Tony Jones
EVENING STANDARD
Singer and entrepreneur Rihanna has been awarded a national honour from her homeland Barbados as the Caribbean country celebrated becoming a republic.
Rihanna, who grew up in the island nation, witnessed the historic ceremony that broke Barbados’s centuries-old ties with the British monarchy and swore in its first president Dame Sandra Mason, ending the Queen’s role as head of state.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley surprised the invited guests when she said her government had recommended the celebrity be made a member of the Order of National Heroes on Wednesday.
Singer and entrepreneur Rihanna has been awarded a national honour from her homeland Barbados as the Caribbean country celebrated becoming a republic.
Rihanna, who grew up in the island nation, witnessed the historic ceremony that broke Barbados’s centuries-old ties with the British monarchy and swore in its first president Dame Sandra Mason, ending the Queen’s role as head of state.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley surprised the invited guests when she said her government had recommended the celebrity be made a member of the Order of National Heroes on Wednesday.
© Provided by Evening Standard Rihanna (centre) attends the ceremony that saw Barbados become a republic (Jonathan Brady/PA) (PA Wire)
During the ceremony applause rang out in National Heroes Square in the capital Bridgetown when Dame Sandra was sworn in by chief justice Sir Marston Gibson and announced as “Her Excellency Dame Sandra Prunella Mason President of Barbados”.
The Prince of Wales represented the UK at the televised open-air ceremony and in a speech was also warmly acknowledged by the guests when he told the new republic: “I shall always consider myself a friend of Barbados.”
Charles’ speech was a positive message, as if written for a close acquittance, harbouring no regret at the decision taken by the Barbadian leaders, and it also acknowledge Britain’s role in the “appalling atrocity of slavery”.
He listed the ways he will “remain deeply committed to this very special country”, highlighting the on-going efforts of his Prince’s Trust International charity in supporting Barbados’s young people and his work with their government on issues like climate change.
Rihanna, who flew back to Barbados for the event, touched her heart as she was praised by Ms Mottley, who quoted the singer’s own lyrics as she said: “May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honour to your nation by your words, by your actions and to do credit wherever you shall go.”
During the ceremony applause rang out in National Heroes Square in the capital Bridgetown when Dame Sandra was sworn in by chief justice Sir Marston Gibson and announced as “Her Excellency Dame Sandra Prunella Mason President of Barbados”.
The Prince of Wales represented the UK at the televised open-air ceremony and in a speech was also warmly acknowledged by the guests when he told the new republic: “I shall always consider myself a friend of Barbados.”
Charles’ speech was a positive message, as if written for a close acquittance, harbouring no regret at the decision taken by the Barbadian leaders, and it also acknowledge Britain’s role in the “appalling atrocity of slavery”.
He listed the ways he will “remain deeply committed to this very special country”, highlighting the on-going efforts of his Prince’s Trust International charity in supporting Barbados’s young people and his work with their government on issues like climate change.
Rihanna, who flew back to Barbados for the event, touched her heart as she was praised by Ms Mottley, who quoted the singer’s own lyrics as she said: “May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honour to your nation by your words, by your actions and to do credit wherever you shall go.”
© Provided by Evening Standard Charles gave a speech during the ceremony
(Jonathan Brady/PA) (PA Wire)
The culture, history and achievements of Barbados were celebrated with music, dance and spoken word during the ceremony and a number of poets and activists criticised the colonial past of the island nation and called for it to embrace the opportunities of becoming a republic.
Poet Cyndi Celeste summed up the mood when she said: “Today, after successive governments have tried and failed to rekindle the flame, we finally raised the flag of a nation no longer clinging to colonial coat tails for its identity.
“And maybe, we’ve been so focused on searching for the problems that we do not recognise the opportunities we have been given… shedding the vestiges of a monarchy means we get to denounce the moniker of ‘little England’ and vest the powers of the state in every Barbadian citizen.”
The culture, history and achievements of Barbados were celebrated with music, dance and spoken word during the ceremony and a number of poets and activists criticised the colonial past of the island nation and called for it to embrace the opportunities of becoming a republic.
Poet Cyndi Celeste summed up the mood when she said: “Today, after successive governments have tried and failed to rekindle the flame, we finally raised the flag of a nation no longer clinging to colonial coat tails for its identity.
“And maybe, we’ve been so focused on searching for the problems that we do not recognise the opportunities we have been given… shedding the vestiges of a monarchy means we get to denounce the moniker of ‘little England’ and vest the powers of the state in every Barbadian citizen.”
