Today, November 30, 2025, at the Military Parade, an official ceremony commemorating the 59th Anniversary of Barbados' Independence and the 4th Anniversary of the Republic, the inauguration of the new president, The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic, took place.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba, Yanet Stable Cárdenas, had the honor of greeting him during this celebration and conveyed congratulations on behalf of the Cuban people and Government on his inauguration as president. She also reaffirmed Cuba's commitment to continue strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Barbados achieved its independence from the United Kingdom in 1966, becoming an independent state within the Commonwealth of Nations. After joining and then dissolving the West Indies Federation, Barbados negotiated its independence with the United Kingdom. The ceremony was held on November 30, 1966, with Errol Barrow serving as its first prime minister.
On that same day in 2021, coinciding with the 55th anniversary of its independence, Barbados officially became a republic. The island took another step toward full sovereignty, replacing Queen Elizabeth II by electing its own president, The Most Honourable Sandra Mason, the country's first female president. This final step sought to sever colonial ties with the British monarchy after centuries of history, largely driven by the need for greater sovereignty and self-government.
After fifty-nine years of independence and four as a republic, the Barbadian parliament recently elected The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic as president. Popularly known as "The Colonel," he is a Barbadian politician and army officer who takes office as Barbados' second president today, November 30, 2025. Previously, he served as a cabinet minister under Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, as Minister of Health and Welfare, and as a member of the Barbados House of Assembly. He enjoys the respect and admiration not only of the ruling party in Barbados, but also of the opposition party and the Barbadian people.