Barbados Reveals Plan To Drop Queen Elizabeth As Head Of State

Barbados is set to become a republic as it announces plans to remove Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state.

The island nation's Governor-General, Sandra Mason, disclosed this in a speech on Tuesday, stating that  "the time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind."

Mason said that the country's plan to become a republic will be actualised next year November when the country will celebrate its 55-year independence anniversary from Britain.

She saoid, “The peril and uncertainty of the times compel us to reinforce our foundation. Equally, we are challenged to shore up our traditional structures and find stronger, more resilient, more sustainable architecture, on which we can build a modern and enduring structure for current and future generations.

“Barbados has developed governance structures and institutions that mark us as what has been described as, ‘the best governed black society in the world.

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“Since Independence, we Barbadians have sought constantly to improve our systems of law and governance so as to ensure they best reflect our characteristics and values as a nation.

“Barbados’ first Prime Minister, The Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow, cautioned against loitering on colonial premises. That warning is as relevant today as it was in 1966. Having attained Independence over half a century ago, our country can be in no doubt about its capacity for self-governance.

“The time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind. Barbadians want a Barbadian Head of State. This is the ultimate statement of confidence in who we are and what we are capable of achieving. Hence, Barbados will take the next logical step toward full sovereignty and become a Republic by the time we celebrate our 55th anniversary of Independence.” 

Barbados will keep its place in the Commonwealth, a union of the 54 former British colonies.