Each of the original ceremonial presidencies in the English-speaking Caribbean adopted republicanism at very different stages of their constitutional development. Guyana had been independent for just four years before it became a republic in 1970. Trinidad and Tobago had been independent for over a decade when it became a republic, while Barbados had been independent for over half a century before it switched to republicanism. In contrast to these other republics, Dominica embarked upon independence as a republic. This article explores the growth of republicanism across the region, examining the very particular social, political, and historical context in which each of these countries became a republic, with a view to identifying the factors that drove each to adopt a republican system of government. Then, focussing on Jamaica as a case study of the challenges that lie ahead, it considers the likelihood of the remaining realms in the region becoming republics should they wish to do so.
O'Brien, Derek
School of Law and Social Sciences
Year of publication: 2024Date of RADAR deposit: 2025-03-05