President Irfaan Ali has assured Barbados of Guyana’s “unwavering” support in congratulatory messages to its new President Sandra Mason and Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley as the country achieved Republican status on Tuesday.
Barbados officially removed Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state and become the world’s newest Republic, in a midnight ceremony that also coincided with the country’s 55th anniversary of independence.
See President Irfaan Ali’s full congratulatory message to the President of Barbados, Sandra Mason:
On behalf of the Government and people of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, and on my own behalf, I extend warmest congratulations to you and the Government and people of Barbados on the repatriation of your nation’s constitution and the adoption of Republican status.
We join you in celebrating the joy of this landmark event.
I commend particularly the vision of Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley for steering the successful advancement of Barbados’s constitution and the completion of its national independence.
I am aware that while this decision by the Government and people of Barbados unties the formal constitutional connection to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, it does not, in any way, diminish the high regard that is retained for The Queen whose role as the Head of the Commonwealth of Nations is deeply appreciated.
My government, as a close partner with Barbados in the CARICOM Community (CARICOM), is fully aware of the strong sense of patriotism and commitment to regionalism of the Government and people of Barbados, and we reject completely any suggestion that Barbados has adopted Republican status for any reason other than the rightful desire to own its constitution and arrangements of government.
Barbados and Guyana have enjoyed close relations for well over a century, contributing to each other’s social and economic development and collaborating both in the regional integration project and in seeking respect in the global community.
As Barbados embarks upon its new status as a Republic, I assure you, President Mason and Prime Minister Mottley and the Government and people of Barbados of Guyana’s continued and unwavering support
See below President Irfaan Ali’s full congratulatory message to the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley:
Dear Prime Minister,
On behalf of the Government and the people of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, I extend warmest congratulations to you, the Government, and the people of Barbados, on this inaugural day of your Republic and the 55th Anniversary of your Independence.
We salute the Barbadian people on this momentous transition, as you seek to further consolidate political independence and nationhood. It is a tribute to the conscience and courage of your forebears who yearned for freedom in all its plenitude and stood fast against the odds.
Guyana and Barbados are joined by ties of blood, history, and friendship. Our two countries now traverse the path of independence and integration as sister Republics. We look forward to working with you to further develop the warm and friendly ties which so happily exist between us and to strengthening the fabric of our Caribbean Community.
I pray for your good health and for the prosperity of the Barbadian People Please accept, Dear Colleague, the assurances of my high esteem.
Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali
President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana
