FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

November 30, 2021 

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: jeanette.lenoir@mail.house.gov 

c: 202.480.5737

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Co-Chair of the Congressional Caribbean Caucus issued the following statement on the Commonwealth of Barbados becoming a new Republic: 

“The Caribbean island of Barbados becoming a new Republic is the hope the entire world can believe in and I am deeply inspired by this new era of change and transformation. We are finally making measurable and significant progress toward building a world respectful of a people’s God-given right of self determination and sovereignty. This moment is a symbolic one that, I hope, will serve as a bellwether for all those determined to build a more just and equitable world for all people. 

Barbados, the first British commonwealth country in nearly 30 years to declare itself a republic on its 55th anniversary, is setting the course for a historic transformation. And how fitting that this change is being ushered in with the newly elected president of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason and Prime Minister Mia Mottley. This Caribbean nation has taken a giant step away from its colonial history to pursue a fruitful and prosperous destiny in its own right. These are indeed historic times. I congratulate President Mason and Prime Minister Mottley and wish them all the success in leading their countrymen into a bright and strong independent future, that will undoubtedly build upon the partnership with America and continued leadership in promoting democracy, human rights, and security throughout the Caribbean,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. 

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Yvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York’s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Taskforce on Immigration, a Senior Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Innovation Subcommittee of the House Committee on Homeland Security.