Queen of Jamaica
   HOME

TheInfoList



Click Here for Items Related To - Queen of Jamaica
OR:
Queen of Jamaica on:   [Wikipedia]   [Google]   [Amazon]

The monarchy of Jamaica is a
constitution A constitution is the aggregate of fundamental principles or established precedents that constitute the legal basis of a polity, organisation or other type of entity and commonly determine how that entity is to be governed. When these princ ...
al system of government in which a hereditary monarch is the sovereign and
head of state A head of state (or chief of state) is the public persona who officially embodies a state Foakes, pp. 110–11 " he head of statebeing an embodiment of the State itself or representatitve of its international persona." in its unity and l ...
of
Jamaica Jamaica (; ) is an island country situated in the Caribbean Sea. Spanning in area, it is the third-largest island of the Greater Antilles and the Caribbean (after Cuba and Hispaniola). Jamaica lies about south of Cuba, and west of His ...
. The terms '' Crown in Right of Jamaica'', ''His Majesty in Right of Jamaica'', or ''The King in Right of Jamaica'' may also be used to refer to the entire executive of the government of Jamaica. Though the Jamaican Crown has its roots in the British Crown, it has evolved to become a distinctly Jamaican institution, represented by its own unique symbols. The present monarch is
King Charles III Charles III (Charles Philip Arthur George; born 14 November 1948) is King of the United Kingdom and the 14 other Commonwealth realms. He was the longest-serving heir apparent and Prince of Wales and, at age 73, became the oldest person to a ...
—officially titled King of Jamaica—who has reigned since 8 September 2022. He and other members of the Royal Family undertake various public and private functions across Jamaica and on behalf of the country abroad. However, the King is the only member of the Royal Family with any constitutional role, holding ultimate
executive authority The Executive, also referred as the Executive branch or Executive power, is the term commonly used to describe that part of government which enforces the law, and has overall responsibility for the governance of a state. In political systems ba ...
, though his
Royal Prerogative The royal prerogative is a body of customary authority, privilege and immunity, recognized in common law and, sometimes, in civil law jurisdictions possessing a monarchy, as belonging to the sovereign and which have become widely vested in th ...
remains bound by laws enacted by his predecessor in parliament and by conventions and precedents, leaving the day-to-day exercise of executive power to his Cabinet. While several powers are the sovereign's alone, most of the royal constitutional and ceremonial duties in Jamaica are carried out by the King's representative, the governor-general. The King, besides reigning in Jamaica, separately serves as monarch for each of fourteen other Commonwealth realms. This developed from the former colonial relationship of these countries to Britain, now independent each realm of the Commonwealth is legally distinct. Since Jamaica's independence in 1962, there is frequent debate on whether to replace the monarchy with a republic, a position which is supported by both major political parties.


