Queen Elizabeth II was pictured at Balmoral Castle on Tuesday, September 6, just two days before her death.
The Government of Jamaica has declared that, with immediate effect, all flags on public buildings should be flown at half-mast to mark the commencement of a period of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II, from September 8 to 19.
The 96-year-old Queen, who was Jamaica's head of state, "died peacefully" on Thursday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, Buckingham Palace earlier announced.
According to the Office of the Prime Minister, a day of mourning will be observed on September 18. During the period, it is the customary recommendation that no celebratory activities should take place.
Tributes poured in from across the world following the announcement of the Queen's death.
In a statement from Jamaica House, Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated: "The world has lost a global matriarch, who was a steadying and constant force throughout many crises and periods of difficulty."
He said over the course of her 70-year reign, the Queen had "made an immense contribution to the world in public life and was a close friend of Jamaica".
A statement from the opposition People's National Party expressed "sincerest condolences to the House of Windsor and the people of the United Kingdom on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II".
It noted that during her many royal visits, "the Queen participated in significant milestones in Jamaica's history" including the opening of the Norman Manley Law School in the 1970s.
Former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, in a video statement, said it was an honour to have met the Queen, who he called compassionate. He said her death plunged the world under a veil of sadness.
Mixed reactions
But, there have been mixed reactions from Jamaicans on the passing of the Queen.
"Personally, I am not emotionally disturbed by her passing, but as someone who considers herself to be somebody who is very interested in history and historical events, I can say it's quite an experience living through this development," said one woman, while another commenter expressed disbelief that she had died.
"I'm sad to see her pass still but it doesn't really affect me, per se. But I'm sure a lot of people are mourning her loss today," another woman said.
A fourth person said she felt Jamaica's shift to republic status was "now closer at hand" following the death of the Queen, and one other woman admitted she "couldn't care less" but the Queen could finally rest while a younger monarch takes up the mantle.
The reactions are perhaps a reflection of increasing calls from the public for Jamaica to cut ties with the British monarchy and transition to republic status.
Those calls grew louder this year during the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who were representing the Queen as part of her Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
During a courtesy call at Jamaica House, Prime Minister Andrew Holness told their royal highnesses that the country was "moving on".
Minister of Legal an Constitutional Affairs Marlene Malahoo Forte reported to Parliament that the process to transition Jamaica to a republic has started and should be completed before the next general election, due in 2025.
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