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Nov/Dec 2021
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Barbados set to become a Republic
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The move is largely symbolic, as Barbados has been a sovereign nation since 1966. But the transition underscores the growing independent streak in the Caribbean -- home to nine of the 16 commonwealth realms, sovereign countries that have Queen Elizabeth as their head of state.
Barbados is set to become a republic
The discussions about Barbados becoming a republic is not new, on Nov. 30, the 55th anniversary of its however the time has come where independence from Britain. the majority of Barbadians are now It will now usher in a new era either in favor of the republic or are changing from a once British less concerned about it. colony and constitutional monarchy to a parliamentary In September of 2020, the then republic with the removal of Queen Governor General, delivered a speech declaring that Barbados Elizabeth as its head of state. would “take the next logical step Sandra Mason, who has been toward full sovereignty.” serving as the queen’s representative in Barbados, in the role of Although Barbados established its Governor General, was elected by independence from Britain almost the Barbados Parliament in October 55 years ago, their governmental to be sworn in as President. structure maintained the Queen Elizabeth as the constitutional monarch of the country and therefore the Queen maintained the title “The Queen of Barbados.”
Dame Sandra Mason, 72, will be sworn in on 30 November as president of Barbados
The Queen is currently head of state of nine Caribbean countries including Barbados, and therefore has a similar kind of position that she has in the United Kingdom, which is as a ceremonial figure.
The Queen maintains represe“The time has come to fully leave ntation in these countries through our colonial past behind,” Mason the governor general within each said. “Barbadians want a country. Cont'd pg 4 Barbadian head of state.”