Barbados Removes Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State
Barbados removes Queen Elizabeth II and will become a republic by the end of next year.
Officials announced on Thursday that the Caribbean island will be become a republic by the end of next year.
A source at Buckingham Palace said that the idea to part ways “was not out of the blue” and “has been mooted and publicly talked about many times”, BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond said.
This removal of the British monarchy is due to the 50th anniversary of Barbardian independence set in November of 2021.
The former colony has been independent of the U.K. since 1966 but kept a relationship with Queen Elizabeth II as a formality, instead of as a political ruler.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley wrote a speech that included the nation’s plans for a native head of state.
Governor-General Sandra Mason delivered the speech written by Mottley on Tuesday. She expressed that “Barbadians want a Barbadian head of state. This is the ultimate statement of confidence of who we are and what we are capable of achieving. The time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind.”
Barbados to become republic, remove Queen Elizabeth as head of state by November 2021 when nation marks 55th anniversary of independence, announces Dame Sandra Mason, Governor General and the Queen’s domestic rep, in outlining upcoming priorities of @miaamormottley admin. pic.twitter.com/M5YIAWXrsV
— Jovan Johnson (@jovanthony) September 15, 2020
Barbados is expected to remain in the Commonwealth, just as other former colonies who have become republics have done. However, Barbados could join Trinidad, Tobago, Guyana, and Dominica in cutting these ties to proceed with their plan.
Congratulations to the people of Barbados in removing @Queen_UK as head of State. Royalty is crumbling and this new Republic is a victory for the people. No one should be born into such a position of heirarchy based on false beliefs of divine right.
Down with the monarch ✊
— Le GfB (@Gavin_F_Brewis) September 16, 2020
Additionally, Jamaica has hinted that they are planning to follow Barbados in its decision shortly.
1992 was the last time a nation removed the queen as head of state in Mauritius. Since then, the island has remained governed by a native elected official, accompanied by a prime minister as head of government.
14 other countries will remain under the power of Queen Elizabeth II.
