Prime Minister predicts no fallout from Barbados Republic

The first Barbadian head of state will be its current Governor General, Dame Sandra Mason. Her rise to president is not set in stone and awaits parliamentary acceptance though it is a more-than-likely eventuality. In addition, Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley has promised a smooth transition with very little change expected, save for the one that is most important, complete independence.

Published August 23, 2021

GG to become first president of Barbados

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS (CMC): GOVERNOR GENERAL Dame Sandra Mason has been nominated to be the first president as Barbados moves to become a republic by November 30.

In addition, Barbadians have been given the assurance that there will be no change to the country’s name, flag, pledge or the name of Independence Day.

This was outlined by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley during an address to the nation on Saturday.

“There is no change to the flag. There is no change to the name of Independence Day; there is no change to the name of Barbados. Barbados is Barbados. We’re not the Commonwealth of Barbados; we’re not the Republic of Barbados; Barbados is Barbados. We are also not changing our pledge.”

Mottley explained that between now and November, it was the government’s intention to put a Bajan as the country’s head of state, and Dame Sandra was the person nominated, and has consented to the nomination.

She said Dame Sandra’s nomination would now be subject to the vote of members of parliament in the House of Assembly and the Senate.

Mottley further outlined that the government was also seeking to determine, through a charter, what were the promises and pledges that would be made to each other.

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