Latest World News: Will abolish the monarchy, says the Jamaican Prime Minister, but Prince William-
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has pledged to complete efforts to end the monarchy in the country, but insisted Prince William and Kate Middleton are still welcome to return to the Caribbean island despite protests during a controversial royal tour last year.
They are always welcome, he said, praising the Royal Family, while suggesting he would have liked to end the monarchy when the Queen died.
I think there has always been great love and respect for the Queen in Jamaica. The appropriate time to do so would have been during a transition, said Andrew Holness. He insisted he had the support of the public, continuing, The truth is that recent polls have shown that there is a trend towards Jamaica becoming a republic. So over time the position has evolved.
Earlier, a poll showed that 49% of Jamaicans were in favor of establishing a republic, 40% in favor of maintaining a monarchy and 11% undecided. Jamaica is one of eight Caribbean countries that have retained their historic ties to the British monarchy.
The three-time Prime Minister said: We have started the journey. We have set indicative deadlines. We would have liked to be able to do it in a year, but the process is not linear. So we are on the way to public education. Then we’ll have a piece of legislation where we’ll table legislation that has to sit in Parliament before it’s passed for six months, and then we’ll have to hold a referendum.
Without sharing a timetable for when Jamaica will become a republic, he said, it all depends on how quickly the process takes place. We intended to have passed the legislation at least a year after announcing the formation, the beginning, of our constitutional reform process. But that was obviously extended because we had to engage in a long period of public education and public consultation.
Earlier, Jamaica’s Minister for Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Marlene Malahoo Forte, criticized King Charles, saying: “Many Jamaicans had a warm affection and identified with Queen Elizabeth II. When Jamaica became independent, Queen Elizabeth was already on the throne. But they don’t identify with King Charles. It is as alien as it gets to us. Plain and simple.”
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An Overview of Global Events in 2023
In 2023, the world witnessed a myriad of events that left a lasting impact on global affairs. From political developments and economic shifts to environmental challenges and breakthroughs in science and technology, the year was marked by significant changes and a sense of urgency for collective action. Here’s an overview of some of the latest world news in 2023.
Political Unrest and Diplomatic Strides:
In the political arena, several regions experienced unrest and geopolitical tensions. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to dominate headlines, with efforts towards peace and stability remaining elusive. However, there were also moments of diplomatic breakthroughs as nations engaged in dialogues to ease tensions and work towards lasting solutions.
Economic Transformations:
The global economy faced both challenges and opportunities. Trade disputes between major powers affected markets, while some countries grappled with debt crises. On the other hand, emerging economies showed resilience and promising growth, fueling optimism for a more balanced global economic landscape.
Technological Advancements:
Innovation surged forward in the tech industry, with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration. Quantum computing achieved milestones, promising radical transformations across industries. Renewable energy sources gained traction, with many countries setting ambitious goals to combat climate change.
Climate Crisis and Environmental Resilience:
As the climate crisis intensified, extreme weather events wreaked havoc in various parts of the world. Wildfires, hurricanes, and floods reminded humanity of the urgent need for climate action. In response, governments and communities across the globe doubled down on efforts to reduce carbon emissions, invest in sustainable infrastructure, and protect biodiversity.
Health and Pandemic Management:
Health remained a global priority as countries continued to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. With the emergence of new variants, vaccination efforts and public health measures remained crucial to curbing the spread of the virus. There were also significant advancements in medical research and technology, offering hope for better preparedness in handling future health crises.
Sports and Cultural Milestones:
Amidst the challenges, the world found moments of joy and unity through sports and culture. International sporting events brought together athletes from diverse backgrounds, promoting solidarity and camaraderie. Cultural exchanges and celebrations showcased the richness of human diversity and fostered mutual understanding.
In conclusion, the year 2023 was a dynamic period filled with significant events that shaped the course of history. From political unrest to technological advancements and environmental challenges, the world witnessed the complexities of the global landscape. While obstacles remained, there were also encouraging developments and collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all nations. As we move forward, the lessons learned from these events serve as a reminder of the importance of collective action and cooperation to address shared global challenges.