So Jamaica may become a republic soon. After 50 years of independence it might cut its ties with the British monarchy and, possibly, more importantly judicial sovereignty from London. It's hard to argue a coherent case for keeping the link with old Bess in Buck House. The Empire is long gone and the sense of instinctive warmth towards Commonwealth is fast fading in Jamaica.
Make no mistake when the Jamaican football team met the Queen after the World Cup in 1998, it was special and when Lizzie comes to Jamaica and is routinely given a big plate of ackee and salt fish as the Queen of Jamaica it is a point of national pride. But now it's time to say "likkle more" to monarchy 1.0, and usher in Red Stripe royalty 2.0.
I've got a radical proposal, hear me out. Let's kick out Mrs Windsor and replace her with a Jamaican monarch. A true bonafide Yard King or Queen! Let's not have an aristocracy and all that nonsense, but elect the head of state and call them the King or Queen of Jamaica and allow them ceremonial rule over Jamrock. It would be a PR masterstroke of international proportions.
Imagine Obama coming to meet the King of Jamaica, the pride Jamaica would feel having the King or Queen turn up at the Olympics to watch Usian Bolt shatter another record and the Jamaica track team capture another bucketload of medals!
Who wants another republic in the world? The title president of Jamaica has little cache and does not make the heart sore with pride. Do I want to see the swearing in of the first president of Jamaica or the bashment party of its first "real" dancehall Queen or King? I know which I would want to attend.
Presidents in the Americas are 10 a penny, let Jamaica be the only country in the hemisphere with its own crowned head. Constitutionally it would be simple to do. Get rid of the Governor General, who is the ceremonial representative of Queen Beth and put in place the new authentic home-grown "yard" crowned head in his place.
Get the senate to elect the monarch, as Poland used to do in the middle ages, as Jamaica's upper house does little enough as it is. The criteria for selection: someone who is above politics, not affiliated to any political party, with a history of public service and above all a national treasure. Another test would be that they are suitably middle aged, so they would only be around for 20-30 years or so tops. His or her partner would be the Queen or King consort but there would be no more honours for their family as this would be a meritocratic monarchy.
When Queen Winsome or King Lenford pops their clogs, elect another one, simple. It's not right that Europeans, Asians and Africans have the market covered when it comes to royalty, let the Caribbean in on the act too, but do it with a West Indian twist.
I say the time has come for a unique reggae reggae royalty, tell me, me wrong den nuh?
My mate @StephenDGH on twitter "Great pity King Tubby is not around to take the job!"