International and domestic aspects

Jamaica has the same person as their monarch as other Commonwealth realms. Each country is sovereign and independent of the others,The
English Court of Appeal The Court of Appeal (formally "His Majesty's Court of Appeal in England", commonly cited as "CA", "EWCA" or "CoA") is the highest court within the Senior Courts of England and Wales, and second in the legal system of England and Wales only to ...
ruled in 1982, that "there is only one person who is the Sovereign within the British Commonwealth ... in matters of law and government the Queen of the United Kingdom, for example, is entirely independent and distinct from the Queen of Canada"
R_v_Foreign_Secretary;_Ex_parte_Indian_Association,_QB_892_at_928;_as_referenced_in_High_Court_of_Australia:_Sue_v_Hill_[1999]_HCA_30;_23_June_1999;_S179/1998_and_B49/1998
/ref>_meaning_the_Jamaican_monarchy_has_both_a_separate_and_a_shared_character,_and_the_monarchy_has_also_thus_ceased_to_be_an_exclusively_British_institution,_although_it_has_often_been_called_''British''_since_this_time_(in_both_legal_and_common_language)_for_reasons_historical,_political,_and_of_convenience._On_all_matters_of_the_Jamaican_state,_the_monarch_is_advised_solely_by_Jamaican_ R_v_Foreign_Secretary;_Ex_parte_Indian_Association,_QB_892_at_928;_as_referenced_in_High_Court_of_Australia:_Sue_v_Hill_[1999]_HCA_30;_23_June_1999;_S179/1998_and_B49/1998
/ref>_meaning_the_Jamaican_monarchy_has_both_a_separate_and_a_shared_character,_and_the_monarchy_has_also_thus_ceased_to_be_an_exclusively_British_institution,_although_it_has_often_been_called_''British''_since_this_time_(in_both_legal_and_common_language)_for_reasons_historical,_political,_and_of_convenience._On_all_matters_of_the_Jamaican_state,_the_monarch_is_advised_solely_by_Jamaican_Minister_of_the_Crown">Ministers_of_the_Crown_ Minister_of_the_Crown_is_a_formal_constitutional_term_used_in_Commonwealth_realms_to_describe_a__minister_of_the_reigning_sovereign_or_viceroy._The_term_indicates_that_the_minister_serves_at_His_Majesty's_pleasure,_and__advises_the_sovereign_or_...
._and,_effective_with_the_Jamaica_Independence_Act,_1962,_no_British_or_other_realm_government_can_advise_the_monarch_on_matters_pertinent_to_Jamaica. Given_these_arrangements,_it_is_considered_impossible_for_the_monarch_of_Jamaica_to_receive_an_ambassador_from,_or_send_an_ambassador_to,_any_country_of_which_he_or_she_is_also_monarch;_essentially_sending_an_ambassador_to_him_or_herself._Instead,_the_practice_of_sending_High_commissioner_(Commonwealth).html" ;"title="Minister_of_the_Crown.html" "title="999] HCA 30; 23 June 1999; S179/1998 and B49/1998">R v Foreign Secretary; Ex parte Indian Association, QB 892 at 928; as referenced in High Court of Australia: Sue v Hill Ministers_of_the_Crown_ Minister_of_the_Crown_is_a_formal_constitutional_term_used_in_Commonwealth_realms_to_describe_a__minister_of_the_reigning_sovereign_or_viceroy._The_term_indicates_that_the_minister_serves_at_His_Majesty's_pleasure,_and__advises_the_sovereign_or_...
._and,_effective_with_the_Jamaica_Independence_Act,_1962,_no_British_or_other_realm_government_can_advise_the_monarch_on_matters_pertinent_to_Jamaica. Given_these_arrangements,_it_is_considered_impossible_for_the_monarch_of_Jamaica_to_receive_an_ambassador_from,_or_send_an_ambassador_to,_any_country_of_which_he_or_she_is_also_monarch;_essentially_sending_an_ambassador_to_him_or_herself._Instead,_the_practice_of_sending_High_commissioner_(Commonwealth)">High_Commissioners_developed,_wherein_an_individual_is_sent_to_be_a_representative_in_one_realm_of_the_government_in_another.


_Title_and_style

The_shared_and_domestic_aspects_of_the_Crown_are_also_highlighted_in_the_sovereign's_Jamaican_title,_currently_''Charles_the_Third,_by_the_Grace_of_God,_King_of_Jamaica_and_of_His_other_Realms_and_Territories,_Head_of_the_Commonwealth''._The_sovereign's_role_specifically_as_King_of_Jamaica,_as_well_as_his_status_as_monarch_of_other_nations,_is_communicated_by_mentioning_Jamaica_separately_from,_but_along_with,_the_King's_other_lands._Typically,_the_sovereign_is_styled_''King_of_Jamaica'',_and_is_addressed_as_such_when_in_Jamaica_or_performing_duties_on_behalf_of_Jamaica_abroad.


_Finance

The_sovereign_only_draws_from_Jamaican_coffers_for_support_in_the_performance_of_his_duties_when_in_Jamaica_or_acting_as_King_of_Jamaica_abroad;_Jamaicans_do_not_pay_any_money_to_the_King,_either_towards_personal_income_or_to_support_royal_residences_outside_Jamaica._This_applies_equally_to_other_members_of_the_royal_family._Normally,_tax_dollars_pay_only_for_the_costs_associated_with_the_governor-general_in_the_exercise_of_the_powers_of_the_Crown,_including_travel,_security,_residences,_offices,_ceremonies,_and_the_like.


