According to The Independent, Davis spoke to reporters on Tuesday (September 13) and noted that the decision on the country’s involvement with the British monarchy is a matter for the Caribbean country to decide upon. The PM confirmed that having a public vote was on the table, telling reporters “for me, it always is but again it is our people who will have to decide.” The remarks came after signing the book of condolence at the Senate, following the death on Sept. 8 of Queen Elizabeth II.

“The only challenge with us moving to a republic is that I can’t, as much as I would wish to do it, I cannot do it without your consent,” he continued. “I will have to have a referendum and the Bahamian people will have to say to me, ‘yes.’” The Bahamas are just the latest former British colony either removing or considering parting ways with the British monarchy as its head of state. Six of the 15 nations have made such a proclamation. The referendum also comes after the royal jubilee tour of the Caribbean, led by royal couples Prince William, Princess Kate, Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, was met by protests and calls for slavery reparations in March.