International

Barbados has announced its intention to remove the Queen as its head of state and become a republic by November, 2021.
     Reading the speech, Governor-General Dame Sandra Mason said: "The time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind. Barbadians want a Barbadian Head of State.

"Hence, Barbados will take the next logical step toward full sovereignty and become a Republic by the time we celebrate our 55th Anniversary of Independence."

The country gained its independence from Britain in 1966, though the Queen remains its constitutional monarch.
     Most Caribbean countries have kept formal links with the monarchy after achieving independence.

Barbados would join Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica and Guyana if it proceeds with its plan to become a republic.