Antigua and Barbuda swore in a new cabinet on Tuesday, marking a historic break from tradition by dropping the oath of allegiance to the British monarch. The move ends a 40-year practice and signals a shift toward republican governance in the Caribbean nation.
Cabinet Sworn In Without Monarch Oath
Prime Minister Gaston Browne led the new cabinet in a ceremony where members did not swear allegiance to King Charles III, a departure from the standard oath used since independence in 1981. Instead, they pledged loyalty to the Constitution and the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
Browne, who has long advocated for the country to become a republic, called the change a "significant step" toward full sovereignty. "This is about affirming our identity as an independent nation," he said after the ceremony.
Growing Republican Sentiment
Antigua and Barbuda is one of 14 Commonwealth realms that retain the British monarch as head of state. However, republican movements have gained momentum in recent years, particularly in the Caribbean. Barbados became a republic in 2021, and Jamaica has announced plans to follow suit.
Political analyst Dr. Karen Miller said the move reflects a broader trend. "Many Caribbean nations are reevaluating their colonial ties and seeking to redefine their national identity," she explained. "Dropping the monarch oath is a symbolic but powerful gesture."
Reactions and Implications
The decision has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters praised it as a step toward self-determination, while critics argued it could strain relations with the United Kingdom. The British government has not officially commented, but diplomatic sources suggest London respects the decision as a matter of national sovereignty.
The new cabinet includes several fresh faces, with Browne retaining key portfolios such as finance and foreign affairs. The government has pledged to focus on economic development, tourism recovery, and climate resilience.
Observers say the move could accelerate republican discussions in other Caribbean realms, including the Bahamas, Grenada, and St. Lucia. For now, Antigua and Barbuda remains a constitutional monarchy, but the path to a republic appears clearer.
