This one has got to sting. There’s a new report that says Barbados has officially removed Queen Elizabeth as their head of state. The former British colony revived its plans to become a republic last September with the country’s governor general, Sandra Mason. Here’s what you need to know.
But the transition is not as bad or as awkward as you think, as Prince Charles was invited to observe the handover and speak to crowds at the official ceremony but he did so amid calls from some for the British Royal Family to apologize for the role of its ancestors in the slave trade.
Queen Elizabeth Officially Removed As Head Of State From The Barbados
Barbados was considered the “jewel in the crown” of Britain’s colonies and the plantations, farmed by slaves from West Africa, contributed towards Britain’s wealth.
“As your constitutional status changes, it was important to me that I should join you 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,” reads an excerpt of his speech released by the prince’s office.
Mason was elected as Barbados’ first president just last month. Ceremonies on Monday evening into Tuesday will include military parades and celebrations, as Mason is inaugurated as president, with Prince Charles — heir to the British throne — looking on.
Barbados is not the first Caribbean country to forsake the Queen. Guyana did so in 1970, four years after gaining independence from Britain, and was followed by Trinidad and Tobago in 1976 and, two years later, Dominica.
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