'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 wants to remove Britain’s Queen Elizabeth as its head of state and become a republic, the Caribbean nation’s government has said.

A former British colony that gained independence in 1966, Barbados has maintained a formal link with the British monarchy as have some other countries that were once part of the British empire.

“The time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind,” said Barbados Governor General Sandra Mason, delivering a speech on behalf of the country’s Prime Minister Mia Mottley.

“Barbadians want a Barbadian Head of State. 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.”

That anniversary will come in November of next year.

Asked by the Daily Mail to comment on the Commonwealth country’s plans a palace spokesman said: ‘This is a matter for the government and people of Barbados.’

Downing Street added that it was a ‘decision for Barbados and the Government there’ but that Britain would continue to ‘enjoy a partnership’ with Barbados as members of the Commonwealth. “We obviously have a shared history and remain united with Barbados in terms of history, culture and language, and we will continue to have and enjoy a partnership with them as members of the Commonwealth,” a government spokesperson said.

Barbados would join Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica and Guyana if it successfully becomes a republic.