JAMAICANS are nearly evenly split on the issue of whether or not to cut ties with the British monarchy, with 44 per cent for and 40 per cent against.

A majority — 31 per cent — of those who want the country to become a Republic, said it would mean that Jamaica was “finally independent” of the monarchy.

Conversely, a majority — 29 per cent — of those against, suggested that Jamaica “needed all the help we can get”.

The views were expressed in the first CVM/Don Anderson polls for 2012, which sampled 1,000 persons over 18 years of age in all parishes between February 10 and 24, on the eve of the arrival of Britain’s Prince Henry (always known as Prince Harry) to mark the Jubilee of The Queen, his grandmother.

Jamaicans warmly welcomed the young prince who, from all reports, had a grand time on his visit between March 5 and 8. A high point of the visit was a race with the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, which got top billing on all the major British media.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller announced the Government’s intention to cut ties with the monarchy as a feature of the activities marking the 50th anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence from Britain.

Asked their views on cutting ties with The Queen/Britain, 38 per cent said they “definitely support the view”, while six per cent said “somewhat in favour”, making a total of 44 per cent in favour.

Among the other reasons given for cutting ties were: “Queen not needed” — 19 per cent; “we don’t benefit from Britain” — 13 per cent; “to come out of slavery” — four per cent; and “still have problems getting visas” — three per cent.

Against cutting ties, 28 per cent said “definitely not in favour” while 12 per cent said “not really in favour, for a total of 40 per cent.

Sixteen per cent responded “not sure”.

Reasons given for opposing, included: “Jamaica not ready to become a Republic” — 19 per cent; “things will get worse” — 12 per cent; “Queen can help the country” — 11 per cent; “Government still not ready to lead” – three per cent and “corruption still exists” — two per cent.

Buggery law

When Anderson asked Jamaicans for their perception on reviewing the buggery law, a big 61 per cent said they would “be less favourably inclined”, while only seven per cent said they would “be more favourably inclined”.

For a significant 23 per cent reviewing the law, “would not make a difference” while nine per cent said they had no answer.

To the delight of gays, Simpson Miller had indicated her intention, in an election debate, to review the buggery law, if her then Opposition People’s National Party became government.

Cabinet size

On the size of the 20-member Cabinet which she subsequently formed, a majority of 45 per cent of Jamaicans said it was the “right size”, while 34 per cent said it was “too large”.

Twelve per cent said they “don’t know” and nine per cent “not sure”.