Barbados has announced plans to become a republic after removing Queen Elizabeth as its Head of State next year.
“The time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind,” the government of Barbados said.
They also revealed plans to complete the process of removing the Queen as Head of State in time for the country’s 55th anniversary of independence in November 2021.
It aims to complete the process in time for the 55th anniversary of independence from Britain, in November 2021.
The Caribbean island gained independence from Britain in 1966 but the Queen has remained the nation’s Head of State.
In a speech written by Prime Minister Mia Mottley, she said “Barbadians want a Barbadian head of state.”
“This is the ultimate statement of confidence in who we are and what we are capable of achieving,” the speech read.
“Hence, Barbados will take the next logical step toward full sovereignty and become a republic by the time we celebrate our 55th anniversary of independence.”