_Succession

Succession_is_by_primogeniture.html" ;"title="999] HCA 30; 23 June 1999; S179/1998 and B49/1998
/ref> meaning the Jamaican monarchy has both a separate and a shared character, and the monarchy has also thus ceased to be an exclusively British institution, although it has often been called ''British'' since this time (in both legal and common language) for reasons historical, political, and of convenience. On all matters of the Jamaican state, the monarch is advised solely by Jamaican Minister of the Crown">Ministers of the Crown Minister of the Crown is a formal constitutional term used in Commonwealth realms to describe a minister of the reigning sovereign or viceroy. The term indicates that the minister serves at His Majesty's pleasure, and advises the sovereign or ...
. and, effective with the Jamaica Independence Act, 1962, no British or other realm government can advise the monarch on matters pertinent to Jamaica. Given these arrangements, it is considered impossible for the monarch of Jamaica to receive an ambassador from, or send an ambassador to, any country of which he or she is also monarch; essentially sending an ambassador to him or herself. Instead, the practice of sending High commissioner (Commonwealth)">High Commissioners developed, wherein an individual is sent to be a representative in one realm of the government in another.


Title and style

The shared and domestic aspects of the Crown are also highlighted in the sovereign's Jamaican title, currently ''Charles the Third, by the Grace of God, King of Jamaica and of His other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth''. The sovereign's role specifically as King of Jamaica, as well as his status as monarch of other nations, is communicated by mentioning Jamaica separately from, but along with, the King's other lands. Typically, the sovereign is styled ''King of Jamaica'', and is addressed as such when in Jamaica or performing duties on behalf of Jamaica abroad.


Finance

The sovereign only draws from Jamaican coffers for support in the performance of his duties when in Jamaica or acting as King of Jamaica abroad; Jamaicans do not pay any money to the King, either towards personal income or to support royal residences outside Jamaica. This applies equally to other members of the royal family. Normally, tax dollars pay only for the costs associated with the governor-general in the exercise of the powers of the Crown, including travel, security, residences, offices, ceremonies, and the like.


Succession

Succession is by primogeniture">absolute primogeniture governed by the provisions of the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, as well as the Act of Settlement 1701, and the Bill of Rights 1689. This legislation limits the succession to the natural (i.e. non-adoption, adopted), legitimate descendants of Sophia of Hanover, Sophia, Electress of Hanover, and stipulates that the monarch cannot be a
Roman Catholic Roman or Romans most often refers to: *Rome, the capital city of Italy * Ancient Rome, Roman civilization from 8th century BC to 5th century AD * Roman people, the people of ancient Rome *'' Epistle to the Romans'', shortened to ''Romans'', a let ...
, nor married to one, and must be in communion with the
Church of England The Church of England (C of E) is the established Christian church in England and the mother church of the international Anglican Communion. It traces its history to the Christian church recorded as existing in the Roman province of Britai ...
upon ascending the throne. Though these constitutional laws, as they apply to Jamaica, still lie within the control of the
British parliament The Parliament of the United Kingdom is the supreme legislative body of the United Kingdom, the Crown Dependencies and the British Overseas Territories. It meets at the Palace of Westminster, London. It alone possesses legislative suprem ...
, via adopting the Statute of Westminster both the United Kingdom and Jamaica agreed not to change the rules of succession without the unanimous consent of the other realms, unless explicitly leaving the shared monarchy relationship; a situation that applies identically in all the other realms, and which has been likened to a
treaty A treaty is a formal, legally binding written agreement between actors in international law. It is usually made by and between sovereign states, but can include international organizations, individuals, business entities, and other legal pe ...
amongst these countries. Thus, Jamaica's line of succession remains identical to that of the United Kingdom. Upon a ''
demise of the Crown Demise of the Crown is the legal term in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth realms for the transfer of the Crown upon the death of the monarch. The Crown transfers automatically to the monarch's heir. The concept evolved in the kingdom of En ...
'' (the death or abdication of a sovereign) it is customary for the accession of the new monarch to be publicly proclaimed by the governor-general. Regardless of any proclamations, the late sovereign's heir immediately and automatically succeeds, without any need for confirmation or further ceremony; hence arises the phrase "
The king is dead, long live the king! "The king is dead, long live the king!" is a traditional proclamation made following the accession of a new monarch in various countries. The seemingly contradictory phrase simultaneously announces the death of the previous monarch and assures ...
" Following an appropriate period of
mourning Mourning is the expression of an experience that is the consequence of an event in life involving loss, causing grief, occurring as a result of someone's death, specifically someone who was loved although loss from death is not exclusively ...
, the monarch is also crowned in the United Kingdom, though this ritual is not necessary for a sovereign to reign; for example, Edward VIII was never crowned, yet was undoubtedly king during his short time on the throne. All incumbent
viceroy A viceroy () is an official who reigns over a polity in the name of and as the representative of the monarch of the territory. The term derives from the Latin prefix ''vice-'', meaning "in the place of" and the French word ''roy'', meaning " ...
s, judges, civil servants, legislators, military officers, etc., are not affected by the death of the monarch. After an individual ascends the throne, he or she typically continues to reign until death. Monarchs are not allowed to unilaterally abdicate; the only monarch to abdicate, Edward VIII, did so before Jamaica was independent, and, even then, only with the authorization of specials
Acts of Parliament Acts of Parliament, sometimes referred to as primary legislation, are texts of law passed by the legislative body of a jurisdiction (often a parliament or council). In most countries with a parliamentary system of government, acts of parliament be ...
in the Dominions.


