Barbados becomes a republic, the end of British rule

(ANSA) - BRIDGETOWN, NOV 30 - Barbados has officially proclaimed itself a republic, removing Queen Elizabeth II from her title of head of state, in a ceremony in the presence of her son, Prince Charles.

    During this ceremony, the British Royal Banner was withdrawn and Governor General Sandra Mason was sworn in as the Caribbean island's first president.

    The island of 287,000 inhabitants known for its paradise beaches, its rum and for being the birthplace of the world superstar Rihanna thus puts an end to centuries of submission to the British crown.

The new president was elected in October by direct universal suffrage.

(HANDLE).