By KLTV Newsdesk –

Officials Now Swear Allegiance to the Nation, Not the Crown, in Historic Shift

In a landmark move asserting national sovereignty, Grenada has officially abolished the requirement for state officials to pledge allegiance to the British monarchy.

As of 1 August 2025, all oaths of allegiance are now sworn solely to Grenada, marking a decisive departure from a centuries-old colonial tradition.

Constitutional Reform Ushers in New Era

Governor-General Dame Cécile La Grenade gave her assent to two constitutional amendments, The Constitution (Oath of Allegiance) (Amendment) (No. 1) Act, 2025, and The Constitution (Oath of Allegiance) (Amendment) (No. 2) Act, 2025, after both Houses of Parliament passed the legislation on 24 and 25 July.

Under the new law, all state officials are required to retake their oaths within 12 hours of 1 August or within seven days thereafter.

Crucially, they now pledge loyalty to the state of Grenada, rather than to King Charles III, his heirs, and successors.

This significant constitutional change reflects a growing desire among Grenadians for a deeper assertion of self-determination and national pride.

Grassroots Movement Drives Change

The constitutional shift was driven by Citizens for Constitution Reform (CCR), a civil society organisation chaired by Dr Francis Alexis, a former Attorney General and long-time advocate for sovereignty and reform.

Since launching its campaign in May 2024, CCR has championed the message: “No more allegiance to foreign monarchs, only loyalty to Grenada, our homeland.”

“There should no longer be allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III, his heirs and successors, but instead to the land of our birth, our citizenship in which we are domiciled, Grenada,” Dr Alexis declared at the start of the movement.

The CCR includes prominent public figures such as Ruggles Ferguson, Anande Trotman, Jerry Edwin, Ewart Layne, and Dr Wendy Grenade, all of whom have consistently advocated for meaningful constitutional transformation.

Opposition Raises Concerns Over Precedent

Not all voices welcomed the amendments. The Independent Caucus for Constitution Reform (ICCR), a non-governmental organisation, urged the Governor-General to withhold her assent.

In a letter dated 27 July, the ICCR warned that the changes could undermine constitutional safeguards and set a troubling precedent.

The organisation expressed concern that such a shift might weaken the balance of democratic powers and urged caution, citing the Governor-General’s constitutional responsibility to preserve institutional integrity. Despite these objections, the amendments proceeded into law.

A Stepping Stone to Republicanism?

While the change marks a milestone, reform advocates say it is only the beginning. Broader constitutional discussions, including the potential transition to a republic, are expected to follow.

For now, Grenadians are witnessing a historic realignment of national loyalty. No longer bound by colonial-era oaths, officials now pledge themselves to their own soil, their own people, and their own future.

What do you think about this change? Should Grenada take further steps toward becoming a republic? Share your thoughts in the comments below.