The island of Barbados said goodbye to the British monarchy at midnight this Tuesday (30), when it became a republic after intense debates about the slavery heritage of the colonial period. During the celebration event, singer Rihanna, raised in the nation’s capital, Bridgetown, was given the title of national heroine.
The country has already given the Grammy-winner the title of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary on several occasions, a way to further promote tourism and education on the island.
Thus, Rihanna, who owns a fortune of US$1.7 billion, joins a select group of other ten fellow citizens designated as national heroes of Barbados. For Prime Minister Mia Mottley, the singer, author of the hits “Umbrella” and “Diamonds”, instilled “imagination in the world through the pursuit of excellence with her creativity, discipline and, above all, extraordinary commitment to her homeland “.
The change in the political system comes after 400 years of linking the Caribbean country to the British throne, which made Queen Elizabeth the second head of state on the island — now, the position passes to Sandra Mason, until then governor-general, elected to the post in October. For the British throne, the move raises fears that other former colonies still linked to the UK will decide to do the same.
Prince Charles, first in line to the British throne, attended the ceremony and said the move “offers a fresh start.” “From the darkest days of our past and the terrible atrocity of slavery that stains our history, the people of this island have steadfastly made their way.”
The tone of Charles’ speech, referring clearly to the crimes of slavery, was well received – the theme is, historically, a white elephant in the hall of the British monarchy. Lord Woolley, founder of Operation Black Vote in the UK, characterized the speech as “very brave”.
The prince’s speeches help spark an uncomfortable debate, Woolley told British newspaper The Guardian. “Being with Prince Charles here, saying ‘we had a very dark past, but Barbados has a very bright future’ is the beginning of an adult conversation led by a future king,” he said.
Queen Elizabeth, who was recently given medical advice to rest, was not present, but sent a message. He said he wished the Barbadians “vows of happiness, peace and prosperity”.
The birth of the republic 55 years after Barbados declared independence dissolves all colonial ties with the United Kingdom. “This is the end point of this colonial page,” said Winston Farrell, a local poet. “We are leaving the cane fields, rescuing our history.”
Announcing the decision to cut ties with the monarchy last year, Prime Minister Mottley, who led the transition ceremony, said it was time for Barbados to “leave the colonial past behind”, although some in the country said the breakup should have been done a long time ago.
To the Guardian, the Barbadian historian Hilary Beckles, vice-rector of the University of the West Indies, argued that the relationship with the British throne harmed even the dignity of citizens. “This psychologically reduces the citizen of a nation where civil servants have to swear allegiance to a sovereign who is not part of their reality.” An opinion poll shared with the newspaper showed that more than 60% of the island’s citizens were in favor of forming a republic.
.
