Queen Elizabeth II has been removed as Barbados swears in its first president, Dame Sandra Mason.
Gatekeepers News reports that Barbados, which first became part of the British Empire under King James I, has cut ties with the throne in London as the Royal Standard was lowered in Bridgetown, the nation’s capital, in the early hours of Tuesday.
The Queen congratulated Barbados on becoming a republic during a ceremony attended by her son Prince Charles and famous Bajans including Rihanna.
Charles who had flown into the tropical island as the representative of its head of state, became a visiting dignitary after watching the new President being inaugurated.
The handover of power (November 30) was specifically 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.
The Queen sent her own message to the island nation, telling the citizens 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.
“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: “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.”
