Barbados is now officially a Parliamentary Republic, becoming the fourth Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country to replace Britain’s Her Majesty’s Queen Elizabeth as its head of state.
The country officially made its transition to a Republic on the 55th anniversary of Barbados’ political independence from Britain, in the wee hours of Tuesday November 30.
The move to a Republic saw former Governor General Dame Sandra Mason being sworn in as the island’s first President with a 21-gun salute.
Speaking on the historic occasion, the new President who was bestowed with the Order of Freedom of Barbados said that the island has now started to embark on a new journey which will allow the country to seize the full substance of its sovereignty.
She said, ““For decades we have had discourse and debates about the transition of Barbados to a republic. Today, debate and discourse have become action. Today we set our compass on a new direction, girded by the successes of the last 55 years, buoyed by the confidence garnered by our triumphs and accomplishments, committed to country and each other and motivated to press confidently and boldly forward for the sake of our nation and for present and future generations.”
Also in attendance was His Royal Highness Prince Phillip, who said during the ceremony that the creation of Barbados’ Republic also marks a point on a continuum, a milestone on the long road that Barbadians have not only travelled but which they have also built.
He said, “The appalling atrocities of slavery which forever stains our history, the people of this island forged their path with extraordinary fortitude. Emancipation, self-government and independence were your way points…Freedom, justice and self-determination have been your guides. Your long journey has brought you to this moment, not as your destination, but as a vantage point from which to survey a new horizon.”
Healthy relationship between UK to remain the same
Prince Phillip was also bestowed with the Order of the Freedom of Barbados. He made it clear that despite the change in the island’s Constitutional status, its healthy relationship between the United Kingdom will remain the same.
“It is important for me to …reaffirm those things which do not change…For example, the close and trusted partnership between Barbados and the United Kingdom as vital members of the Commonwealth. Our common determination to defend the values we both cherish and to pursue the goals we share and the …connections between the peoples of our countries through which flow admiration and affection, cooperation and opportunity, strengthening and enriching us all,” Prince Phillip explained.
Among the many dignitaries present at the ceremony were the island’s National Hero and outstanding cricketer, Sir Garfield Sobers, as well as music mogul and billionaire Robyn Rihanna Fenty, who was announced by Prime Minister Mia Mottley to be made a national hero.
Barbados joins Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Dominica in attaining republican status after gaining their independence from Britain back in 1966.