A NEW ERA DAWNS FOR BARBADOS
MARION McMULLEN finds out more about the world’s newest republic
The island of Barbados became the world’s newest republic this week, with Dame Sandra Mason, left, sworn in as its first president, ending Queen Elizabeth’s role as head of state. 2 The Queen had been Barbados’ head of state since it became independent in 1966. The Queen is still head of 15 countries including Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and St Vincent in the Caribbean region. 3 The issue of becoming a republic was discussed at national level for many decades before prime minister Mia Mottley made the historic decision last year. 4 Barbados began the new chapter in its history on Tuesday – the 55th anniversary of independence from Britain. It is following other Caribbean nations who have also dispensed with the Queen as their head of state, with Guyana becoming a republic in 1970, Trinidad and Tobago following in 1976 and Dominica two years later. 5 The Prince of Wales, right, represented the UK at the televised handover ceremony and told the new republic: “I shall always consider myself a friend of Barbados.” The Queen also sent her “warmest good wishes for your happiness, peace and prosperity in the future” as it celebrates its “momentous day”. 6 SINGER and entrepreneur Rihanna, right, who grew up in the island nation, also attended the ceremony and was made a member of the Order Of National Heroes. She flew back to Barbados specially for the event.
7 Barbados is popular with many celebrities. Simon Cowell, below, Mariah Carey and model Cara Delevingne are among those who love the nation, while actress Minnie
Driver lived there when she was a child and
Gwyneth Paltrow’s great grandmother was born on the island.
8 Barbados has been called the birthplace of rum and the spirit is part of the island’s culture. The world-famous brand Mount Gay was established there in 1703 and was named after politician Sir John Gay.
9 The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh flew to Barbados on supersonic jet Concorde, below, when they visited the island as part of her Commonwealth Silver Jubilee tour in 1977.
10 Prime Minister Boris Johnson, above, has said the UK and Barbados will remain “steadfast friends and allies” with “a partnership built to last”.