Decades after the idea of Barbados becoming a Republic was bandied about, it is set to finally become a reality.
And the historic shift to Republican status will occur within the next 14 months.
Governor General Dame Sandra Mason delivered the unexpected news this morning as she delivered her Throne Speech at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.
Speaking before the packed Frangipani Room, Dame Sandra said the time had come for Barbados to become self-governing.
She revealed that the move to transition from a parliamentary constitutional monarchy under a hierarchy monarchy, to a Republic, would be realized before the island celebrated its 55th anniversary of independence on November 30, 2021.
“The peril and uncertainty of the times compel us to reinforce our foundation. Equally, we are challenged to shore up our traditional structures and find stronger, more resilient, more sustainable architecture, on which we can build a modern and enduring structure for current and future generations,” Dame Sandra said.
“Barbados has developed governance structures and institutions that mark us as what has been described as, ‘the best governed black society in the world’.
“Since Independence, we Barbadians have sought constantly to improve our systems of law and governance so as to ensure they best reflect our characteristics and values as a nation.
“Barbados’ first Prime Minister, The Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow, cautioned against loitering on colonial premises. That warning is as relevant today as it was in 1966. Having attained Independence over half a century ago, our country can be in no doubt about its capacity for self-governance.
“The time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind. Barbadians want a Barbadian Head of State. This is the ultimate statement of confidence in who we are and what we are capable of achieving. Hence, Barbados will take the next logical step toward full sovereignty and become a Republic by the time we celebrate our 55th anniversary of Independence,” the Governor General added.
The idea of Barbados becoming a Republic was discussed as early as the 1970s.
In 1979, a commission of inquiry known as the Cox Commission on the Constitution was esablished and charged with studying the feasibility of introducing a republican system.
The commission came to the conclusion that Barbadians preferred to maintain the constitutional monarchy and therefore the proposal to move to republican status was not pursued.
In 1996, a Constitution Review Commission, headed by Sir Henry Forde, was appointed to review the country’s Constitution. That commission recommended that Barbados adopt a Parliamentary republic system.
A Referendum Bill was introduced in Parliament and had its first reading on October 10, 2000. With the dissolution of Parliament just prior to the elections in 2003, the bill was not carried over.
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Great news – we will now stop supporting you with financial aid and other assistance.
Is this not a decision for the citizens of Barbados not just for the few parliamentarians currently in power?
And about time too!
Barbados is already sovereign and both the Queen and the Governor General are Barbadian. Where is the referendum/debate and is this the type of non democracy Barbadians can expect in the unspecified vague new structures and architecture the government is indicating require tossing the old system out even as only now there is there very recent supposed ethic legislation to finally have apply to the Westminster system that Barbados endured with corruption for years at it’s choice despite years of promise and compliant that the Westminster system of governance without it was inherently vulnerable to corruption at great cost to the welfare and progress of the country? Is Barbados not more than a “black society” best governed or otherwise? Who is limiting who here and where is the colour blind civilization all Barbadians should aspire to?
Alienating Barbados’s main tourist market, at a time when it’s already on its knees doesn’t make a while lot of sense.
As another person has already said, this is a decision for the people of Barbados, not a few parliamentarians. Has anybody thought to ask the nation if it wants a politician as Head of State?
If it’s true that ‘Barbadians want a Barbadian Head of State’, then why is it so difficult to find solid evidence of this?
Finally, who on earth would hold up the Commonwealth Caribbean republics as models of good governance over the constitutional monarchies? Military dictatorships (Guyana), coup attempts and conflicts between the President and the PM (T&T) and nobody has ever satisfactorily explained the circumstances surrounding President Liverpool’s abrupt resignation.
Does Barbados REALLY want to emulate any of the above?
I don’t like the idea of a republic for Barbados as like others they leaders we in end up with a dictator.
This is about the current ruling party wanting to leave a legacy. If this was done properly this would be passed over to a referendum. That is the correct way to do it. Don’t dictate it! Not even BREXIT was dictated.
I am speechless. Was this in the referendum for the last election? At the very least it should have been there. But the right way and proper way is to take this to a referendum so we Bajans can have a say. That is the BARBADOS way.
Mai please take this to a referendum.
I have visited Barbados many times and i love the island and people.
However, what has the colour of skin got to do with independence?
