New Republic in Town: Barbados ditched Queen Elizabeth as Head of State

Barbados has formally become a republic on 29 August 2021 with the swearing-in of its new President Sandra Mason. This was a historic moment for the Caribbean nation. Let's look back at the history to understand British- Barbados relations

14 May 1625 was the day when English sailor John Powell stepped on the deserted Island of Barbados. He thought that since no one there had claimed the land he would do so and he raised the British flag.

But he was not the first European to reach the Island. Portuguese were the first ones and named the island Los Barbados.

A British colony was established in Barbados with 80 settlers and 10 slaves by Jones’s brother Henry. Before them, the island was inhabited by the Arawak tribe. The British deliberately erased the whole tribe from the island.

The land of Barbados was used by the British to grow sugarcane for producing sugar which at that time was known as “white gold'' in Europe. All of this led to a lot of profit for the British colony because of which they also named Island nation “Little England''.

1642, the year of the English civil war also led to conflict In the Island nation of Barbados. This led to one side of the establishment declaring independence from Britain; it was done by Humphrey Walrond. The British Royal Navy was sent to put down the rebellion. They were able to recapture the island and sign the Charter of Barbados.

1816 was the year when slaves revolted against plantation landlords. April of 1816 was the time when “Buzza’s revolt” started. The British were able to suppress this revolt which was instrumental in developing sentiments of freedom in its citizens.

Finally, in November 1966, Barbados was given independence from British rule. But still the title of head of state remained with the British crown.

55 years after Barbados got independence, they ditched Queen Elizabeth as head of state. 21-gun salutes rang out and the national anthem played when the new President Sandra Mason was sworn in. The British royal flag was lowered.

With the new republic, Barbados has started a new path for itself and it will be interesting to see where this path will lead.

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