Queen Elizabeth II Congratulates Barbados After It Scraps the Monarchy
Jack Royston - NEWSWEEK
© Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images and Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II showed there were no hard feelings as she congratulated Barbados on removing her as head of state.
The Monarch, 95, ensured a positive atmosphere between the British Monarchy and the Caribbean island nation which has elected its first president, Dame Sandra Mason.
Prince Charles flew out to take part in the presidential inauguration ceremony, a guest of honor even as the country partially severs ties with the royals.
It will not be a complete break, as Barbados will remain a member of the Commonwealth, a global partnership which has the queen as its head and is made up mainly of Britain's former empire.
Elizabeth said in a message to Mason: "On this significant occasion and your assumption of office as the first president of Barbados, I extend my congratulations to you and all Barbadians.
"Over the years, our countries have enjoyed a partnership based on common values, shared prosperity, and close collaboration on a wide range of issues, including recent work on climate change.
"It is also a source of great satisfaction that Barbados remains an active participant within the commonwealth, and I look forward to the continuation of the friendship between our two countries and people.
"As you celebrate this momentous day, I send you and all Barbadians my warmest good wishes for your happiness, peace and prosperity in the future."
The royal standard was lowered and replaced with a presidential flag, but the royals received a warm reception with Prince Charles given a 21 gun salute.
Quoted by the BBC, Mason said in a speech: "Vessel Republic Barbados has set sail on her maiden voyage.
"May she weather all storms and land our country and citizens safely on the horizons and shores which are ahead of us. Our country must dream big dreams and fight to realize them."
Fireworks lit the skies over Bridgetown and Barbadian popstar Rihanna was given the honor of being officially named a national hero.
Quoted by the BBC, Prime Minister Mia Mottley told her: "May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honor to your nation."
Queen Elizabeth II's Message to Barbados in Full
"On this significant occasion and your assumption of office as the first President of Barbados, I extend my congratulations to you and all Barbadians.
"I first visited your beautiful country on the eve of independence in early 1966, and I am very pleased that my son is with you today.
"Since then, the people of Barbados have held a special place in my heart; it is a country rightfully proud of its vibrant culture, its sporting prowess, and its natural beauty, that attracts visitors from all over the world, including many people from the United Kingdom.
"Over the years, our countries have enjoyed a partnership based on common values, shared prosperity, and close collaboration on a wide range of issues, including recent work on climate change.
"It is also a source of great satisfaction that Barbados remains an active participant within the commonwealth, and I look forward to the continuation of the friendship between our two countries and people.
"As you celebrate this momentous day, I send you and all Barbadians my warmest good wishes for your happiness, peace and prosperity in the future."
© Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images and Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II showed there were no hard feelings as she congratulated Barbados on removing her as head of state.
The Monarch, 95, ensured a positive atmosphere between the British Monarchy and the Caribbean island nation which has elected its first president, Dame Sandra Mason.
Prince Charles flew out to take part in the presidential inauguration ceremony, a guest of honor even as the country partially severs ties with the royals.
It will not be a complete break, as Barbados will remain a member of the Commonwealth, a global partnership which has the queen as its head and is made up mainly of Britain's former empire.
Elizabeth said in a message to Mason: "On this significant occasion and your assumption of office as the first president of Barbados, I extend my congratulations to you and all Barbadians.
"Over the years, our countries have enjoyed a partnership based on common values, shared prosperity, and close collaboration on a wide range of issues, including recent work on climate change.
"It is also a source of great satisfaction that Barbados remains an active participant within the commonwealth, and I look forward to the continuation of the friendship between our two countries and people.
"As you celebrate this momentous day, I send you and all Barbadians my warmest good wishes for your happiness, peace and prosperity in the future."
The royal standard was lowered and replaced with a presidential flag, but the royals received a warm reception with Prince Charles given a 21 gun salute.
Quoted by the BBC, Mason said in a speech: "Vessel Republic Barbados has set sail on her maiden voyage.
"May she weather all storms and land our country and citizens safely on the horizons and shores which are ahead of us. Our country must dream big dreams and fight to realize them."
Fireworks lit the skies over Bridgetown and Barbadian popstar Rihanna was given the honor of being officially named a national hero.
Quoted by the BBC, Prime Minister Mia Mottley told her: "May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honor to your nation."
Queen Elizabeth II's Message to Barbados in Full
"On this significant occasion and your assumption of office as the first President of Barbados, I extend my congratulations to you and all Barbadians.
"I first visited your beautiful country on the eve of independence in early 1966, and I am very pleased that my son is with you today.
