Barbados replaces Elizabeth II as head of state and becomes a republic

Barbados on Tuesday replaced Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state with the inauguration as the country’s first president of jurist Sandra Mason, changing her status from constitutional monarchy to republic. The move to republican status coincided with the 55th anniversary of the independence of the Caribbean island, which was a British colony until 1966 and which until today continued to be linked to the Crown.After a greeting of 21 shots, Mason was sworn in and assured that with this transition the Barbadians, about 280,000 inhabitants, will be able to “make the most of” the essence of their sovereignty. Mason, the first woman to serve on the Barbados Court of Appeal and so far governor-general of the island, was elected president on October 20.” For decades we have had speeches and debates about Barbados’ transition to a republic. Today the debate and the speech have become action,” the new president stressed in a speech. Speaking in Bridgetown’s National Heroes Square, he said the island is now set its “compass in a new direction” based on “the successes, triumphs and achievements” of the past 55 years as an independent country. Mason, who was awarded the Barbados Freedom Order, also pledged to “move forward with confidence and boldness for the good of the nation and present and future generations.” The gala ceremony, almost three hours long, was attended by Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, and leaders of some countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), as well as the outstanding former cricket player Garry Sobers and the famous singer Rihanna, both from Barbados.Prince Charles said at the event that the creation of this republic marks “a milestone in the long road” that Barbadians “have not only traveled but that they have built.” Recalling “the horrific atrocities of slavery” during the colonial era, he stressed that the island’s population “has forged its path with extraordinary strength, emancipation, self-government and independence.” Barbados thus becomes the fourth country in the Caribbean Community to replace Queen Elizabeth II with a president, following in the wake of Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Dominica.Ceremonial events to commemorate the political transition to a republic and the 55th anniversary of independence will continue on this day in Bridgetown.

Original source in Spanish