ONE battle of the endless culture war finally came to an end in Britain earlier this month, but it looks like another chapter is ready to ignite.
The BBC, with Last Night of the Proms – a tradition watched by millions – eventually subsided to pressure and reinstated the lyrics to ‘Rule, Brittania!’ and ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ last Sunday.
In the end, it appeared that the majority of Brits do still love the monarchy and its history – or at least the tradition that surrounds it.
This isn’t the case in Britain’s former colonies, however, where republicanism seems to be having a revival.
“The time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind. Barbadians want a Barbadian head of state,” read a speech by Prime Minister Mia Mottley this week.
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“This is the ultimate statement of confidence in who we are and what we are capable of achieving. Hence, Barbados will take the next logical step toward full sovereignty and become a republic by the time we celebrate our 55th anniversary of independence.”
Dame Sandra Mason, the Governor General of Barbados, served notice of the Caribbean nation’s intention to remove her employer as head of state, and potentially sparked a huge moment in post-colonial relations.
While the British state has appeared fairly publicly relaxed about the matter – claiming it is an issue for the people of Barbados – Prime Minister Mottley could end up setting a republican precedent.
Perhaps Jamaica will follow next? 55 percent of the nation’s inhabitants favour removing the Queen as their head of state, while the Prime Minister – who was re-elected in a landslide victory – has spoken previously of making Jamaica a republic.
Look out this week for exclusive Barbados content on Redaction.
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Here are some of our best articles this week:
WE THOUGHT BREXIT WAS OVER
British voters, and even some journalists, may have thought the tedium of Brexit talks were all but over in December 2019 – but it turns out breaking international law can revive tensions between Brussels and Westminister.
Read our scathing editorial on the issue here –
CANADIAN GREEN PARTY LEADERSHIP BATTLE
Can Annamie Paul become the first black woman to lead a federal party in Canada? Scott Costen talks exclusively to the candidate.
Annamie Paul: All Canadians ‘should have access to a certain quality of life’
SAVE THE PLANET
Is the UN’s environmental policy flawed? Mason Quah talks to Dil Raj Khanal, National Policy Facilitator at the Federation of Community Forestry Users Nepal, about the protected area legislation.
UN’s protected wilderness goal may harm rainforests, says expert
LOOKING FORWARD
Despite Redaction’s endorsement, Jess Scarane fell to Chris Coons convincingly in the Delaware Senate Primary – but her performance, in which she received 33,000 votes, was encouraging.
It’s perhaps, unfortunate, that she was running in the state against one of the Democratic nominees’ closest allies, and where Joe Biden used to reign himself.
In Italy, voters are set to go to the regional polls in the coming days – will the right continue to make gains, or will social democracy (finally) strike back?
Lastly, the US election is now just over a month away – and Redaction is happy to announce that our all-night livestream will raise money for Safe Passage UK, a charity supporting child refugees. Stay tuned for more information.
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