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Whereas the nation of islands gained independence in 1981, it nonetheless holds the UK monarch as its head of state.
Antigua and Barbuda plans to determine on whether or not to grow to be a republic throughout the subsequent three years, the Caribbean nation’s prime minister has stated, in a transfer that will see Britain’s new King Charles III eliminated as its head of state.
“It is a matter that must be taken to a referendum … throughout the subsequent, most likely, three years,” Prime Minister Gaston Browne instructed ITV Information on Saturday shortly after a neighborhood ceremony confirmed Charles III because the nation’s king following Queen Elizabeth II’s demise.
The 100,000-member nation gained independence from Britain in 1981, however is likely one of the 15 nations a part of the Commonwealth – a political affiliation that features principally former territories of the British empire – that also share the UK’s monarch as their head of state.
Brown stated turning into a republic was “a closing step to finish the circle of independence to make sure we’re really a sovereign nation”, however burdened a referendum was “not an act of hostility” and wouldn’t contain retiring Commonwealth membership.
Browne’s pledge comes amid a rising republican push throughout the Caribbean area, with Barbados voting to take away the UK monarchy final 12 months, and the ruling social gathering in Jamaica having signalled it might observe.
Nonetheless, Browne – who’s up for re-election subsequent 12 months – stated he was not responding to a widespread push from Antiguans to carry a vote.
“I feel most individuals haven’t even bothered to consider it,” he instructed ITV.
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