⁍ The Caribbean island of Barbados wants to remove Britain’s Queen Elizabeth as its head of state and become a republic.

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⁍ A former colony that gained independence in 1966, Barbados has maintained a formal link with the British monarchy.

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⁍ Britain’s Foreign Office said the decision was one for Barbados to take.

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– The Caribbean island of Barbados wants to get rid of Queen Elizabeth as its head of state and become a republic, Reuters reports. “Barbadians want a Barbadian Head of State,” said the island’s governor general. “This is the ultimate statement of confidence in who we are and what we are capable of achieving. Hence, Barbados will take the next logical step toward full sovereignty and become a Republic by the time we celebrate our 55th Anniversary of Independence.” Barbados gained independence in 1966, and would be following in the footsteps of Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, and Guyana in becoming a republic. Britain’s Foreign Office said the decision was one for Barbados to take. “Barbados and the UK are united in our shared history, culture, language and much more,” it said. “We have an enduring partnership and will continue to work with them along with all our valued Caribbean partners.”