Written by Vedika Pathania, a second-year journalism student .

Barbados, a Caribbean island nation, declared itself a republic last year, marking the 55th anniversary of its independence from Britain. The nation, which has a population of around 3,000 people, has ceased to be a constitutional monarchy and will no longer pledge loyalty to the Queen.

This is the first time a Caribbean state has become a republic since the 1970s. Barbados has become the world’s newest republic, over 400 years after being a British colony. In a ceremony attended by Prince Charles, the Caribbean island country removed Queen Elizabeth II as head of state.

Barbados’ new age brings an end to Britain’s decades of dominance, which included more than 200 years as a transatlantic slave traffic hub. To symbolise the official handover of power, the last salute was made to the British monarchy, and the Royal Standard flag was lowered and replaced.

What exactly does this mean?

In essence, Barbadians will no longer recognise the British monarch as their head of state as a result of the country’s emergence as a republic. There are no plans to replace the flags, coat of arms, national promise, or national anthem, according to The Guardian. All official references, however, would be devoid of the terms “royal” and “crown.” As a result, the Royal Barbados Police Force will be known as the Barbados Police Force, and crown properties will be referred to as state lands. 

Where is Barbados on the map?

Barbados is a Caribbean island in the North Atlantic Ocean’s Caribbean region. It is a nation in the West Indies that is located on an island in the Lesser Antilles. Barbados is close to neighbouring islands, while being entirely surrounded by ocean. Barbados is surrounded on the northwest by Saint Lucia and Martinique, and on the west by the Grenadines and Saint Vincent. To the southwest, Venezuela, as well as Trinidad and Tobago, are near to Barbados. Guyana is located to the southeast.

The history of Barbados as a British Colony

Barbados, which the British are supposed to have turned into a “slave society,” became an English colony in 1625 when a ship arrived in the Caribbean. Barbados got independence on November 30, 1966. It however, remained one of Britain’s Commonwealth nations.

(Barbados was one of the earliest slave colonies established by England. It developed a sugar plantation economy under British administration, with enslaved people brought in from Africa. Slavery in Barbados was abolished in 1834.)

Who took over as the new head of Barbados?

Barbados’ first president, Dame Sandra Prunella Mason, was elected last month and has taken over as the country’s leader. Speaker of the House of Assembly Arthur Holder announced Mason’s election as President of Barbados during a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament.

Here’s a fun fact!

Barbados declared international pop star, Rihanna, as its national hero! The icon was previously appointed as the nation’s ambassador in 2018.During the country’s presidential inauguration,Rihanna was honoured. The Barbadian Prime Minister said, “On behalf of a grateful nation, but an even prouder people, we therefore present to you the designee for national hero of Barbados, Ambassador Robyn Rihanna Fenty.May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honor to your nation by your works, by your actions and to do credit wherever you shall go.”

Key Points Summary

• Barbados, a Caribbean island nation, has declared itself a republic
• Barbados has become the world’s newest republic
• A last salute was given to the British monarchy, and the Royal Standard flag was lowered and replaced to mark the official shift of power.
• Barbadians will no longer recognise the British monarch as their head of state
• Barbados is a Caribbean island in the North Atlantic Ocean’s Caribbean region.
• Barbados got independence on November 30, 1966. It, however, remained one of Britain’s Commonwealth nations.
• Dame Sandra Prunella Mason, who was elected as Barbados’ first president last month, has taken over as the country’s leader.
• Barbados declared international pop star, Rihanna, as it’s national hero

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