 states: chapter V 60 (3) A

Bill shall not become law until the Governor-General has assented thereto in Her Majesty’s

Name and on Her Majesty’s behalf and has signed it in token of such assent. This

theoretically implies that the King's approval is required for the implementation of any law in

Jamaica. Does that mean Jamaica is still independent?

The most important question to be answered in this debate about whether Jamaica should

move from a constitutional monarchy to a republic is what are the economic benefits to be

gained? Changing the monarch is not just a ceremonial declaration or merely a referendum. It

has quite a bit of financial constraints, including the changing of royal insignia located on

government buildings and the rebranding of the Jamaica Defence Force, Jamaica Constabulary

Force, and Jamaica Combined Cadet Force uniforms in order to remove the royal textile

presence. We believe it's a small price to pay for freedom. Jamaica needs to establish its own

distinct identity and sever ties with its colonial overseer. It's imperative to avoid repeating

historical patterns. A poignant example lies in Australia's history, where in 1975, amidst one of

the most significant political and constitutional crises, the Governor-General removed the Prime

Minister. Jamaica's association with the monarchy has persisted for far too long and must be

severed. We continue to bear the burdens of our colonial past, seemingly forgetting our status as

a sovereign nation. It's time for Jamaica to fully emancipate itself from the rulers who once
Shanese Davis
20207258
PURE301 Cases in Public Relations
March 15, 2024
Position Paper

enslaved us and exploited our resources. Let us complete this process and achieve

comprehensive freedom.

In summary, Jamaica may always grapple with the lingering psychological impacts of

slavery and colonialism on our cultural identity, yet transitioning to a republic marks a

significant stride forward. Let us acknowledge the resilience and fortitude we've cultivated in our

struggle for freedom and harness it for our benefit. As a proud Island, let us embrace our

indigenous leadership, committed to making decisions that prioritize the welfare of our people.

It's time to definitively move past the era of colonization. “Wi likkle but wi tallawah!”
Shanese Davis
20207258
PURE301 Cases in Public Relations
March 15, 2024
Position Paper

REFERENCES

Jamaica Gleaner:

"Just Over 50% of Jamaicans Support Removal of Queen." Jamaica

Gleaner, 8 Aug. 2022, jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20220808/just-
over-50-jamaicans-support-removal-queen.

WLRN:

"Being a Republic Would Be Symbolism for Jamaica, But Powerful Enough

to Change It." WLRN, 29 Mar. 2022,
www.wlrn.org/news/2022-03-29/being-a-republic-would-be-symbolism-
for-jamaica-but-powerful-enough-to-change-it.

The Telegraph (Archived):

"Jamaica Vows to Drop Queen as Head of State." The Telegraph, 5 May

2021,
web.archive.org/web/20210505125003/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news
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Position Paper

/worldnews/centralamericaandthecaribbean/jamaica/8998711/Jamaica-
vows-to-drop-Queen-as-head-of-state.html.

Georgetown University:

Jamaica. Constitution of Jamaica, 1962,

pdba.georgetown.edu/Constitutions/Jamaica/constitution1962.pdf.

Wikipedia:

"1975 Australian Constitutional Crisis." Wikipedia,

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1975_Australian_constitutional_crisis.

Jamaica Gleaner (Archive):

"Jamaica Gleaner." Jamaica Gleaner, 4 Feb. 2015,

jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20150204/cleisure/cleisure3.html.

Jamaican Parliament:

"Jamaican Parliament." Jamaican Parliament, www.japarliament.gov.jm/.