Barbados to become republic.

Barbados' Government has unveiled plans to make the country a republic within five years, choosing its own head of state instead of keeping the Queen in the ceremonial role, reports Avanova Ltd.(June 7, 2003). Speaking during the opening session of parliament in Bridgetown, Governor General

Sir Clifford Husbands said the former British colony's government intended to make the "transition to a republic within the Commonwealth" during the current five-year term. Husbands, a Barbadian, has served as the Queen's representative to the island since 1996. The government would have to go to parliament and approve a new constitution, which requires a two-thirds majority. Officials have not revealed details of how the change would be made. Barbados became an independent state in 1966, remaining in the Commonwealth with the Queen as head of state.