Jamaica Republic
Where the move to a republic stands.
Where things stand
Jamaica is a constitutional monarchy with the King as Head of State. The process to become a republic has not been completed, and no referendum has been held or scheduled.
The steps so far
The Constitutional Reform Committee published its report in May 2024. The Constitution (Amendment) (Republic) Bill, 2024 had its first reading in the House of Representatives on 10 December 2024 and went to a Joint Select Committee. The Bill lapsed when Parliament was dissolved before the September 2025 general election.
What happens next
The subject now sits with the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, who in June 2026 asked members of Parliament to review the Bill again. The change needs a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament. A referendum is also required, and the law to hold one must first be passed.
In October 2026 the Minister said the Government and the Opposition had not agreed on Jamaica's final court, the question on which talks have stalled.