Perspective: Finally Barbados Stopped Loitering On British Soil

December 10, 2021 | By Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie |

Republican Status

On November 30, 2021 Barbados stopped loitering on colonial premises as it is losing time. Dame Sandra Mason has replaced herself as Governor General and now President.  This is a ceremonial position as was that of the position of Governor General.

It was in 1966 that Barbados became an independent country.  It received independence from Britain after 396 years of British rule having been used as a slave importation port.  Barbados on November 30, 2021 transitioned to Republican Status with their former Governor General assuming the role of Ceremonial President Dame Mason is her name.  She is therefore their first female President. Barbados has a population of about 350 thousand persons.

Knighthood

Barbados created their own Knighthood and put it in their constitution. Barbados has the Knight of St. Andrew.  They have stopped using British titles.

Commentary

When will Jamaica become a Republic and stop loitering on British premises? We are long overdue to do same. Next year 2022 we will be 60 years old as an independent nation. Time come!

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is poet, elegist author and senior international journalist who writes for Vision newspaper.