The relationship between Britain and the Caribbean islands is a long and complicated one. Trinidad and Barbados formally severed ties to become republics. Other islands such as Jamaica, St. Lucia and The Bahamas are independent but remain part of the British Commonwealth. That means their head of state is now King Charles III.
Other Commonwealth nations outside of the Caribbean include India, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. And that’s only a tiny fraction, as Britain conquered much of the world.
The crown’s role in perpetuating colonialism aside, leaders across the Caribbean followed protocol and extended condolences to the royal family. Because the Queen ruled for seven decades, there are very few people living in Commonwealth nations who can recall life before her. For some, moving forward in the Queen’s absence is like having a rug pulled out from under them.
There are some of the remarks given by Caribbean leaders as reported by Jamaica Observer.
Jamaica
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Prime Minister: Andrew Holness
“The world has lost a global matriarch, who was a steadying and constant force throughout many crises and periods of difficulty. Over the course of her 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth II made an immense contribution to the world in public life and was a close friend of Jamaica. As the longest reigning British sovereign, Queen Elizabeth served with distinction, leading with dignity and grace.”
The Prime Minister’s Instagram page had several posts dedicated to the Queen, but he had to disable the comments.
Barbados
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President: Sandra Mason
The first president of Barbados issued her remarks in a video.
“While her passing marks the end of an era, her reign will forever represent the kind of stoic determination our world has required of its leaders over the past century, but which, sadly, we have not always been able to witness.”
“And today, given the most precarious position facing the world and the threat that it poses to the well- being of millions, we may all find a most valuable lesson in the strength of character and concern for humanity that was so much a feature of her 70 years on the British throne.”
Antigua and Barbuda
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Prime Minister: Gaston Browne
“Her Majesty’s life personified the simplest of qualities – tolerance and decency. Her ability to inspire and unite has been one of the many remarkable features of her life which we all admire.”
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
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Prime Minister: Ralph Gonsalves
“Her Majesty has had a long reign, a woman of dignity, a head of state who kept stability for the British in the United Kingdom and who as head of the Commonwealth particularly made important contributions towards the advancement of democracy and decolonization of former British colonies.”
“Upon being informed of Her Majesty’s death, I contacted our High Commissioner in London, the British High Commissioner to Barbados and St Vincent and the Grenadines and Eastern Caribbean, who’s currently in London to express to the Royal Family and to the British government our profound condolences and sadness at the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.”
Bermuda
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Premier David Burt
“A life of undimmed duty, a model of strength and devotion to country. On behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda, I express sincere condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom.”
Grenada
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Governor General: Cécile La Grenade
“Today we mourn the loss of this great enduring Monarch who served her country and the Commonwealth with incomparable devotion for more than 70 years. Although she will be greatly missed, her legacy of leadership and exemplary service shall live on indelibly.”
The Bahamas
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Prime Minister: Philip Brave Davis
“It is with deep regret and sadness that we learned of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. On behalf of the Government and People of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, we offer our sincere condolences to The Members of the Royal Family.”
Davis ordered all flags to be flown at half-mast.
