LONDON: Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller, says it’s time for the Caribbean island to ditch the monarchy.
”It’s time for us to achieve full independence,” she told BBC television before a lunch with Prince Harry on Tuesday.
The prince, third-in-line to the British and Jamaican thrones, is touring Caribbean realms to mark the Queen’s diamond jubilee year.
Jamaica achieved its independence from Britain in 1962 but retained the monarchy, meaning Queen Elizabeth is the island’s head of state and Queen of Jamaica in her own right.
”We came on a long journey from slavery to adult suffrage to our independence and we are now a nation, I believe,” Mrs Simpson Miller said.
”Our maturity is now saying that we should look to a form of government that would, at this time, take full charge of our destiny. I admire the Queen. I am fond of her, she’s a wonderful lady – a beautiful lady. But in terms of our history, we have some things to do. It’s no disrespect at all to the Queen.”
Mrs Simpson Miller took office in January pledging to begin the process of becoming a republic.
She said there were other Commonwealth states in the Caribbean which had become republics, ”so I do not believe it should be taken in the context of us wanting to get rid of the Queen”.
Prince Harry’s meeting with Mrs Simpson Miller was widely expected to be the most difficult moment of his tour , but the prince, a novice at diplomacy, instantly turned it into one of the most relaxed.
He cut through any potential frostiness by grabbing Mrs Simpson Miller for a hug and kissing her on both cheeks.
The pair then held hands as they chatted animatedly.
Prince Harry also met the world’s fastest man, Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt.
After challenging Bolt to a race over 30 metres, the prince waited until the sprinter’s back was turned, then dashed off down the track.
Bolt was left staring in disbelief, while Prince Harry, 27, was so pleased with himself he threw his arms wide in celebration as he crossed the finish line.
Bolt jogged down the track to meet the laughing prince and asked: ”What was that?” before challenging him to a rematch at the London Olympics.
The prince smiled and replied: ”I’m busy.”