For the Republic of Barbados: Crown, Commonwealth and Canada – National

This is the historic throne speech.

On September 16, Barbados told the world that Queen Elizabeth was being ousted as head of state.

“Since independence half a century ago, our country has no doubt about its potential for self-government,” Mason said.

The small island nation of the Caribbean was one of the oldest English colonies in the West Indies in the 17th century, although it was also claimed by Spain and the Portuguese.

The original inhabitants of the Arawaks and Caribbeans.

Barbados gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1966, but kept the Queen as head of state.

The country is shaped by the history of the people who were exploited.

At the time of the so-called sugar revolution, there were 387,000 Africans Captured and transported Work on the gardens to the island against their will.

As Barbados tries to become a fully sovereign nation, Prime Minister Mia Motil says young boys and girls dream of one day becoming heads of state, but now they can make it happen.

“We respect our heritage, but today we are the people, (we) are proud Barbadians, they are not the best of all, they are not the best of others,” Motley said.

Other Caribbean countries have also gone from monarchy to republics, including Trinidad and Tobago, but Mauritius was the last country to remove the Queen as head of state in 1992.

With Barbados, it goes away 15 Commonwealth countries They have the Queen as their Emperor, including the United Kingdom.

2:03Poll: 53% of Canadians doubt the future of the monarchy

Nathan Tidridge Vice President Institute for the Study of the Crown In Canada.

“I do not think others will jump on the bandwagon and follow Barbados. I think it would be a very subtle discussion if there was any discussion at all,” Tidridge said. “And I do not see that kind of discussion in Canada. ”

The Constitution prescribes a balance between the provinces, the territories and the federal government. And to get out of the monarchy, experts say, is to remove that infrastructure.

“You must agree with the states to relinquish the crown and ask PEI, an equal partner with Ontario in our federation, if they ever relinquish the crown. So as an organization for regional independence, I will never see them get rid of it,” Tidridge said.

There are historic agreements between the Crown and 364 First Nations.

The Government of Canada currently recognizes 70 treaties signed between 1701 and 1923 and another 25 modern treaties establishing treaties with 97 indigenous communities.

If Canada removes the crown, new deals are needed.

“Canadians need to understand that understanding the foundations of the country is inherent. That is very important to me,” Tidridge said.

Information on the website for Citizens for the Canadian Republic acknowledges that challenges arise when amending the Constitution, but encourages discussion regardless.

It provides instructions to move the country from queen.

An idea shared on the website focuses on citizenship ceremonies, “New Canadians are not only Canadian citizens, in some cases, should not swear allegiance to an emperor who represents many aspects of the future. Citizens are trying to leave. They are coming to Canada, to adopt a way of life that emphasizes equality and individual rights, not piracy, royalty and classicism. ”

Motley said a lot of work has already been done in Barbados because the country has two constitutional reviews and they will be used by the transition team.

“We have had this discussion for over 20 years,” Motley said.

The role of the president is the same as that of the head of state.

The transition process will be completed by November 2021 to mark the 55th anniversary of Barbados’ independence.