The Attorney General, Sir Steadroy Benjamin is making a strong case for Antigua and Barbuda to move to a republican status as part of overall Constitutional reform.
The AG made the point on Monday during his contributions to the debate on the National Budget for Antigua and Barbuda, 2026.
“It is my duty as the Attorney General to advice the nation on when it is time to advance to republican status, and I am saying here that it is time to become a Republic. We can’t continue like this; Smarty Jnr, others have made songs about it,” he told his fellow parliamentarians and the nation.
The AG announced his intention to hold public consultations on the issue to get the public engaged in discussions around the issue.
“The Constitution must be revised, we must go towards the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and we should become a republic,” he declared.
Later in the session, the house debated a bill to change the oath from swearing to the UK Sovereign to one swearing to Antigua and Barbuda. This, according to the AG, is part of the move towards Constitutional reform which he hopes will take place in the near future.
Under a Republican Constitution, the British Monarch will be replaced by a President, who will replace the Office of Governor General.
