By Kimberly Ramkhalawan
kramkhalawan@caribmagplus.com
November 30, 2021
Barbados ushered in a new era on Monday night, as it officially become a sovereign republic nation. At midnight the Dame Sandra Mason was sworn in as President of the nation, with Prince Charles present representing the British Monarchy. The night also coincided with the nation’s celebration of 55 years of Independence. But in the lead to the midnight where the declaration and installation of the president, the nation came together for a night of celebration titled ‘Pride of Nationhood’ at its Independence Square in Bridgetown.
From a short reenactment of the freedom fight, to steelpan bands, spoken word and song of praise and thanks, Calypsoes, sailor mayfair style dance the mood was very much festive. Performers included saxman Arturo Tappin, Biggie Irie, TC, Edwin, PeterRam all done under the leadership of musical director Dr Nicholas Brancker.
Princes Charles arrived on Sunday night at the Grantley Adams Airport on the RAF Voyager where he was greeted with a 21-gun salute. On hand to greet the Princes was Barbados prime minister Mia Mottley, with president-elect Dame Sandra Mason and military chiefs present.
Speaking at the official handover, Prince Charles acknowledged its monarch’s part in what he described as an “appalling atrocity of slavery, which forever stains our history”. His comments came as part of his summary of Britain’s major role in the transatlantic slave trade as the “darkest days of our past”, but looking to the future said the “creation of this republic offers a new beginning”. The Prince reminded the nation that there were things that would not change, including the close and trusted partnership between “Barbados and the United Kingdom as vital members of the Commonwealth, our common determination to defend the values we both cherish and to pursue the goals we share; and the myriad connections between the people of our countries – through which flow admiration and affection, co-operation and opportunity – strengthening and enriching us all.”
Prime Minister Mia Mottley remarked that “We believe that the time has come for us to claim our full destiny. It is a woman of the soil to whom this honor is being given.”
Replacing queen is Dame Sandra Mason who is stepping into the role of President, she urged Barbadians to chart their future. She noted that since the country became an Independent nation in 1966, its national identity to stamp its place in the world was missing, “Since Independence we have built an international reputation anchored on our characteristics, our national values, our stability and our success, drawing on the lessons of those intervening years, possessing a clear sense of who we are and what we are capable of achieving. In the year 2021, we now turn our vessel’s bow towards the new republic. We do this so that we may seize the full substance of our sovereignty.”
Meanwhile, Barbadian and International pop star Rihanna was declared a national hero. During the ceremony, Prime Minister Mottley in bestowing the honour, said for commanding “the imagination of the world” with her excellence, creativity, discipline and, “above all else, her extraordinary commitment to the land of her birth, May you continue to shine like a diamond.”