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FIREWORKS FILLED THE sky over Barbados today as the Caribbean island nation declared itself the world’s newest republic, lowering the British Queen Elizabeth’s flag as it severed colonial-era ties to the throne to the sound of jubilant gun salutes.
“Republic Barbados has set sail on her maiden voyage,” Sandra Mason said in her inauguration speech as the first president of the country, recognizing the “complex, fractured and turbulent world” it would need to navigate.
“Our country must dream big dreams and fight to realize them,” the former governor-general told those gathered for the ceremony, including Britain’s Prince Charles.
The new era for the nation of 285,000 ends Britain’s centuries of influence, including more than 200 years of slavery until 1834.
Addressing the matter during the handover, Charles acknowledged the mark slavery had left on the two countries.
“From the darkest days of our past, and the appalling atrocity of slavery, which forever stains our history, the people of this island forged their path with extraordinary fortitude,” he told the crowd.
The ‘Pride of Nationhood’ ceremony itself was closed to the wider public but Barbados’ most famous citizen, the singer Rihanna, took place alongside top officials for the event, complete with military parades, a mounted guard of honor and gun salutes.
One of the first acts of the prime minister of the new republic was to declare Rihanna a National Hero of Barbados: “May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honor to your nation,” Prime Minister Mia Mottley told the international celebrity.
Barbados, famous for its idyllic beaches and love of cricket, won independence from Britain in 1966.
In October, it elected Mason its first president, one year after Mottley declared the country would “fully” leave behind its colonial past.
A long-running pandemic curfew was suspended to allow Barbadians to enjoy festivities, which included projections at various points across the country and large fireworks displays timed to mark the historic transition.
Relying on tourism
Some Barbadians argue there are more pressing national issues than replacing the queen, including economic turmoil caused by the Covid-19 pandemic that has exposed overreliance on tourism – which is dependent on British visitors.
Unemployment is at nearly 16%, up from 9% in recent years.
“I know it is something that we were going towards for a very long time, but I think it came at a time which is not necessarily the best time considering our economic situation and the Covid situation,” said 27-year-old office manager Nikita Stuart.
For young activists such as Firhaana Bulbulia, founder of the Barbados Muslim Association, British colonialism and slavery lie behind the island’s modern inequalities.
“The wealth gap, the ability to own land, and even access to loans from banks all have a lot to do with structures built out of being ruled by Britain,” Bulbulia said.
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I hope other Countries follow their lead.
@mary reape: The smaller the “empire ” gets the better, although I can’t see the likes of Australia, New Zealand and Canada following.
@Charlie: Australia will follow. Unfortunately, there is talk of waiting till Liz Windsor dies. Barbados shows that you can move at your own pace, not be dictated to by the happenstance of a woman in a foreign country. The next federal Labor government will move towards a republic and hopefully a new flag.
@mary reape: Perhaps Charles will also be present to hand back the keys here after the border poll.
Well done to our fellow independent from Britain brothers and sisters
@Mattress Dick: we aren’t all independent yet
Congratulations Barbados, hopefully our whole country will be joining you in the near future
@Gary Egan: Xi Jinping rubbing his hands together in de background
They got there independence in 1966. They’re still a member of the commonwealth. Queen removed as head of state which is only a figure head role a bit like Higgins.
@Karl Pinker: Oh like a democratically elected senior legislator?
@Stephen Deegan: The new president of Barbados wasn’t elected, though.
@Karl Pinker: Higgins is directly elected. The Queen of England is not. Therefore, your comparison is entirely false.
@Earth Traveller: she was elected. They have a different system to ours but she was elected according to their laws ie by two-thirds majority of their parliamentarians
@workhorse of health: Yes, you’re correct. But it is also worth mentioning that 96% of the assembly members who elected her belong to the same political party. To some that would seem more like an appointment than an election. Barbados has a senate, but all its members are appointed by the president. Oh, and the politicians can change the constitution without a referendum. The new system doesn’t seem to be any more democratic than the previous one.
@Earth Traveller: They are following the british system. Unelected upper chamber, appointment by prime minister or by birthright!! And at least they have a written constitution. I’m not saying I agree with their system, I actually think we are lucky in Ireland that the people control the constitution, President and Dáil.
@Earth Traveller: They managed a peaceful transition and if they avoid the nightmare of a civil war, they can only progress. Wishing them a bright future.
@Liam MacSuibhne:, Canada new Zealand , Australia still more independent than Ireland. We’re part of the United States of Europe
The red legs in Barbados are rejoicing,the sun is slowly setting on the oppressive empire
A nation once again. We will join you soon to leave the the tide of colonial firmly at englands shore..
Next step is to leave the dustbin that is the commonwealth.
@Leadóg:
They will probably stay under that Umbrella for a while.
God, what a bunch of sour people you all are. I’m a proud Irishman but I don’t define my identity by hating Britain. If you all truly reflect modern Irish identity then we haven’t progressed at all. I love Ireland, I love Europe, I love the USA and Britain. In their own way they have all contributed to progress in the world. If Barbados is to succeed it would do well to remember it’s heritage. BTW Britain was the first country in the world to abolish slavery.
Long live the Republic of Barbados and those whom walk upon it’s land !
@Gary Mullen: whom?
Why use that?
Check back in in 5-10 years and just watch the way levels of poverty and corruption go through the roof.
Happens all the time.
Congratulations on the transition Barbados on becoming a Republic. However, they are Bajan, not Barbadian. Spent a long holiday there, one of the best places, Banks beer, hot sauce, rum, ear to ear smiles. Sunshine der be strait sometin outya dream
..but you say nothing in the report about Rihanna and how she’s has become a hero?
have your say