On November 30, 2021 Barbados made history. It has officiated itself as a Republic nation, abandoning the ruling of the British Monarchy.
November 30 is an important national day for Barbados. It inaugurates the anniversary of Barbados’ independence from Britain. This year, the nation has bid its final adieus to the British Monarchy, ruled by Queen Elizabeth II, as their current head of state foresees a brand new era to begin for the island.
This is the first time, in 30 years, that a nation has formally removed itself from the power of the British Monarchy, and removed the Queen as their head of state. Many commentators believe that Barbados’ move will probably produce a domino effect, and inspire many other nations to follow suit.
In a speech that Prime Minister Mia Mottley delivered last year, she suggested that the people of Barbados were ready for a change.
The time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind. Barbadians want a Barbadian head of state.
Prime Minister Mottley claimed that officiating Barbados as a Republic is the “ultimate statement of confidence in who we are and what we are capable of achieving.”
Abandoning the British monarchy signifies the end of a long repressive culture of colonialism that Barbados has suffered in the past. Barbados has suffered 200 years of slavery under the British rule, until it was abolished in 1834. Although, the Monarchy and Barbados are now on good terms as Prince Charles flew to the Caribbean from the UK to inaugurate this special ceremony.
Prince Charles gave a speech at the inauguration of President-elect Sandra Mason, who was previously a representive for Barbados with the Queen as well as the country’s Governor-General.
Prince Charles reassured the public that although there have been constitutional status changes, the United Kingdom and Barbados will still be in a “close and trusted partnership” as they are both “vital members of the Commonwealth”.
Although heartwarming it may seem, many of the Barbadian public are split on their opinions over having a member of the monarchy at their inauguration as a Republic. Some have considered Prince Charles’ presence as problematic. Kristina Hinds, an international relations lectures at the University of the West Indies in Barbados, shared her thoughts that “The British royal family is a source of exploitation in this region and, as yet, they have not offered a formal apology or any kind of repair for past harms.”
In other news, Rihanna has officially been recognized as a National Hero at this inauguration for her philanthropic efforts, and multiple achievements as a global representative of the nation. Not bad, Riri.
In other Queen-related news, read here how the Royal Family actually has valid grounds to sue Netflix over ‘The Crown’.
