BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - BARBADOS will soon make moves to remove the Queen as the territory’s Head of State, as it has determined that "the time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind".
Barbados is now looking to attain its Republic status and stands fully independent from the Monarchy, and join the likes of Dominica, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago as nations in the region that have attained that status.
In presenting the Throne Speech in Parliament on Tuesday (Sept. 15), Governor-General Dame Sandra Mason revealed the news on behalf of the Government, where she intimated that the people of the territory want a “Barbadian Head of State” and that would happen by the country’s 55th Independence Anniversary, which is November 30, 2020.
“The time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind. Barbadians wants 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.”
Many territories in the region still hold on to the Monarchy as their Head of State - despite gaining independence - through the appointment of a Governor-General who acts as the Queen’s representative on the islands.
While referencing Barbados’ first Prime Minister, Dame Sandra Mason reminded that it was Errol Walton Barrow, who cautioned against loitering on colonial premises, noting that the warning is as relevant today as it was back in 1966.
“Having attained Independence over half a century ago, our country can be in no doubt about its capacity for self-governance," she added.
