Last Updated on May 9, 2023, 6:19 AM AST by Anthony Morris
The Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew, who recently travelled to the United Kingdom for the Coronation Ceremony of King Charles III, has claimed publically that his country is not yet truly free even after forty years of gaining independence from the British rule. Dr Terrance Drew claimed in an interaction with BBC News that till King Charles III is the head of the state of St Kitts and Nevis, the country is not truly independent.
With these remarks, Prime Minster hinted towards the government’s intention to work towards transforming into a republic. Dr Terrance Drew stated that he wants to give his country’s people the freedom to choose their head of state. At the time of the elections, the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis and his government committed to transforming from a federal government to a republic.
The promise was repeated during St Kitts and Nevis’s 39th Anniversary of Independence. At the time, the Prime Minister, Terrance Drew addressed the people of St Kitts and Nevis and stated that the discussion had started to transform the country into a republic. The announcement in question came soon after the death of the longest-reigning monarch of England, Queen Elizabeth II.
At the same time, the country’s prime Minister called for the king’s apology on the Royal Family’s connection to promoting Slave Trade. In this regard, the king of the United Kingdom stated that he is supporting an independent enquiry into the royal family’s ties to the slave trade. Buckingham Palace also said, on behalf of the Royal Family, that the king takes the issue of slavery most seriously.
Prime Minister Drew stated that the discussion has already started, and the government will take action in the tenure of the St Kitts and Nevis Labour Party. The Prime Minister shared that St Kitts and Nevis will be truly independent once the people get the right to choose their head of state. A BBC correspondent also talked to the people of St Kitts and Nevis to get their opinion on the issue.
One resident of St Kitts and Nevis stated that it feels odd after almost four decades of independence when the country’s prime Minister has to swear allegiance to the monarch of the United Kingdom. Notably, the people are divided on whether becoming a republic is a good idea. Accordingly, the Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew stated that while they have broached the subject, reaching any conclusions is currently far.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
