Today, on the 55th Anniversary of its independence from Britain, Barbados has officially become a republic after removing Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state.
Barbados will remain a member of the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of 54 independent countries, and will become the first nation to part ways with the monarchy in nearly 30 years since Mauritius in 1992.
Geoffrey, 53, an inventory coordinator who migrated from Barbados to London 11 months ago says he thinks this was a long time coming.
“I was still in Barbados, over a year ago, when I first heard that they were going to do this. I see it as a positive move. I don’t think we should be dependent on the Queen.”
Amanda, 51, whose parents moved to London from Barbados in the 60s, says the decision was less than democratic.
“It’s a positive move, as long as the successive governments put Barbados and Bajans first. But it should have been put to a referendum.”
In a move described as “throwing off its colonial shackles”, the small island nation has replaced the Queen as head of state with Governor-General Dame Sandra Mason, who will be sworn in as their first president.
But Geoffrey is less than satisfied with her appointment. “The governor-general was appointed by the Queen, and now she is the president, so it’s all the same. I feel like we should vote for the president.”
Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley invited Prince Charles to attend the ceremony on Monday, a move criticised by some and applauded by others.
“The British Government is still running Barbados. She could have invited somebody from Africa, Mexico, wherever, but she invited him. It’s just different words, you know. But it’s still the British Empire” said Geoffrey.
However, Jeanette, 85, a retiree who moved to the UK from Barbados 60 years ago sees things differently.
“I think that she’s trying to let the royal family know that she’s trying not to push them aside or ignore them, she’s still involved. After being under British rule for so many years, I think she did the right thing inviting him.”
Amanda has a more neutral opinion: “I think it’s just a formality, like saying ‘thank you, but we’ve got it from here.’ There is no animosity. Just Bajans taking the wheel, driving their own car, and carving out their own futures.”
When asked what she thought separating from the British royal family will mean for Barbados Jeanette said:
“We’ll have to wait and see what the government in this country will say and do. But I do hope that the relationship between the two countries will carry on the same as how it used to be. I hope that it doesn’t affect the tourism that Barbados depends on.”
Amanda agreed, adding: “Barbados will still be in the Commonwealth. As long as we can still have dual nationality, we cool.”
Celebrations in Barbados coincided with the opening of the historic Golden Square Freedom Park on Saturday. It seems, however, that celebrations for Barbadians living in London will be somewhat less colourful.
“Honestly, I won’t celebrate this year. I’m going to wait and see how it goes” said Geoffrey.
Amanda says she will try to watch the celebrations in Barbados online if she can stay awake long enough, “I have my nails painted blue and gold, being patriotic!”.
Jeannette said: “With the pandemic and all that’s going on, I don’t know how many crowds will be able to gather to celebrate or anything.”
News of Barbados becoming a republic has reignited debates across the Commonwealth community with other countries considering following suit.
Only time will tell what the future holds for what remains of the British Empire.