On Tuesday, November 30, Barbados will officially become a Republic. November 30 is also Barbados’ Independence Day and this year marks 55 years of self-government. As expected there has been much talk and debate about the move to the island becoming a Republic. Most people want to know what changes there will be. Will the country be called the Republic of Barbados? What, if any, would be the name changes of many institutions and organisations such as the police force (Royal Barbados Police Force) and Queen Elizabeth Hospital? There are no planned name changes. The transition to becoming a Republic is about self-identity and the confidence to control and manage the country’s affairs, its destiny. While there are those who have mixed emotions about the move, one thing is for sure, there will always be Conkies, and they will always be tied to the celebration of Independence.
