Queen Elizabeth II has congratulated Barbados on becoming a republic during a ceremony attended by her son Prince Charles and famous Bajans including Rihanna.
The Royal Standard was lowered in the capital Bridgetown in the early hours of this morning as the Caribbean island cut ties with the throne in London – 396 years after it first became part of the British Empire under King James I.
Charles had flown into the tropical island as the representative of its head of state – but after the midnight ceremony in the capital Bridgetown, he is now simply a visiting dignitary after watching the new President, Dame Sandra Mason, being inaugurated.
The handover of power was pointedly chosen on the anniversary of Barbados’ independence from Britain in 1966 and the island’s most famous star Rihanna jetted in to receive the honour of National Hero of Barbados – along with cricket great Sir Garfield Sobers.
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The Queen sent her own message to the island nation, telling them and their new president: ‘On this significant occasion and your assumption of office as the first President of Barbados, I extend my congratulations to you and all Barbadians.
‘I first visited your beautiful country on the eve of independence in early 1966, and I am very pleased that my son is with you today. Since then, the people of Barbados have held a special place in my heart; it is a country rightfully proud of its vibrant culture, its sporting prowess, and its natural beauty, that attracts visitors from all over the world, including many people from the United Kingdom.
‘Over the years, our countries have enjoyed a partnership based on common values, shared prosperity, and close collaboration on a wide range of issues, including recent work on climate change. It is also a source of great satisfaction that Barbados remains an active participant within the Commonwealth, and I look forward to the continuation of the friendship between our two countries and peoples.
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‘As you celebrate this momentous day, I send you and all Barbadians my warmest good wishes for your happiness, peace and prosperity in the future.’
In his speech to mark the occasion, the Prince of Wales said slavery was an ‘appalling atrocity which forever stains our history’ as the baton was passed.
But a planned protest against Prince Charles’ presence in Barbados and calling for slavery reparations from the Royal Family was cancelled after the island’s government denied them a permit to prevent the spread Covid-19.
In his speech, the Prince of Wales said he respected its government’s decision to become a republic, but was delighted it was remaining in the Commonwealth.
Charles said: ‘The creation of this Republic offers a new beginning, but it also marks a point on a continuum, a milestone on the long road you have not only travelled, but which you have built.
‘From the darkest days of our past, and the appalling atrocity of slavery, which forever stains our history, the people of this island forged their path with extraordinary fortitude. Emancipation, self-government and Independence were your way-points. Freedom, justice and self-determination have been your guides. Your long journey has brought you to this moment, not as your destination, but as a vantage point from which to survey a new horizon.’
Chinese pressure is said to be fuelling a drive to remove the Queen as head of state in Barbados, British MPs have repeatedly warned.
Beijing has pumped at least $490million dollars into the island’s tourism industry in recent years – and even more in low interest loans. The money has forced Dame Sandra to deny China is the driving force behind ending 400 years of loyalty to the British crown since King James I without any referendum of the population.
Fireworks lit the skies of Bridgetown after the ceremony, which also saw Barbados-born singer Rihanna given the rare honour of National Hero – one of only two living people to receive it alongside cricket great Sir Garfield Sobers.
‘May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honor to your nation,’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley told the celebrity.
Speaking after taking office, Dame Sandra – the former Governor-General, said: ‘Republic Barbados has set sail on her maiden voyage.’
She added: ‘Our country must dream big dreams and fight to realize them.’
And amid growing anger about historic racism, Charles had acknowledged the deep wrongs done when slaves were imported here for 200 years until 1834, to work on lucrative British sugar plantations.
Today, the prince is due to visit the island’s respected national archives – stuffed with evidence of the grim realities of slavery. It was only thanks to the labours of slaves that the hard work of sugar cane production could be so profitably carried out.
Daily Mail
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