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Barbados, a former British colony that gained independence in 1966, maintained an official link to the British monarchy as did other countries that were once part of the British Empire.
“The time has come to put the colonial past behind us,” said Barbados Governor General Sandra Mason in a speech on behalf of Prime Minister Mia Mottley.
“Barbadians want a Barbadian head of state. This is the ultimate statement of confidence, who we are and what we can achieve. Therefore, Barbados will take the next logical step towards full sovereignty and become a republic until we celebrate the 55th anniversary of our independence “.
This anniversary takes place in November of next year.
Buckingham Palace said the problem lay with the people of Barbados. The Foreign Office said the decision should be made by Barbados.
“Barbados and the UK are united in our common history, culture, language and more. We have a long-lasting partnership and will continue to work with them with all of our valued partners in the Caribbean,” said a spokeswoman for the British Foreign Office.
Currently, the Governor General of Barbados is being appointed by the Queen on the advice of the island’s Prime Minister. The governor general is queen at official events, such as the opening of the state parliament, at which Mason delivered her speech on Tuesday.
Britain played a key role in the history of Barbados, which was transformed by the slave trade in the Atlantic. The island was claimed for England in 1625 when Captain Henry Powell landed there.
It was quickly colonized and remained in British hands for centuries, unlike other Caribbean islands that the Spanish, British, Dutch, French and Americans fought for. The introduction of African slaves to work on the sugar cane plantations brought fabulous wealth to the white ruling class.
