Barbados to drop queen Elizabeth as head of state

Barbados has announced its intention to remove Queen Elizabeth as its head of state and become a republic.

The Caribbean Island nation’s government said the time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind,

It aims to complete the process in time for the 55th anniversary of independence from Britain, in November 2021.

A speech written by Prime Minister Mia Mottley said Barbadians wanted a Barbadian head of state.

Buckingham palace said that it was a matter for the government and people of Barbados.

The statement was part of the throne speech, which outlines the government’s policies and programmes ahead of the new session of parliament.