Personification of the state

Since the independence of Jamaica, the sovereign's role as monarch of Jamaica has been recognized and promoted as separate from his or her position as monarch of the United Kingdom. From the beginning of Queen
Elizabeth II Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary; 21 April 1926 – 8 September 2022) was Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 6 February 1952 until her death in 2022. She was queen regnant of 32 sovereign states during ...
's reign onwards, royal symbols in Jamaica were altered or new ones created to make them distinctly Jamaican, such as the augmentation of the Royal Arms of Jamaica in 1962 and Former Queen's Royal Standard for Jamaica, created in 1962. Today the sovereign is regarded as the personification, or legal personality, of the Jamaican
state State may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Literature * ''State Magazine'', a monthly magazine published by the U.S. Department of State * ''The State'' (newspaper), a daily newspaper in Columbia, South Carolina, United States * ''Our S ...
. Therefore, the state is referred to as ''His Majesty the King in Right of Jamaica''; for example, if a lawsuit is filed against the government, the respondent is formally described as ''His Majesty the King in Right of Jamaica'', or simply ''King'' (if male) or '' Regina'' (if female). As such, the monarch is the owner of all state lands (called '' Crown land''), buildings and equipment (called ''Crown held property''), state-owned companies (called ''
Crown Corporations A state-owned enterprise (SOE) is a government entity which is established or nationalised by the ''national government'' or ''provincial government'' by an executive order or an act of legislation in order to earn profit for the government ...
''), and the
copyright A copyright is a type of intellectual property that gives its owner the exclusive right to copy, distribute, adapt, display, and perform a creative work, usually for a limited time. The creative work may be in a literary, artistic, educatio ...
for all government publications (called '' Crown copyright''), as well as guardianship of foster children (called '' Crown wards''), in his or her position as sovereign, and not as an individual. Government staff are also employed by the monarch, as are the governor-general, judges, members of the
Jamaica Defence Force The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) is the combined military of Jamaica, consisting of an infantry Regiment and Reserve Corps, an Air Wing, a Coast Guard fleet and a supporting Engineering Unit. The JDF is based upon the British military model, with ...
,
police The police are a constituted body of persons empowered by a state, with the aim to enforce the law, to ensure the safety, health and possessions of citizens, and to prevent crime and civil disorder. Their lawful powers include arrest and th ...
officers, and parliamentarians, who all technically work for the monarch. Many employees of the Crown were once required by law to recite an oath of allegiance to the monarch before taking their posts, in reciprocation to the sovereign's
Coronation A coronation is the act of placement or bestowal of a crown upon a monarch's head. The term also generally refers not only to the physical crowning but to the whole ceremony wherein the act of crowning occurs, along with the presentation of ot ...
Oath, wherein he or she promises "to govern the Peoples of ... Jamaica ... according to their respective laws and customs". Save for that taken by senators, the oaths of allegiance were altered in 2002, removing mention of the monarch.


