THE NEXT set of Parliamentarians in the new Parliament to be formed after the upcoming general election, will swear allegiance to Jamaicans and the Constitution and not the Queen.

They will say:

I,..., do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Jamaica, that I will uphold and defend the Constitution and the laws of Jamaica and that I will conscientiously and impartially discharge my responsibilities to the people of Jamaica. So help me God";

The Judicial Oath taken by judges also eliminates the Queen and now reads:

I,..., do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Jamaica, that I will uphold and defend the Constitution of Jamaica and that I will administer justice to all persons alike in accordance with the laws and usages of Jamaica without fear or favour, affection or ill will. So help me God."

Below are the Oath of Allegiance and the Judicial Oath which have been replaced:

Oath of Allegiance

I, ... do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Her Heirs and Successors, according to law. So help me God.

Judicial Oath

I, ..., do swear that I will well and truly serve Our Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth II, Her Heirs and Successors, in the office of and I will do right to all manner of people after the laws and usages of Jamaica without fear or favour, affection or ill will. So help me God.

The changes were passed in the House of Representatives on Tuesday and ratified by the Senate on Friday September 20, 2002.