The island is now a republic
Barbados breaks away from the Queen – Prince Charles talks about slavery
Prince Charles was guest of honor in Barbados, the island state has officially broken away from the English crown
© Randy Brooks
Prince Charles was deeply moved in Barbados: The Caribbean state has broken away from the British royal family. Charles spoke at length about slavery at the ceremony.
Barbados has been a republic since early morning – the Queen is no longer the head of state of the Caribbean island. The ceremony in the former British Crown Colony is an important topic in the British media this Tuesday – also because Prince Charles found such clear words about slavery there.
He was “deeply moved” because he was allowed to be a guest at the celebrations, said the British heir to the throne in his address in Bridgetown, the capital of the 285,000 island.
Barbados had become independent in 1966
Although Barbados had gained its independence from Great Britain 55 years ago, the Queen formally remained the head of state afterwards. Many of the people on the island are descendants of slaves who were brought from Africa to the Caribbean by the British Empire for more than two centuries until the abolition of slavery in 1834. The fact that Queen Elizabeth II is no longer the official head of state means for many citizens there the final separation from the colonial legacy.
Charles spoke in Bridgetown’s National Heroes Square, once called Trafalgar Square. “From the darkest days of our past and the appalling cruelty of slavery that forever taints our history, the people of this island have made their way with extraordinary bravery,” he shouted to the people. “Emancipation, self-determination and your own government were your milestones,” said Charles. “Freedom, justice and self-determination were your guide.”
Charles sent good wishes from the Queen, who is now 95 years old. During her tenure, Elizabeth II had to let numerous states go. She continues to be the official head of state of 15 countries, including Canada and Australia. According to observers, after the death of the popular monarch, other countries could turn away from the British crown.
However, Barbados will continue to have close ties with the UK. The country that lives heavily from tourism – and above all from British travelers – is currently suffering heavily from the corona crisis. Unemployment rose from nine to just under 16 percent at present. Many people in Barbados were therefore of the opinion that there are currently more important issues than the – especially symbolic – final separation from London.
Rihanna is declared the national heroine of Barbados
Nevertheless – the event was celebrated with fireworks and salvos. Even the curfew imposed due to the pandemic was specifically suspended. However, the celebrations were not open to the general public. In addition to Prince Charles and senior officials in the country, Barbados’ most famous citizen, singer Rihanna, also attended. As one of her first acts, the new head of state, Sandra Mason, declared Rihanna a national heroine.
Shortly before, the royal standard had been obtained and Mason was sworn in as the new head of state. The previous governor general had announced the formal break with the British crown in September 2020. “It is time to put our colonial past completely behind us,” she said at the time.
“The Republic of Barbados has set sail for its maiden voyage,” said Mason in her address. Barbados must now navigate through the “complex, rugged and turbulent world”, said Mason. “Our country must dream big dreams and fight to make them come true.”
Source:Sky News
See in the video: The Caribbean state of Barbados has made the transition to a republic with the swearing-in of a female president. The famous daughter of the country Rihanna was also honored on the occasion of the celebration.