Barbados New Republic

As Barbados became the world's newest republic, its prime minister's first act was to officially declare the island's most famous citizen, Rihanna, a national hero.

Barbados formally declared itself the world's newest republic at the stroke of midnight, removing Queen Elizabeth II as head of state in a solemn ceremony attended by her son Prince Charles.

Barbados is about to cut ties with the British monarchy, but the legacy of a sometimes brutal colonial past and the pandemic's impact on tourism pose major challenges for the Caribbean island as it becomes the world's newest republic.

As Barbados became the world's newest republic, its prime minister's first act was to officially declare the island's most famous citizen, Rihanna, a national hero.

Barbados formally declared itself the world's newest republic at the stroke of midnight, removing Queen Elizabeth II as head of state in a solemn ceremony attended by her son Prince Charles.

Barbados is about to cut ties with the British monarchy, but the legacy of a sometimes brutal colonial past and the pandemic's impact on tourism pose major challenges for the Caribbean island as it becomes the world's newest republic.