Jamaica introduces law in Parliament to remove British monarch

Jamaica is one step closer to becoming a republic and moving away from the British monarchy.

The Government this afternoon introduced in Parliament a law to replace King Charles III with a ceremonial Jamaican president.

The bill was tabled by Constitutional Affairs Minister Marlene Malahoo Forte.

She said the tabling of the bill marks progress towards reforming the Constitution to achieve national goals.

Alongside the republic transition, the bills propose to entrench the Electoral Commission of Jamaica in the Constitution, incorporate national symbols and emblems, clarify Jamaican citizenship criteria, and strengthen constitutional amendment procedures.

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But, approval for the law faces hurdles as the Government and Opposition disagree over Jamaica's final court.

The Opposition has been insisting that the United Kingdom-based Privy Council must be removed at the same time that the monarch is being replaced, while the Government has argued that there is no consensus on the issue and the decision on the court is set for a later phase in the reform process.

The bill will sit on the table of Parliament for three months before moving to a debate in both Houses.

A joint-select parliamentary committee will be established to review and report on the bill.