ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The debate over replacing the Queen as head of state for Antigua & Barbuda is raging on with political analyst and pollster Peter Wickham agreeing that there are no benefits for severing ties with the crown.

“There is no benefit politically, economically, or otherwise of becoming a Republic,” Wickham told OBSERVER Media.

Wickham’s view is consistent with those expressed by Speaker of the House, D Gisele Isaac, earlier this week, who said that there is no harm with the current system.

He said, “There is nothing preventing Antigua & Barbuda from doing what it wants to do now.”

However, the Barbados -based political analyst said switching to Republican status remains an option for the country if citizens choose to go that route “and is only a matter of preference.”

“Personally, I really don’t think that at this time is should be high on a list of priorities,” he added.

Queen Elizabeth II, through a governor general, remains the head of state for a number of Caribbean islands, including Jamaica.

However, that country announced its intention to adopt a Republican style system, sacking the Queen and replacing her with a president as head of state.