Barbados will next month become a Republic, severing its colonial ties with the British monarchy.

The first president of the new Republic of Barbados will be Sandra Mason.

“The time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind,” the Caribbean island nation’s government said last month.

The aim was to complete the process in time for the 55th anniversary of independence from Britain, in November 2021.

A speech written by Prime Minister Mia Mottley said Barbadians wanted a Barbadian head of state.

“This is the ultimate statement of confidence in who we are and what we are capable of achieving,” the speech read.

Reacting to the speech, Buckingham Palace said that it was a matter for the government and people of Barbados.