Sean Paul Says it’s Time for Jamaica to Cut Ties with Britain and Become a Republic

As the Jamaican government proceeds with its plans to make Jamaica a republic, Dancehall veteran Sean Paul has voiced his opinion that the time has come to cut ties with the British monarchy.

Though Jamaica gained independence in 1962, the British monarchy, currently led by King Charles III, has remained the country’s head of state and the United Kingdom home of its final court of appeal.

Notably, Dancehall artiste Sean Paul, born Ryan Henriques, is of British descent, as his grandmother was born in Coventry, England.

Speaking with Good Morning Britain, Sean Paul shared his thoughts on Jamaica exiting the British Commonwealth to become a truly independent nation. The artiste expressed that every child has to grow up and become independent, and countries should be perceived the same way.

“We need to prove ourselves to be us. So salute to the great UK. And I’m not saying so long; I’m saying give us our chance to stand up and make you proud,” Sean Paul stated.

The Temperature deejay went on to explain that the complexities of the UK’s visa system, especially for an artiste, have led him to take this stance. He added that they are part of the British Commonwealth but are often scrutinised.

The Jamaican government, currently helmed by the Andrew Holness-led Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), has expressed their intent to transition Jamaica from a constitutional monarchy to a republic by 2025.

Watch a clip from Sean Paul’s interview below.