"Since then, the people of Barbados have held a special place in my heart; it is a country rightfully proud of its vibrant culture, its sporting prowess, and its natural beauty, that attracts visitors from all over the world, including many people from the United Kingdom.
"Over the years, our countries have enjoyed a partnership based on common values, shared prosperity, and close collaboration on a wide range of issues, including recent work on climate change.
"It is also a source of great satisfaction that Barbados remains an active participant within the commonwealth, and I look forward to the continuation of the friendship between our two countries and people.
"As you celebrate this momentous day, I send you and all Barbadians my warmest good wishes for your happiness, peace and prosperity in the future."
Prince Charles references ‘atrocity of slavery’ as Barbados becomes a republic
The prince will be head of state of many nations in the Caribbean when he becomes king and his words will resonate across the region.
The Prince of Wales speaks at the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony at Heroes Square in Bridgetown, Barbados. Jeff J Mitchell
The prince will be head of state of many nations in the Caribbean when he becomes king and his words will resonate across the region.
Barbados’ ties with the British monarchy going back centuries were severed when the nation’s first president, Dame Sandra Mason, was sworn into office replacing the Queen as head of state during a televised open-air ceremony in the capital Bridgetown.
In a message to the president and the people of Barbados the Queen sent the new republic her “warmest good wishes for your happiness, peace and prosperity in the future” and praised the nation which has a “special place” in her heart for “its vibrant culture, its sporting prowess, and its natural beauty”.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK and Barbados will remain “steadfast friends and allies” with “a partnership built to last”.
The heir to the throne watched the symbolic moment as the Queen’s standard was lowered for the last time and the presidential flag raised in its place at midnight local time, on November 30, the 55th anniversary of independence from Britain.
Charles told guests including Barbados’ prime minister Mia Mottley and singer Rihanna: “The creation of this Republic offers a new beginning, but it also marks a point on a continuum, a milestone on the long road you have not only travelled, but which you have built.
“From the darkest days of our past, and the appalling atrocity of slavery, which forever stains our history, the people of this island forged their path with extraordinary fortitude.
“Emancipation, self-government and Independence were your way-points.
“Freedom, justice and self-determination have been your guides.
“Your long journey has brought you to this moment, not as your destination, but as a vantage point from which to survey a new horizon.”
His words echoed a speech he gave during a tour of west Africa in 2018 when, after visiting a site in Ghana where Africans were shipped to a life of slavery, he described the slave trade as an “indelible stain” on the world.
Barbados makes Rihanna a national hero as country becomes a republic
There have been protests in the run-up to the ceremony with activists in Barbados demanding an apology and reparations from the monarchy and UK Government for slavery.
Successive monarchs supported or made money from the transportation and selling of people for profit during the 17th and 18th centuries.
As the slavery abolitionists campaigned against the trade they were opposed by the Duke of Clarence, George III’s son, later to become William IV.
The royal and the rest of the pro-slavery lobby would eventually lose the battle when William Wilberforce and other abolitionists succeeded in passing the bill banning the slave trade in 1807.
Charles’ speech was a positive message, as if written to a close acquaintance, harbouring no regret at the decision taken by Barbados’ leaders.
He listed the ways he will “remain deeply committed to this very special country” highlighting the on-going efforts of his Prince’s Trust International supporting Barbados’ young people and his work with their government on issues like climate change.
The prince added: “I shall always consider myself a friend of Barbados.
“Tonight you write the next chapter of your nation’s story, adding to the treasury of past achievement, collective enterprise and personal courage which already fill its pages.
“Yours is a story in which every Barbadian, young and old, can take the greatest pride – inspired by what has come before them and confident about what lies ahead.”
Britain’s commitment to maintaining a strong relationship with the Caribbean nation also appears a priority, with a trade delegation of 25 British companies, the first in three years, visiting earlier this month with Darren Henry, the prime minister’s trade envoy to the Caribbean.
Wendy Morton, Minister for Europe and Americas, arrived with the prince on Sunday and has been carrying out a series of visits on the island.
Graham Smith, chief executive officer of the organisation Republic which campaigns for an elected head of state, said the Barbados’ decision could influence others: “A huge congratulations to Barbados for this historic moment in their nation’s story.
“Barbados isn’t just doing themselves a favour, but are showing the way for the other 15 Commonwealth realms.”
He added: “The transition in Barbados has also triggered calls for slavery reparations and an apology from the royals for their family’s part in the slave trade.
