The previous British colony gained its independence from the UK in 1981 however is one in all 14 nations along with the UK the place the British monarch is head of state. It is usually part of the Commonwealth, a 56-member group of principally former British territories.
“This can be a matter that needs to be taken to a referendum for the individuals to determine,” he mentioned, including that it’s not imply to “signify any type of disrespect to the monarch. This isn’t an act of hostility, or any distinction between Antigua and Barbuda and the monarchy.”
He defined that it could be “a ultimate step to finish the circle of independence to develop into a very sovereign nation.”
Questions had been raised in March concerning the monarchy’s continued function within the area after the then-Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Catherine, visited three Commonwealth realms — Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas — on a visit aimed toward celebrating Queen Elizabeth’s 70 years on the throne.
Final 12 months, Barbados severed its ultimate imperial hyperlinks to Britain by declaring itself a republic.
Barbados’s determination marked the primary time in almost three a long time {that a} realm opted to take away the British monarch as head of state. The final nation to take action was the island of Mauritius in 1992. Like that nation, Barbados has remained a part of the Commonwealth.
