It’s been a long time coming but the plan is in motion and soon, Jamaica could be on its way to be a republic, ultimately axing the Queen as the head of state. Since its independence in 1962, the island country has had the British monarchy run its affairs but Sir Patrick Allen, Jamaica’s Governor-General introduced plans to make a constitutional amendment that would make history.

This move is geared to make the island take a more individualistic approach to issues affecting its future. Jamaica isn’t the only Caribbean country to follow this route. Barbados also believes that their ruler shouldn’t be someone foreign. Therefore they have started their own campaign to become a republic. Other countries such as Trinidad and Tobago have since cut off its ties.

Whereas this move may have triggered an intense debate in England, the monarch has no bad blood with Jamaica seeking to drop Queen Elizabeth as their head of state. Word from Buckingham Palace cited that this was a decision to be made only by the Jamaican people.