Speaking on the BBC World Service’s The Newsroom program on Saturday, Mia Mottley also paid tribute to the Queen, who congratulated the Caribbean island on a “momentous” day when it became a republic in November last year. “Very few others have surpassed what he was able to achieve,” the prime minister said. “The stability he brought to the UK’s transition from the stability of an empire to one of the world’s leading developed countries reflects its ability to recognize that change was happening.” Mottley referred to King Charles as both a “friend of Barbados” and a “man ahead of his time” due to his early support for environmental, architectural and social causes. “What has stood out to me is his commitment to the environment, biodiversity, urban renewal [and] to architectural integrity,” said the prime minister. “But most of all, in creating pathways for young people, especially those who may be at risk and who may not be seen, heard or felt by others in their communities or in their families.” Mottley, who has been in office since 2018, said Charles was clearly committed to “the bonds of friendship” between the UK and Barbados when he visited the island to oversee the transition. Charles used the visit to address the UK’s colonial actions and heritage, condemning the “disgusting atrocity of slavery” which “stains our history forever”. Charles receives the Order of Liberty of Barbados at the Republication Ceremony. Photo: Randy Brooks/AFP/Getty Images He returned to the issue at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Rwanda in June this year, stressing the importance of recognizing “the injustices that shaped our past”. Archie Bland and Nimo Omer take you to the top stories and what they mean, free every weekday morning Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Charles said he and his wife, Camilla, had been struck on a recent trip to Canada by how Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in the country were “now honestly and openly reflecting on one of the darkest aspects of history”. There were, he added, lessons to be learned for the Commonwealth. “Because, while we fight together for peace, prosperity and democracy, I want to recognize that the roots of our modern association lie deep in the most painful period of our history,” he said. “I cannot describe the depths of my personal sorrow for the suffering of so many as I continue to deepen my own understanding of the lasting impact of slavery.”
