After the crown New republic casts off colonial past
On Monday night, Barbados declared itself a republic, becoming the first nation to remove Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state in nearly three decades. As the clock struck 12 midnight, the Royal Standard flag was lowered over a crowded Heroes Square in Bridgetown and Carol Roberts-Reifer, chief executive officer of the National Cultural Foundation, made the declaration of Barbados’ transition to its new constitutional status.
Dame Sandra Mason was sworn in as president by the chief justice and took the oath of allegiance to her country. Hundreds of people lining Chamberlain Bridge in the capital cheered and a 21-gun salute fired as the national anthem was played. Barbadian singer Rihanna also attended the ceremony and was declared a national hero.
