LONDON, England — The Bahamas has become the latest Commonwealth country to signal its intent to hold a republic referendum, and remove King Charles III as head of state, in the wake of the Queen’s death, The Daily Mail reported in an article on Thursday, September 15.
Prime Minister Phillip Davis admitted a vote on scrapping the country’s involvement with the British monarchy was on the table – but it would be for the public to decide.
It comes six months after the Prince and Princess of Wales visited Caribbean nations including The Bahamas, and insisted that the Royals’ friendship with them will endure, acknowledging that the former colonies’ relationship with the monarchy was evolving.
As recently as Monday, a spokesman for The Bahamas’ PM described a republic referendum as ‘not an agenda item of this administration at this time’.
However, the premier appears to have swiftly U-turned on this position, according to comments reported by the Independent.
Mr Davis told reporters this week: ‘For me, it always is [on the table] but again it is our people who will have to decide.
‘The only challenge with us moving to a republic is that I can’t, as much as I would wish to do it, I cannot do it without your consent.
‘I will have to have a referendum and the Bahamian people will have to say to me, ‘yes’.’
In addition to the UK, Charles III now rules in 14 Commonwealth countries that were former dominions of the British Empire, but experts have warned many of these could ‘rush for the door’ following the death of the late monarch.
Indeed, earlier this week, the prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda announced he will call for a referendum on the country becoming a republic within three years.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne signed a document confirming Charles’ status as the new King, but within minutes of doing so said he would push for a vote, as indicated during a visit by the Earl and Countess of Wessex earlier this year.
During his visit to the Caribbean in March, Prince William signalled that any decision by Jamaica, Belize and The Bahamas to break away from the British monarchy and become republics will be supported with ‘pride and respect’ in a landmark speech alongside his wife Kate at a glittering state reception.
On the sixth day of their tour of the Caribbean, the future king said the Royal Family ‘respect the decisions’ of such countries when it comes to their future in a nod to the critical ‘colonialism’ commentary and protests that accompanied welcoming crowds.
Since beginning their tour to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the Cambridges were greeted like rock stars by the public – but politicians, including the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, used meetings to make clear in public they will push for the island to be a republic with a referendum this year.
Critical royal observers led by Meghan’s cheerleader-in-chief Omid Scobie and BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond highlighted claims of a series of ‘tone deaf’ PR moments that smacked of ‘colonialism’ – leading to more social media criticism despite the couple’s warm welcome on the ground.
Speaking at the black-tie reception hosted by the Governor General of The Bahamas, Sir Cornelius Alvin Smith, William said: ‘Next year, I know you are all looking forward to celebrating fifty years of independence – your Golden Anniversary. See complete article in The Daily Mail at https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11215921/The-Bahamas-latest-Commonwealth-country-signal-intention-hold-republic-referendum.html?ito=push-notification&ci=bQspN_bafj&cri=GJgGrQpygZ&si=jfghYaD1VRRT&xi=40a476ea-f141-4593-b15d-6c9049e65dc4&ai=11215921