“Best governed black society in the world”.
As a person with light coloured skin, does that suggest i am not welcome anymore?
This is something the citizens of Barbados should decide so when do we get to vote to decide this? If we have no say in this decision now, we know what to expect when it happens besides financial aid and assistance, all other decisions we will hear about after the fact and corruption will be the norm smh
I have visited Barbados many times and love the island and people.
However, what has the colour of someones skin got to do with self governance – ‘the best governed black society in the world’.
Does this now mean that i am not welcome as a light skinned person?
If the decision to become a republic is fully supported by the people of Barbados in a fair and properly run referendum, then I wish them well. However, I assume all the damehoods, knighthoods and other orders of the British Empire will be handed back. You can’t have it both ways. Republics don’t have imperial titles.
Barbados already is self governing and fully sovereign. Ditching the monarchy will not make anybody look on Barbados more favourably, especially if this is enacted without a referendum (maybe the St. Vincent referendum result of 2009 has put the government off from holding their own). Scandals and corruption will likely follow once a president is elected (or maybe parliament plan to choose their own without the people having a say?), half the country end up hating the head of state when it is mixed with politics. Corruption/political unrest then puts off inward investment and can downgrade international credit scores making government borrowing more expensive.
Mottley just wants to get her name in the history books for her own gain, Bajans have nothing to gain from this but a lot to lose. Don’t try to fix something that isn’t broken, focus on creating jobs and improving living standards.
If I were a voter I’d be concerned at the financial state of the island. The “best governed black society” defaulted on its debt two years ago.
Do it the right way, let the people of Barbados have their say.What happened when there a change of government or are they planning on staying for good.
Mark Lever…. Why is it that when anything black is highlighted in a positive light, whites automatically get offended? You should be happy that the island you love to visit so much, wants to be self governed. You should be happy that this predominantly black country is seen in such a positive light worldwide. That statement is absolutely true. We are one of the best governed black societies and have been referred to as such. Why should you take that to mean “people of light skin colour aren’t welcome anymore”? Where would you get such an idea? Any bets if the word “black” wasn’t in that statement, your thoughts would’ve been completely different. In no way does that mean whites aren’t welcome here. Everyone is welcome here. Just one thing: whites need to STOP taking anything putting blacks in a positive light as a personal attack.
when was the referendum held? it is unconstitutional to change the type of government Mia is a dictator
we need Referendum
@ James Smith, Dr. Liverpool had health issues if you did not know. Was there a referandum before Barbados became independent in 1966?
Oh Dear, “the best governed black society in the world’.” what about all the “white” people who live in Barbados and are Badians!!!
Was this in a referendum??
Do the people really want this??
Governor General Dame Sandra Mason Don’t forget to hand your title back!!!!
we were going to retire there but I really don’t know now. How is this going to affect people?
I thought we were multicultural!!
So SAD
Having a head of state that is Bajan does makes sense. However, I am appalled by the lack of respect displayed toward Queen Elizabeth. She has been a faithful steward of Barbadoes for much longer than many people have been alive. In the move toward Republic, she is cast aside like she is some leftover trash? Very unkind and it shows a lack of courtesy and respect that is non-typical of the wonderful people of Barbados. I’m also conscious that the Queen is more than just a kindly old lady on a throne. She is a symbol of stability. Stability is the one thing that separates this island from many others — just look what happened to Dominica after they rushed into a Republic. Changing a government is not something to do lightly. Research this please.
Another step closer to joining America – is that really what the Bajan people want?
“Hierarchy monarchy” should be “hereditary monarchy.”
We are not amused.
Soon to become the 53 State of America.
I suspect that they are afraid to take this to a referendum vote. I think it would be defeated.
I know most young people don’t care and would probably vote to leave. But i think most older people will be against it. I am just saying this based on my interaction with friends and family.
I don’t see or feel a need for this at this time. What does it change? Honestly think about it. All of the cost to rebrand, all the stationery, all the signs. Royal Barbados Police Force: That will need to be changed and rebranded, the post office, the prison, etc etc… Why? anything with the crown need to change, all the uniforms etc. I’m just saying spend the money on something more important. It’s not needed.
I think the Gov needs to perform a cost-benefit analysis and publish it outlining the true cost of doing this and what it will give us. After that put it to a referendum. Simple.