Barbados, for the first time in history, has become its own republic. The country has officially severed all ties to Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. This act is a huge step on the country’s path of distancing itself from its colonial past. The event marks the end of almost 400 years of British rule over Barbados, and 55 years since the island gained independence.

While the nation will no longer call Queen Elizabeth II its official head of state, it remains a part of the Commonwealth, a group of 54 member states previously under British rule. In October, the citizens of Barbados elected their first ever president, who was later sworn in on November 30, 2021, exactly 55 years after the country gained liberty from Britain. 

Sandra Mason, age 72, supported by Prime Minister Mia Mottley, is welcomed by the island nation with open arms, as she received a majority vote in Parliament to become the president of Barbados. Mason will now assume the title of ‘head of state’ as she steps into a powerful position to fill the place Queen Elizabeth II once held. Mason is determined to steer her country in the right direction as she looks to the future. She previously served as governor general of Barbados and now holds the position of first ever president of the island nation. This day will go down in the country’s history as it is the latest Caribbean nation to become a republic, after Trinidad and Tobago in 1976, Dominica in 1978, and Guyana 1970.

The ceremony was held in the country’s capital of Bridgetown. Here, Rihanna, world-renowned Barbadian pop singer, was dubbed a “national hero” for her commitment to her homeland, among many other things. Rihanna has served as a cultural ambassador for the nation, and was named an official ambassador in 2018. Prime Minister Mottley thanked Rihanna for her dedication to their nation as she said, “may you continue to shine like a diamond and bring your honor to your nation by your works, by your actions and to do credit wherever you shall go.” 

Among other attendees of the celebration was Prince Charles, heir to the British throne. He offered the people of Barbados the “warmest good wishes” on behalf of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. During the ceremony, President Mason awarded Prince Charles the Order of Freedom of Barbados.