The death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8 caught the world’s attention, spawning mixed reactions.

Responses to her death ranged from unadulterated glee to deep sadness. While some talked about her complicity in theft and genocide, as head of state of an imperialist power, others praised the steady hand she lent her country over her decades-long reign.

The monarchy has been a frequent topic of discussion in Jamaica this year. While some Jamaicans were happy to see the Prince and Princess of Wales [the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge] in March, others protested, demanding reparations and the move to republican status. The fraught visit made for some awkward moments, as Prime Minister Andrew Holness told the royals that Jamaica intended to “move on” to become an “independent country”.

In light of all that has happened in 2022, this seems the perfect time to have a frank conversation about the monarchy and Jamaica’s relationship with it. How did Jamaicans respond to Queen Elizabeth’s death? What do these reactions tell us about Jamaican identity? Should Jamaica take advantage of this moment to push for republican status?

The first Full Department Seminar Series, hosted online by the Department of Sociology, Psychology and Social Work (SPSW) in the Faculty of Social Sciences, UWI Mona, on October 20, from 2:30 pm – 4 pm, will discuss these issues.

SPSW staff, a SPSW graduate student, and a special invited guest, Professor Rosalea Hamilton, founder of the Institute of Law and Economics, will provide important perspectives on this key historical moment.