“Those calls aren’t going away and there’s no way the royals come out of that debate without significant damage to their reputation.”
The prince will be head of state of many nations in the Caribbean when he becomes king and his words will resonate across the region.
SENIOR DIGITAL PRODUCER
PUBLISHED Tuesday 30 November 2021
The Prince of Wales has acknowledged the “appalling atrocity of slavery”, describing it as something “which forever stains our history”, during the ceremony marking Barbados’ historic transition to a republic.
Charles summed up the period when the UK was one of the leading players 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”.
PUBLISHED Tuesday 30 November 2021
The Prince of Wales has acknowledged the “appalling atrocity of slavery”, describing it as something “which forever stains our history”, during the ceremony marking Barbados’ historic transition to a republic.
Charles summed up the period when the UK was one of the leading players 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 of Wales speaks at the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony at Heroes Square in Bridgetown, Barbados. Jeff J Mitchell
The prince will be head of state of many nations in the Caribbean when he becomes king and his words will resonate across the region.
Barbados’ ties with the British monarchy going back centuries were severed when the nation’s first president, Dame Sandra Mason, was sworn into office replacing the Queen as head of state during a televised open-air ceremony in the capital Bridgetown.
In a message to the president and the people of Barbados the Queen sent the new republic her “warmest good wishes for your happiness, peace and prosperity in the future” and praised the nation which has a “special place” in her heart for “its vibrant culture, its sporting prowess, and its natural beauty”.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK and Barbados will remain “steadfast friends and allies” with “a partnership built to last”.
The heir to the throne watched the symbolic moment as the Queen’s standard was lowered for the last time and the presidential flag raised in its place at midnight local time, on November 30, the 55th anniversary of independence from Britain.
Charles told guests including Barbados’ prime minister Mia Mottley and singer Rihanna: “The creation of this Republic offers a new beginning, but it also marks a point on a continuum, a milestone on the long road you have not only travelled, but which you have built.
“From the darkest days of our past, and the appalling atrocity of slavery, which forever stains our history, the people of this island forged their path with extraordinary fortitude.
“Emancipation, self-government and Independence were your way-points.
“Freedom, justice and self-determination have been your guides.
“Your long journey has brought you to this moment, not as your destination, but as a vantage point from which to survey a new horizon.”
His words echoed a speech he gave during a tour of west Africa in 2018 when, after visiting a site in Ghana where Africans were shipped to a life of slavery, he described the slave trade as an “indelible stain” on the world.
Barbados makes Rihanna a national hero as country becomes a republic
There have been protests in the run-up to the ceremony with activists in Barbados demanding an apology and reparations from the monarchy and UK Government for slavery.
Successive monarchs supported or made money from the transportation and selling of people for profit during the 17th and 18th centuries.
As the slavery abolitionists campaigned against the trade they were opposed by the Duke of Clarence, George III’s son, later to become William IV.
The royal and the rest of the pro-slavery lobby would eventually lose the battle when William Wilberforce and other abolitionists succeeded in passing the bill banning the slave trade in 1807.
Charles’ speech was a positive message, as if written to a close acquaintance, harbouring no regret at the decision taken by Barbados’ leaders.
He listed the ways he will “remain deeply committed to this very special country” highlighting the on-going efforts of his Prince’s Trust International supporting Barbados’ young people and his work with their government on issues like climate change.
The prince added: “I shall always consider myself a friend of Barbados.
“Tonight you write the next chapter of your nation’s story, adding to the treasury of past achievement, collective enterprise and personal courage which already fill its pages.
“Yours is a story in which every Barbadian, young and old, can take the greatest pride – inspired by what has come before them and confident about what lies ahead.”
Britain’s commitment to maintaining a strong relationship with the Caribbean nation also appears a priority, with a trade delegation of 25 British companies, the first in three years, visiting earlier this month with Darren Henry, the prime minister’s trade envoy to the Caribbean.
Wendy Morton, Minister for Europe and Americas, arrived with the prince on Sunday and has been carrying out a series of visits on the island.
Graham Smith, chief executive officer of the organisation Republic which campaigns for an elected head of state, said the Barbados’ decision could influence others: “A huge congratulations to Barbados for this historic moment in their nation’s story.
“Barbados isn’t just doing themselves a favour, but are showing the way for the other 15 Commonwealth realms.”
He added: “The transition in Barbados has also triggered calls for slavery reparations and an apology from the royals for their family’s part in the slave trade.
“Those calls aren’t going away and there’s no way the royals come out of that debate without significant damage to their reputation.”
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