Explained: Barbados – the world’s newest republic

What is the News?

Nearly 400 years after the country became a British colony, Barbados has become the world’s newest republic. 

This was done after Barbados removed Queen Elizabeth II as the head of the state in a ceremony attended by Prince Charles.

What is the history of Barbados as a British Colony?

Barbados first became an English colony when a ship arrived at the Caribbean in 1625. 

On November 30, 1966, Barbados gained its independence. With Elizabeth II as Queen of Barbados. 

Now it will become the world’s newest republic. However, it will continue to be one of the 54 Commonwealth nations.

Note: Commonwealth of Nations is a loose association of former British colonies and current dependencies, along with some countries that have no historical ties to Britain.

How will the transition of Barbados to a republic take place?

There are no plans to change the flags, coat of arms, national pledge or national anthem. 

However, the terms “royal” and “crown” would be dropped from all official references. Hence, Royal Barbados Police Force will become Barbados Police Force and crown lands would become state lands.

Moreover, the country would continue to celebrate Independence Day on November 30 but not just in remembrance of removing Queen Elizabeth II as the head but also in the memory of the country’s first president.

Note: Barbados will not be the first former British colony in the Caribbean to become a republic. Guyana took that step in 1970, less than four years after gaining independence from Britain. Trinidad and Tobago followed suit in 1976 and Dominica in 1978.

Source: This post is based on the article “Explained: Barbados – the world’s newest republic” published in Indian Express on 30th November 2021.