The Caribbean island nation of Barbados has officially become the first British Commonwealth in nearly 30 years to declare itself a republic. The people of Barbados have stood up, establishing the Republic of Barbados, which after close to 400 years is removing England’s Queen Elizabeth II as head of state. In 2020, Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced that Barbados would become a republic by Tuesday, November 30, which marks the 55th anniversary of its independence.

Sojourner Truth Radio: November 30, 2021 – Republic of Barbados, Honduras Election, Earth Watch

Today on Sojourner Truth:

My home island of Barbados, after close to 400 years, cut ties with the Queen of England as the Head of State, and became the world’s youngest republic. Our president is former governor general Sandra Mason. This, 55 years after we gained our independence from Britain. Prince Charles, the future King of England, attended the ceremony representing the Queen. Our guest is David Comissiong, Ambassador of Barbados to CARICOM (Caribbean Community). David is also active in the Caribbean Pan-African network.

In another change in the Americas, Honduras will have its first woman president. This, over a decade after a U.S.-backed coup deposed democratically-elected President Manuel Zelaya. Now the former First Lady, Xiomara Castro de Zelaya, is on her path to victory. Our guest is Laura Carlsen, the Director of the Americas Program and works with Just Associates, an international feminist organization.

For our weekly Earth Watch, we speak with Paraguay-based environmentalist and agronomist Miguel Lovera.