Link to article: Barbados revives plan to remove Queen as head of state and become a republic
Since 2015, Barbados has had running plans to join Trinidad, Tobago, Dominica, and Guyana in removing the Queen as it’s head of state to become a republic.
So far, every target date proposed has gone unfulfilled, but still another has been set for November 2021. Becoming a republic would require a two-thirds majority in its own parliament, and there is little likelihood to be a referendum.
This is another step towards full independence from the UK, after replacing the judicial committee in London with the Caribbean court of justice, in Trinidad, in 2003. Many speculate the hesitation for many countries in the Caribbean to remove the Queen as head of state is caused by a want to wait for the Queen’s succession to spark debates.
The Palace has since taken a neutral stance, saying the decision is a matter for the government of Barbados and its people.
What the Palace said may be true for now, but as Barbados gets closer to November 2021, there is a possibility for tensions to spark over their decision. The UK could attempt to persuade Barbados, and any other nation trying to fully leave it, to stay, with sanctions, trade restrictions, or even blockades as an incentive to delay any decision to remove the Queen as their head of state.
Even if the UK stays fully neutral throughout the process, the people are divided on the issue. The current Prime Minister won with over 70% of the popular vote, giving her party every seat in the house of assembly. Though there have been no plans for a referendum, she is planning to hold one for legalizing same-sex unions and liberalizing cannabis charges, so why not this? Even if her party dominates the current government, should they not allow the input of the people on such a large decision? If one is for the people, then something like this should take the feelings of all the people when making the decision.