The government and opposition in Grenada have united to remove the oath of allegiance to King Charles III from the country's constitution, replacing it with a pledge to Grenada itself. The move, approved unanimously in parliament, reflects growing calls for reparations for slavery and the removal of the British monarch as head of state.
Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell stated that the change demonstrates a shared commitment to national identity and constitutional progress. He questioned why a Grenadian leader should swear allegiance to a foreign monarch, emphasising that sovereign countries can maintain excellent bilateral relations without such oaths.
The governor-general, Dame Cécile La Grenade, assented to the legislation after it passed both houses of parliament. Tourism and Culture Minister Adrian Thomas described the move as part of a broader decolonisation process, noting that institutions like the Royal Grenada Police Force still bear colonial names.
On the streets of St George's, communications consultant Sherene Thomas-Isaac called the change 'long overdue', stating it marks a true course of independence. The Grenada Reparations Commission has vowed to intensify efforts to seek an apology and reparations from the monarchy, citing research that King George IV personally profited from slavery on the island.
Commission head Arley Gill described the oath change as 'one small step' in deconstructing colonialism, urging immediate transition to a republic. The move follows similar actions by other Caribbean nations, including Barbados, which removed the Queen as head of state in 2021.