Constitutional role

Jamaica's constitution is made up of a variety of statutes and conventions that are either British or Jamaican in origin, which gives Jamaica a similar parliamentary system of government to the other Commonwealth realms, wherein the role of the King and the governor-general is both legal and practical. The Crown is regarded as a corporation, in which several parts share the authority of the whole, with the King as the person at the centre of the constitutional construct, meaning all powers of state are constitutionally reposed in the monarch, who is represented by the governor-generalappointed by the monarch on the advice of the
Prime Minister of Jamaica The prime minister of Jamaica is Jamaica's head of government, currently Andrew Holness. Holness, as leader of the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), was sworn in as prime minister on 7 September 2020, having been re-elected as a result of t ...
. Most of the King's domestic duties are performed by this
vice-regal A viceroy () is an official who reigns over a polity in the name of and as the representative of the monarch of the territory. The term derives from the Latin prefix ''vice-'', meaning "in the place of" and the French word ''roy'', meaning "k ...
representative, though he is briefed through regular communications from his Jamaican ministers, and holds audience with them whenever possible. All institutions of government are said to act under the sovereign's authority; the vast powers that belong to the Crown are collectively known as the
Royal Prerogative The royal prerogative is a body of customary authority, privilege and immunity, recognized in common law and, sometimes, in civil law jurisdictions possessing a monarchy, as belonging to the sovereign and which have become widely vested in th ...
. Parliamentary approval is not required for the exercise of the Royal Prerogative; moreover, the consent of the Crown must be obtained before either of the houses of parliament may even debate a bill affecting the sovereign's prerogatives or interests. While the Royal Prerogative is extensive, it is not unlimited; for example, the monarch does not have the prerogative to impose and collect new taxessuch an action requires the authorization of an
Act of Parliament Acts of Parliament, sometimes referred to as primary legislation, are texts of law passed by the Legislature, legislative body of a jurisdiction (often a parliament or council). In most countries with a parliamentary system of government, acts of ...
. The government of Jamaica is also thus formally referred to as ''
His Majesty's Government ga, Rialtas a Shoilse gd, Riaghaltas a Mhòrachd , image = HM Government logo.svg , image_size = 220px , image2 = Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom (HM Government).svg , image_size2 = 180px , caption = Royal Arms , date_est ...
''. Further, the constitution instructs that any change to the position of the monarch, or the monarch's representative in Jamaica, requires the consent of a two-thirds majority of each house of parliament. When Jamaica attained fully responsible status within the Commonwealth provision for the new constitution, with effect from 6 August 1962, was made by The Jamaica (Constitution) Order in Council 1962, under the West Indies Act, 1962 and the Jamaica Independence Act, 1962. The Oath of Allegiance, set out in the First Schedule of the Order in Council, is a declaration of allegiance to "Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Her Heirs and Successors".


Executive (King-in-Council)

In Jamaica's constitutional system, one of the main duties of the Crown is to appoint a
prime minister A prime minister, premier or chief of cabinet is the head of the cabinet and the leader of the ministers in the executive branch of government, often in a parliamentary or semi-presidential system. Under those systems, a prime minister i ...
, who thereafter heads the Cabinet and advises the monarch and governor-general on how to execute their executive powers over all aspects of government operations and foreign affairs; this requirement is, unlike in other Commonwealth realms where it is a matter of convention, constitutionally enshrined in Jamaica. Though the monarch's power is still a part of the executive processthe operation of the Cabinet is technically known as the '' King-in-Council'' (or ''Governor-in-Council'')the advice tendered is typically binding. Since the death of Queen Anne in 1714, the last monarch to head the
British Cabinet The Cabinet of the United Kingdom is the senior decision-making body of His Majesty's Government. A committee of the Privy Council, it is chaired by the prime minister and its members include secretaries of state and other senior ministers. ...
, the monarch ''reigns'' but does not ''rule''. This means that the monarch's role, and thereby the viceroys' role, is almost entirely symbolic and cultural, acting as a symbol of the legal authority under which all governments and agencies operate, while the Cabinet directs the use of the Royal Prerogative, which includes the privilege to declare war, maintain the King's peace, and direct the actions of the
Jamaica Defence Force The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) is the combined military of Jamaica, consisting of an infantry Regiment and Reserve Corps, an Air Wing, a Coast Guard fleet and a supporting Engineering Unit. The JDF is based upon the British military model, with ...
, as well as to summon and prorogue parliament, and call elections. However, it is important to note that the Royal Prerogative belongs to the Crown, and not to any of the ministers, though it may sometimes appear that way, and the royal figures may unilaterally use these powers in exceptional
constitutional crisis In political science, a constitutional crisis is a problem or conflict in the function of a government that the political constitution or other fundamental governing law is perceived to be unable to resolve. There are several variations to this ...
situations. There are also a few duties which must be specifically performed by, or bills that require assent by, the King. These include signing the appointment papers of the governor-general, the confirmation of awards of
Jamaican honours system The Jamaican honours system has developed as a unique entity since the passage of the ''National Honours and Awards Act'' by the Parliament of Jamaica in 1969 (Act No. 21 of 1969). The system is modelled largely on the British honours system, which ...
, and the approval of any change in her Jamaican title. In accordance with convention, the monarch or governor-general, to maintain the stability of government, must appoint as prime minister the individual most likely to maintain the support of the
House of Representatives House of Representatives is the name of legislative bodies in many countries and sub-national entitles. In many countries, the House of Representatives is the lower house of a bicameral legislature, with the corresponding upper house often c ...
: usually the leader of the
political party A political party is an organization that coordinates candidates to compete in a particular country's elections. It is common for the members of a party to hold similar ideas about politics, and parties may promote specific ideological or p ...
with a majority in that house, but also when no party or coalition holds a majority (referred to as a minority government situation), or other scenarios in which the governor-general's judgement about the most suitable candidate for prime minister has to be brought into play. The governor-general also appoints to the Cabinet the other
ministers of the Crown Minister of the Crown is a formal constitutional term used in Commonwealth realms to describe a minister of the reigning sovereign or viceroy. The term indicates that the minister serves at His Majesty's pleasure, and advises the sovereign or ...
, who are, in turn, accountable to the democratically elected House of Representatives, and through it, to the people. The King is informed by his viceroy of the acceptance of the resignation of a prime minister and the swearing-in of a new prime minister and other members of the ministry. Members of various executive agencies and other officials are appointed by the Crown. The commissioning of privy councillors, senators, the Speaker of the Senate, Supreme Court justices also falls under the Royal Prerogative, though these duties are specifically assigned to the governor-general by the constitution. Public inquiries are also commissioned by the Crown through a Royal Warrant, and are called Royal Commissions.


