Attorney General Sir Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin on Tuesday announced that a bill will be brought before Parliament later in the session to change Antigua and Barbuda’s oath of allegiance, saying the continued pledge to the British monarch is incompatible with the country’s independence.
Benjamin raised the issue during his presentation in Parliament, urging lawmakers to confront what he described as an outdated constitutional practice more than four decades after independence.
“Later in the session, there was a bill. We should present it, aimed at changing our oath of allegiance,” Benjamin told the House.
He argued that it was “about time” Antigua and Barbuda moved away from swearing allegiance to the Crown. “It’s about time that we stop this theory to Her Majesty the Queen… King,” he said. “It’s about time we do that. It’s about time we change.”
The attorney general questioned how long the country would continue to pledge loyalty to a foreign monarch, asking MPs, “How long are we going to swear His Majesty? How long are we going to do that?”
Benjamin said the issue was directly tied to national sovereignty and should be addressed openly as part of broader constitutional reform. “Are we in this region so unconcerned about our independence?” he asked.
Referencing the country’s history, Benjamin noted that Antigua and Barbuda spent more than 300 years as a colony before achieving independence in 1981, arguing that independence should be reflected not only in governance but also in national symbols and pledges.
He said raising the matter publicly was part of his responsibility as attorney general. “It’s my duty to let the people know it’s time for us to consider becoming a republic,” Benjamin said.
Benjamin urged the prime minister and the government to initiate discussions on the proposed changes, telling Parliament, “At least invite the talk. Have discussions on those matters.”
He concluded by linking the proposed bill to wider constitutional reform, telling the House, “The Constitution must be revised.”
