Barbados begins the dawn of a new era for the nation of 285,000 citizens, as it ends Britain’s centuries of influence, including more than 200 years of slavery until 1834, as woman become emerge as the President of Barbados.
Barbados formally declared itself the world’s newest republic at the stroke of midnight, as the Caribbean island nation removed Queen Elizabeth II as head of state in a solemn ceremony Tuesday attended by the Queens son Prince Charles.
Royal Standard flag representing the queen was lowered during a ceremony inaugurating the current governor-general, Dame Sandra Mason, as the first President of Barbados.
“I, Sandra Prunella Mason, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Barbados according to law, so help me God,” the new president said in taking the oath of office.
Singer, Rihanna, who was born on the Island was also honoured as a National Hero as she attends the presidential inauguration at Heroes Square, Bridgetown.