President Ali – Gov’t and people of Barbados have Guyana’s unwavering support

President Irfaan Ali yesterday told the first President of Barbados, Her Excellency Sandra Mason
and Prime Minister Mia Mottley that their island has Guyana’s unwavering support as it becomes
a Republic.
Yesterday, the Republic of Barbados celebrated its 55th Anniversary and its inaugural Republic
Day, which saw Mason becoming the island’s first President.  Ali, in official letters to both
Mottley and Mason, emphasised Guyana’s commitment and support to Barbados. “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,” Ali explained.
President Ali added that Guyana salutes “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,” he said. The Commander in Chief also commended Prime Minister
Mottley for “steering the successful advancement of Barbados’s constitution and the completion
of its national independence”.
He stressed that as a close partner with Barbados in the CARICOM Community, he noted that
Guyana is fully aware of the strong sense of patriotism and commitment to regionalism by the
Government and people of Barbados, and rejects completely any suggestion that Barbados has
adopted Republic status for any reason other than the rightful desire to own its constitution and
arrangements of Government. “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 strengthen the fabric of our Caribbean community,” Ali
noted.
The Guyanese leader noted that while the 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. He added that The Queen’s role as
the Head of the Commonwealth of Nations is “deeply appreciated”.