Caribbean republican shift may be slow and limited

Significance

Jamaica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have debated the republican question; and now the government of Antigua and Barbuda has announced it would hold a referendum on becoming a republic within three years.

Impacts

• Constitutional questions may delay or potentially derail the creation of new republics.
• The large majorities needed to introduce a republican system in some countries would be difficult to achieve.
• The lack of apparent substantive change arising from replacing the head of state may discourage many voters.
• Like Barbados, any new republics would likely remain members of the Commonwealth.