The World's Newest Republic THE REPUBLIC OF BARBADOS

The World's Newest Republic

by Dimitri Laspas

The Parliament, Barbados

The special handover ceremony was attended by HRH Prince Charles on behalf of his mother, The Queen, on the country’s Independence Day, which it had taken from the United Kingdom 55 years earlier. Back then, it had chosen to keep Her Majesty as a ceremonial Head of State and it remained, as now, a strong member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Almost 400 years after the first English ship arrived on its shores, the former British colony is now the world’s newest Republic. It was one of England's first slave colonies. English settlers arrived on the island in 1627 and under British rule it became a sugar plantation economy using enslaved people brought in from Africa. Slavery was abolished in Barbados in 1834 and the country became fully independent in 1966.

The country’s new president, Dame Sandra Mason has been the island's governor-general since 2018 and was named as president-elect of the nation following a vote in parliament last month. She now replaces the Queen as the head of state.

Queen Elizabeth is still Queen of 15 other realms around the world including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and Jamaica. The last nation to remove the Queen as head of state was Mauritius in 1992.

The Prince of Wales witnessed the official changeover of power, with a final salute to the British monarchy and the Royal Standard flag being lowered and replaced with the Barbados Flag.

HRH gave a speech in which he said “From the darkest days of our past and the appalling atrocity of slavery which forever stains our history, people of this island forged their path with extraordinary fortitude.” He continued that the creation of the republic "offers a new beginning,” while his mother sent the island her "warmest good wishes".

For Barbados this new global position, ends Britain's centuries of influence, as well as over 200 years when the island was a hub for the transatlantic slave trade.

Prince Charles reiterated the continuing strong ties between the two nations despite the constitutional change. He was subsequently awarded the prestigious ‘Order of Freedom of Barbados’ by the new president.

Barbados is well known as a characteristic Caribbean Island with white sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters. With a population of under 300,000, Barbados is still one of the most populated and prosperous Caribbean islands.

With a history that once saw it as one of the world’s biggest sugar export nations; its economy relies hugely on tourism.

Bridgetown, Barbados

In 2011 the capital of Barbados, Bridgetown and its garrison became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It has always been a major port for the shipment of goods, sugar, and slaves back in the British Atlantic World. Barbados was the first port of call for ships making the trans-Atlantic crossing.

Bridgetown today is still the islands business and commercial hub. Visitors can explore the streets and malls, as well as soak up the Caribbean charm, visit museums and attractions.

The island offers many activities and places to see and things to do, including an experience onboard the Atlantis Submarine, viewing through large porthole windows exotic fish, coral and shipwrecks.

Any visit to Barbados is not complete without a visit and taste of the golden nectar… Rum! Barbados and rum go back to 1703 with the birth of the oldest rum distillery on the island and in the world. There are several tour options to discover the story of Rum and the island.

Today the Andrew's Sugar Factory is the largest working sugar factory on the island and Barbados is renowned for producing some of the highest quality sugar in the world.

To really appreciate the scenery, head to Cherry Tree Hill and admire the most spectacular views over the island.

There are stories to be told all over Barbados, every meal is not just a meal, but a celebration, and every day offers new experiences, discoveries and memories.

Barbados used to be considered a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ trip, but it’s not surprising that once is never enough and many return to this most unique Caribbean nation…..

…. The Republic of Barbados