Foreign affairs

The Royal Prerogative also extends to foreign affairs: the sovereign or governor-general negotiates and ratifies treaties, alliances, and international agreements. As with other uses of the Royal Prerogative, no parliamentary approval is required; however, a treaty cannot alter the domestic laws of Jamaica; an Act of Parliament is necessary in such cases. The governor-general, on behalf of the King, also accredits Jamaican High Commissioners and ambassadors, and receives diplomats from foreign states.


Parliament (King-in-Parliament)

The sovereign, along with the Senate and the
House of Representatives House of Representatives is the name of legislative bodies in many countries and sub-national entitles. In many countries, the House of Representatives is the lower house of a bicameral legislature, with the corresponding upper house often c ...
, is one of the three components of
Parliament In modern politics, and history, a parliament is a legislative body of government. Generally, a modern parliament has three functions: representing the electorate, making laws, and overseeing the government via hearings and inquiries. Th ...
, called the '' King-in-Parliament''. The authority of the Crown therein is embodied in the mace for each house, which both bear a crown at their apex. Per the constitution, the monarch does not, however, participate in the legislative process; the viceroy does, though only in the granting of
Royal Assent Royal assent is the method by which a monarch formally approves an act of the legislature, either directly or through an official acting on the monarch's behalf. In some jurisdictions, royal assent is equivalent to promulgation, while in oth ...
. Further, the constitution outlines that the governor-general alone is responsible for summoning, proroguing, and dissolving parliament, after which the writs for a general election are usually dropped by the governor-general at
Government House Government House is the name of many of the official residences of governors-general, governors and lieutenant-governors in the Commonwealth and the remaining colonies of the British Empire. The name is also used in some other countries. Gover ...
. The new parliamentary session is marked by the State Opening of Parliament, during which either the monarch or the governor-general reads the Speech from the Throne. As the monarch and viceroy cannot enter the House of Representatives, this, as well as the bestowing of Royal Assent, takes place in the Senate chamber; Members of Parliament are summoned to these ceremonies from the Commons by the Crown's messenger, the
Usher of the Black Rod Black Rod (officially known as the Lady Usher of the Black Rod or, if male, the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod) is an official in the parliaments of several Commonwealth countries. The position originates in the House of Lords of the Parlia ...
, after he knocks on the doors of the lower house that have been slammed closed on him, to symbolise the barring of the monarch from the assembly. All laws in Jamaica are enacted only with the viceroy's granting of Royal Assent; usually done by the governor-general, with the Broad Seal of Jamaica. Thus, all bills begin with the phrase "BE IT ENACTED by The King's Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Representatives of Jamaica, and by the authority of the same, as follows..."


