Barbados island/photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons (P. Hughes)
On Tuesday, Barbados ceremoniously became a republic after the island removed Queen Elizabeth II as their head of state and inaugurated Dame Sandra Mason as their president, the Associated Press reported, kicking the event off with fireworks at midnight. Rihanna and Prince Charles reportedly attended the ceremony, which began on Monday evening in Bridgetown.
According to BBC News, Barbados gained its independence from Britain 55 years ago, in 1966 but continued to recognize Queen Elizabeth II as their constitutional monarch. Sharing the Caribbean country’s desire to elect a leader from Barbados, Mia Mottley, the island’s first female prime minister, reportedly said in a speech several months ago, “This is the ultimate statement of confidence in who we are and what we are capable of achieving.”
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Prince Charles also spoke at this week’s event, reportedly saying to the crowd, “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. Freedom, justice, and self-determination have been your guides.”
According to theAssociated Press, Queen Elizabeth II addressed the significant change in a recent statement, offering her congratulations for the country’s “momentous day” and sharing her hopes for a friendship for Barbados and Britain.