Barbados became a republic by removing the Queen's crown

SAN JUAN, (Puerto Rico) - Barbados on Tuesday removed the Queen Elizabeth-Tuno crown, burying its colonial past. For the first time in its history, it has become a republic.

Several leaders and dignitaries, including Prince Charles, attended the ceremony late Monday. The ceremony was held in Popular Square. The statue of the famous British Lord was removed from the site last year. The statue of the British lord was removed last year in a wave of atrocities.

Barbados officially became a republic. The event was becoming quite grand across the island. There was an orchestra with hundreds of pan players and a number of artists. It was broadcast online. People living in the US, Canada and elsewhere also sent congratulatory messages to her. One viewer wrote Happy Independence Day and freedom for all.

The movement to make Barbados a republic began two decades ago, and just last month the island's parliament elected its first president with a two-thirds majority. Barbados Governor General Sandra Mason will be sworn in on Tuesday to mark the 55th anniversary of the island's liberation from Britain. Mason, a 6-year-old attorney and judge, has served as ambassador to Venezuela, Colombia, Chile and Brazil.