By WEFM99 From St Lucia News Online

Parliament has approved the passage of a Bill that would allow government officials here to swear allegiance to the state of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, rather than to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth second, Head of State of this country, and her heir and successors.

The amendment to the Oaths by Officials Bill will also allow for Members of Parliament to swear to serve the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the execution of their duties, rather than swearing to serve Her Majesty the Queen.

In presenting the Bill in Parliament on Tuesday, May 31st, 2016, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves noted that, the decision to amend this law in no way shows a lack of respect to Her Majesty the Queen.

He noted that there are countries like Jamaica which have the Queen as Head of State but officials there do not swear allegiance to her or swear in respect of the oath for the execution of office.

The Prime Minister said the Amendments to the law aim to make it more “consistent with the sensibilities of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

For more this story go to: http://www.stlucianewsonline.com/caribbean-svg-passes-bill-to-end-swearing-of-allegiance-to-queen-swearing-to-svg-instead/#sthash.GgFgrZbe.dpuf