KINGSTOWN, St Vincent (CMC) — A change in the Oaths by Officials Act in St  Vincent and the Grenadines will see officials now swearing allegiance and service to their country rather than their ceremonial head of state, Queen Elizabeth II, her heirs and successors.

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves who presented the Bill in Parliament this week told lawmakers that from time immemorial, the Oath of Allegiance and the oath for the execution of office, has been sworn, in accordance with the existing law, to Her Majesty, her heirs and successor.

“Mr Speaker, although Her Majesty is the head of state, it doesn’t necessarily follow that you have to swear the allegiance to her,” Gonsalves said.

“There is no constitutional provision to that effect in our Constitution. Parliament has made the law and Parliament can change the Oaths by Officials Act.”

Gonsalves cited Jamaica as an example of a country which has Her Majesty as “our sovereign lady” but do not swear allegiance or oath of execution of office to her.