Some youth sorry but not sad over Queen’s death

By Michron Robinson

The passing of British monarch Queen Elizabeth II has been met with sadness at home and abroad, marking an end of an era. But in some local quarters, young Barbadians say they feel numb to the sadness felt by pro-monarchists.

Barbados TODAY took to the streets to speak with some young academics about their thoughts on the passing of the Queen and its effect on them.

Shamar Robinson said the Queen’s age made her death no surprise.

Alexis spoke of the British monarchy’s association with colonization.

Eighteen-year-old Azaria Strickland expressed sympathy for the royal family but explained that she felt unaffected by it.

“It doesn’t really have an effect on me. It may have an effect on my family because they grew up in those times, you know like when she was really alive and she was more active but for me personally, with the controversy around her and her family I have a bias especially [because of the stories of how they treated our ancestors,” she explained.

“It is a sad outcome with her because she was the Queen of England and everyone looked up to her, but for me, it doesn’t mean anything,” she added nonchalantly.

Another eighteen-year-old who gave her name as “Alexis” said that the Queen’s rule was well executed and for that her respect is earned.

“I feel that she will be missed because she was [a historic figurehead] and because you had people who came and died during her reign which I think means a lot. I think for a woman to be alive and [reign] for more than seven decades is a lot.

I feel that she was a great woman and she did accomplish a lot of stuff during her time and she made a difference,” she said.

Alexis added though that stories surrounding colonization were a concern especially since they were still unaddressed issues.

“However, she did encourage a lot [of colonization] as they said the crown she wore and the jewels in her palace did belong to other countries like Africa and India so in my opinion from that aspect she was not the best but she did accomplish a lot,” she added.

Shamar Robinson suggested that at the Queen’s advanced age, her death was to be expected.

“The news of the Queen’s passing was not [a big deal] for me because I know at her age, obviously she would have to go at some point – although it is unfortunate and I share my condolences to her and also her family. The Queen’s passing was expected.

“The Caribbean on a whole – we are moving away from the Queen [so this isn’t that big for me] that’s my take on it,” he added.

Twenty-two-year-old Johnathan Thomas also shared in the general feeling of disinterest within the young population.

“It did not really have an effect on me obviously because the Queen is overseas and many Bajans don’t associate with the Queen or anything like that. So it was like it happened and it was just a regular day for me,” he said.