Protesters against slavery plan to meet Prince Charles and demand that reparations be made from the Royals and the UK Government in respect of slavery during his trip to Barbados.
The Prince of Wales, 73, is expected to fly out to the island today at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Amor Mottley to attend the transition of a realm to a republic ceremony.
The move, which will see Barbados cut ties with the monarchy and become a republic after centuries of British rule, will come as Dame Sandra Mason, the current governor-general, is sworn in as president on Tuesday.
During his two-day visit, the future king will give a speech reaffirming the country’s friendship with Barbados and the Queen will also send a message of support as Dame Sandra Mason replaces the monarch as head of state on the country’s 55th anniversary of independence.
But it’s understood that at least 100 activists might demand the same. Slavery compensation during the prince’s visit.
Prince Charles is expected to fly out to Barbados to attend the transition of a realm to a republic ceremony
The Sunday Mirror’s David Denny said that the visit of Prince Charles by general secretary for campaign group Caribbean Movement for Peace and Integration was an insult.
“The Royal Family was a beneficiary of slavery in Barbados. I’m angry.’
He added that it wasn’t about the money. It was about an apology, and helping others. To transform society, we need to make amends.
According to a source, Prince Charles was “sanguine” about the transition of the island and felt’maybe a twinge regret”.
The source told The Times: ‘He is sanguine about it — he doesn’t see it as a rejection of him personally but there is perhaps a twinge of regret and a sense that a link is being weakened.
“As the next head for the Commonwealth, Prince Charles is determined that it should not be an emotional thing. It should be practical and help countries in issues such as trade and climate change.
He said, “If all of the realms were going to the Commonwealth, it would be a terrible thing, but this isn’t the case.”
Barbados declared last year that it would Remove the Queen from its Head of State and make it a Republic by November 20, 2021.
Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of the Caribbean Islands quoted Errol Barrow as warning about ‘loitering upon colonial premises’ in a speech she gave.
Buckingham Palace stated that Barbados’ intent to remove Queen Elizabeth as Head of State and make it a Republic was an ‘important matter’.
The royal is expected to fly out to the island today at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Amor Mottley (pictured together)
The transition will see Dame Sandra Mason replaces the Queen as head of state on the country’s 55th anniversary of independence
The speech was read by Dame Sandra Mason, who stated that it was time to leave behind our colonial past. Barbadians are looking for a Head of State.
“This statement is the final affirmation of our confidence in ourselves and what we can achieve.
“Barbadis will now take the next step towards full sovereignty, becoming a republic by the time that we celebrate our 55th anniversary of independence.”
A palace spokesperson said, “This matter is for the government of Barbados and the people.”
Downing Street stated that it was a “decision for Barbados” but added that Britain would still enjoy a partnership with Barbados as Commonwealth members.
According to a Number 10, spokesperson, “We have a common history with Barbados and will remain united in history, culture, and language. We will also continue and enjoy a partnership as Commonwealth members.”
Although the country was granted independence in 1966 from Britain, its Constitutional monarch is still the Queen.
The Barbados constitution review commission recommended republican status in 1998. Prime Minister Freundel Stuart stated in 2015 that “we need to change from a monarchical system to a republican type of government in very near future”.
Many Caribbean nations have maintained close ties with the monarchy even after independence.
Barbados could join Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana if the republic’s plan is implemented.
Jamaica, too, has called for such a change. Andrew Holness, the Prime Minister of Jamaica, stated it as a priority, but hasn’t made it a reality.
Barbados moved one more step closer to independence in 2003 by replacing the UK-based Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London with the Caribbean Court of Justice in Trinidad and Tobago. This court is Barbados’ final appeals court.
Owen Arthur was a former prime minister who advocated a referendum for a republican state in 2005. But the vote was canceled by the Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
Barbados’ colonial past
Although the Sugar Revolution was very lucrative, it also came with a great social cost.
Barbados, which was only surpassed by Saint Kitts, was an English settlement that existed in the West Indies.
The countries’ historical ties date back to the 17th century and involve settlement, post-colonialism and modern bilateral relations.
Barbados has enjoyed close relations with other Commonwealth nations since its independence in 1966. The Queen is the monarch.
The Barbadian Parliament is the third oldest in the entire Commonwealth and the island continues to practice the Westminster style of government.
An English influence can be found in many Anglican churches and plantation house on the island.
The William and John, 80 Englishmen who sailed onboard the William and John in 1627, landed on the Caribbean Island. They founded Jamestown (located near Holetown today), under the King James I’s name.
It was difficult for early settlers to grow a profitable export crop. They also had difficulties maintaining their supplies from Europe.
However, The Sugar Revolution was highly profitable. In the 1640s, sugar coulde was introduced from Dutch Brazil. Over the next ten years, more than two-thirds of English emigres in Americas went to Barbados.
While this sugar shift was a huge success, it also came with a high social cost. Many thousands of West African slaves were sent across the Atlantic to labor in the sugar plantations. Workers suffered low wages and very limited social services.
The country’s population shifted from a predominantly white to majority black group between 1627 and 1807.
British Govt passed the Slavery Abolition Act in August 1833. Slaves throughout the British Empire were granted emancipation.
Barbados remained a British colony until internal autonomy was granted in 1961.
On November 30, 1966, the nation became independent. This was at a time in which its economy was growing and diversifying.
Barbados’ Parliament is still a constitutional monarchy, parliamentary democracy and has been since then. Its model is the British Westminster government.
In 2008, British exports to Barbados stood at £38 million, making it Britain’s fourth-largest export market in the region.
In recent years a growing number of British nationals have been relocating to Barbados to live, with polls showing that British nationals make up 75–85 per cent of the Barbados second home market.