By Serina Sandhu
Transitioning into a republic is a significant moment in a nation’s history. But as Barbados prepares to officially remove the Queen as head of state and elects its first Barbadian president, the buzz appears somewhat muted.
Roads have been closed off around the centre of Bridgetown as the capital city prepares to mark the transition with an official ceremony at midnight on Monday. Decorations in the national colours of blue and yellow waft in the evening breeze while a steelpan band rehearses in the centre.
Despite the preparations to usher in their new future, Barbadians’ feeling that this moment is long overdue appears to overshadow their excitement...
....But locals suggest the links between the two countries are exaggerated. Asked if removing the Queen as head of state will affect the island’s relationship with the royal family, Mrs Cumberbatch, 76, laughs and says: “What relationship? We get the crumbs. I don’t think that we will lose or gain.”
Her husband adds: “What will make us happy is if they give us some reparations for slavery.” Barbados is part of the Caribbean Reparation Commission that is seeking justice for slavery.
Replies
Congratulations to Barbados on becoming another Republic in the Caribbean. Let us wish Barbados success in its endeavors. On observation, I was hoping to see steel pans in Barbados’s military.
The steel pans are permanent features in Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda militaries. Although Trinidad and Tobago invented the steel pan, the steel pan is the strongest symbol and the greatest identifiers of Caribbean people. Barbados took the opportunity to honor one of its illustrious daughters, Rianna. Rianna ambassadorial connections is a blessing to Barbados.
Sincere good luck to President Sandra Mason and Prime Minister Mia Muttley of Barbados.