Courts (King-on-the-Bench)

The sovereign is deemed the ''fount of justice'', and is responsible for rendering justice for all subjects, known in this role as the '' King on the Bench''. However, he or she does not personally rule in judicial cases; instead, judicial functions are performed in his or her name by what are termed ''His Majesty's
Justices of the Peace A justice of the peace (JP) is a judicial officer of a lower or ''puisne'' court, elected or appointed by means of a commission ( letters patent) to keep the peace. In past centuries the term commissioner of the peace was often used with the sa ...
''. Hence, the common law holds that the sovereign "can do no wrong"; the monarch cannot be prosecuted in his or her own courts for criminal offences. Civil lawsuits against the Crown in its public capacity (that is, lawsuits against the government) are permitted; however, lawsuits against the monarch personally are not cognizable. In international cases, as a sovereign and under established principles of
international law International law (also known as public international law and the law of nations) is the set of rules, norms, and standards generally recognized as binding between states. It establishes normative guidelines and a common conceptual framework for ...
, the King of Jamaica is not subject to suit in foreign courts without his express consent. The sovereign, and by extension the governor-general, also exercises the '' prerogative of mercy'', and may pardon offences against the Crown, either before, during, or after a trial. In addition, the monarch also serves as a symbol of the legitimacy of courts of justice, and of their judicial authority. An image of the King or the
coat of arms of Jamaica Considered as a legacy from the British with slight modifications, the Jamaican coat of arms was granted to Jamaica in 1661 under Royal Warrant. The original was designed by William Sancroft, then Archbishop of Canterbury. Official description T ...
is always displayed in Jamaican courtrooms.


Cultural aspects


Royal tours

Queen Elizabeth II's first visit to Jamaica was in November 1953.Royal visits
/ref> At Jamaica's independence celebrations in 1962, the Queen of Jamaica was represented by her sister Princess Margaret, where she opened the first session of the
Parliament of Jamaica The Parliament of Jamaica is the legislative branch of the government of Jamaica. It consists of three elements: The Crown (represented by the Governor-General), the appointed Senate and the directly elected House of Representatives. The S ...
on behalf of The Queen. The Queen visited Jamaica again in March 1966. The same year
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (born Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, later Philip Mountbatten; 10 June 1921 – 9 April 2021) was the husband of Queen Elizabeth II. As such, he served as the consort of the British monarch from E ...
, accompanied by his son,
Charles, Prince of Wales Charles III (Charles Philip Arthur George; born 14 November 1948) is King of the United Kingdom and the 14 other Commonwealth realms. He was the longest-serving heir apparent and Prince of Wales and, at age 73, became the oldest person to a ...
, toured Jamaica as part of his visit there to open that year's Commonwealth Games. Other visits by the Queen took place in April 1975, February 1983, March 1994, and February 2002. Other members of the Royal Family have also paid visits.


Queen's Personal Flag for Jamaica

The former Queen had a personal flag in her former role as Queen of Jamaica. It was first used when she visited Jamaica in 1966, as part of her Caribbean tour. The flag consists of a banner of the
coat of arms of Jamaica Considered as a legacy from the British with slight modifications, the Jamaican coat of arms was granted to Jamaica in 1661 under Royal Warrant. The original was designed by William Sancroft, then Archbishop of Canterbury. Official description T ...
defaced with the Queen's Royal Cypher. The flag is white and bears a red
St George's Cross In heraldry, Saint George's Cross, the Cross of Saint George, is a red cross on a white background, which from the Late Middle Ages became associated with Saint George, the military saint, often depicted as a crusader. Associated with the cru ...
. A gold
pineapple The pineapple (''Ananas comosus'') is a tropical plant with an edible fruit; it is the most economically significant plant in the family Bromeliaceae. The pineapple is indigenous to South America, where it has been cultivated for many centuri ...
is superimposed on each arm of the Cross. A blue disc with the Royal Cypher is placed in the centre of the Cross. The disc is taken from the Queen's personal flag.Symbols and ceremonies
 The current monarch, King Charles, has so far not adopted a personal flag for Jamaica.


