Prince Charles delivers a speech near Barbados' new President Sandra Mason.Photo: Shutterstock
Prince Charlesdenounced the “atrocity of slavery” and Britain’s grim legacy of the slave trade asBarbados removed Queen Elizabeth as head of stateand swore in its first president.
In a speech at Barbados' transition ceremony on Monday evening, the prince, 73, referenced the darkest period of Britain’s colonial past, which saw the trafficking of people from Africa to Barbados and the Caribbean.
“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,” Charles said.
“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,” he added.
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For her part, the Queen, 95, said the island nation would “always have a place” in her heart. She sent Dame Sandra Mason, the new president who became head of state, a message congratulating Barbadians on “this significant occasion.”
“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,” she said.
“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 peoples,” she concluded.
The handover ceremony was an occasion of national pride and Rihanna was among the well-known guests. She was honored with the title National Hero of Barbados.
Alamy Stock Photo
Barbados, a former British colony with apopulation of nearly 300,000, announced plansto become a republiclast year. Its independence from Britain dates to 1966.
“Having obtained independence over half a century ago, our country can be in no doubt about its capacity for self-governance. The time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind,” Mason said in a speech at the opening of parliament in September 2020. “Barbadians want a Barbadian head of state. This is the ultimate statement of confidence of who we are and what we are capable of achieving.”
source: people.com
