Prime Minister Gaston Browne has reaffirmed his personal support for Antigua and Barbuda becoming a republic, while stressing that voters must decide whether to replace the British monarch as head of state.

Speaking in an interview with itv news ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Browne said his preference remained unchanged, but acknowledged that any transition must meet the country’s constitutional requirements.

“I am a Republican. So if you’re asking me about my personal view, I would like to see Antigua and Barbuda become a republic,” he said.

Browne said the decision ultimately belonged to the people, explaining that the Constitution requires a supermajority in a referendum to approve the change. He did not announce a referendum date.

“Ultimately it is the decision of the people to determine whether or not we become a republic,” he said.

Until that decision is made, Browne said King Charles III remains Antigua and Barbuda’s sovereign and would continue to receive the respect and courtesies associated with that position.

The prime minister said public sentiment should be tested from time to time to determine whether citizens want to retain the monarchy or establish a republic.

Asked whether he would discuss his republican position with the king, Browne said the monarch was already aware of his views.

“He knows that. I told him that before,” he said.

Browne stressed that his support for constitutional change did not prevent him from maintaining a friendly relationship with the king or being a gracious host to him and Queen Camilla.

“By the way, I consider His Majesty to be a friend. We have met so often,” he said.

He recalled visiting Dumfries House in the United Kingdom about two weeks before the interview, where he attended a reception hosted by the king.

“We will not allow differences to divide us,” Browne said.

The prime minister also praised the monarch’s longstanding advocacy on climate change and environmental protection, describing those issues as areas of agreement.

“He has done an enormous amount of work and he has my full respect,” Browne said.

He said the king’s international influence was valuable to small countries such as Antigua and Barbuda, which lack the same global reach to advance their environmental concerns.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: PM Gaston Browne says he is personally in support of Antigua and Barbuda becoming a republic.