Public opinion

Prior to the Queen's 2002 visit, the
newspaper A newspaper is a Periodical literature, periodical publication containing written News, information about current events and is often typed in black ink with a white or gray background. Newspapers can cover a wide variety of fields such as p ...
'' Jamaica Gleaner'' said "So as Jamaica looks back, let it also look forward. Let this visit not so much renew old ties as cement new ones." The
BBC #REDIRECT BBC #REDIRECT BBC Here i going to introduce about the best teacher of my life b BALAJI sir. He is the precious gift that I got befor 2yrs . How has helped and thought all the concept and made my success in the 10th board exam. ...
...
reported that "despite republican sentiments in the country she was given an enthusiastic welcome." A poll taken in 2002 showed that 57% of Jamaicans thought that the Queen's visit to Jamaica as part of her Golden Jubilee tour was important.


Republicanism

Individuals in both major political parties in Jamaica have voiced support for making Jamaica a republic. In September 2003, then
Prime Minister of Jamaica The prime minister of Jamaica is Jamaica's head of government, currently Andrew Holness. Holness, as leader of the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), was sworn in as prime minister on 7 September 2020, having been re-elected as a result of t ...
P. J. Patterson called for Jamaica to abolish the monarchy by 2007.
Bruce Golding Orette Bruce Golding (born 5 December 1947) is a former Jamaican politician who served as eighth Prime Minister of Jamaica from 11 September 2007 to 23 October 2011. He is a member of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), which he led from 2005 to h ...
, while the prime minister and leader of the conservative Jamaica Labour Party, also pledged that Jamaica shall "take steps to amend the constitution to replace the Queen with a Jamaican President who symbolises the unity of the nation". Prime Minister
Portia Simpson-Miller Portia Lucretia Simpson-Miller (born 12 December 1945) is a Jamaican politician. She served as Prime Minister of Jamaica from March 2006 to September 2007 and again from 5 January 2012 to 3 March 2016. She was the leader of the People's Nationa ...
expressed her intention to make Jamaica a republic to coincide with the country's 50th anniversary of independence in August 2012, but did not follow through with the proposed change which would require the support of two-thirds of both houses in the
Parliament of Jamaica The Parliament of Jamaica is the legislative branch of the government of Jamaica. It consists of three elements: The Crown (represented by the Governor-General), the appointed Senate and the directly elected House of Representatives. The S ...
to pass; Simpson-Miller's
People's National Party The People's National Party (PNP) is a social-democratic political party in Jamaica, founded in 1938 by independence campaigner Osmond Theodore Fairclough. It holds 14 of the 63 seats in the House of Representatives, as 96 of the 227 local go ...
had a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives but was one seat short in the Senate and would have needed the support of at least one senator from the opposition Jamaica Labour Party in order to have the constitutional reform approved. The current leader of the JLP,
Andrew Holness Andrew Michael Holness, (born 22 July 1972) is a Jamaican politician who has been the Prime Minister of Jamaica since 3 March 2016, following the 2016 Jamaican general election. Holness previously served as prime minister from October 2011 to ...
, who succeeded Simpson-Miller as prime minister in 2016, has announced that his government will amend the Constitution to make Jamaica a republic. Specifically, the government has pledged to introduce a constitutional amendment to "replace Her Majesty The Queen with a non-executive president as head of state". During the 2020 Jamaican general election the opposition (People's National Party) promised to hold a referendum on becoming a republic within 18 months if it won the election. Polls suggested that 55% of respondents desired the country become a republic. However, the ruling Jamaica Labour Party, which had in 2016 promised a referendum but not carried one out, was re-elected. In June 2022, the Jamaican government announced its intention that Jamaica become a republic by the time of the next election in 2025. The process will include a two-thirds majority vote in parliament along with a referendum.


List of Jamaican monarchs


See also

* Constitution of Jamaica *
Jamaican High Commission in London The High Commission of Jamaica in London is the diplomatic mission of Jamaica in the United Kingdom. History The High Commission had its beginnings in 1962. Among the first diplomatic missions to be established after the attainment of independe ...
* List of monarchies * Monarchies in the Americas


References


External links


King's Official website on JamaicaThe Monarch
at jis.gov.jm
How To Address The Head of State
at jis.gov.jm {{DEFAULTSORT:Jamaica Monarchy in Jamaica Government of Jamaica Politics of Jamaica
Jamaica Jamaica (; ) is an island country situated in the Caribbean Sea. Spanning in area, it is the third-largest island of the Greater Antilles and the Caribbean (after Cuba and Hispaniola). Jamaica lies about south of Cuba, and west of His ...
Heads of state of Jamaica 1962 establishments in Jamaica Monarchies of North America Kingdoms