Fireworks lit up the sky over Barbados on Tuesday as the Caribbean island nation declared itself the world's newest republic, removing the UK's Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state. Speaking at the event, Elizabeth's son and heir Prince Charles acknowledged the "appalling atrocity of slavery" the nation had suffered.

The new era for the nation of 285,000 people ends Britain's centuries of influence, including more than 200 years of slavery until 1834. 

"The creation of this republic offers a new beginning, but it also marks a point on a continuum, a milestone on the long road you have not only traveled, but which you have built," Charles said. "From the darkest days of our past, and the appalling atrocity of slavery, which forever stains our history, the people of this island forged their path with extraordinary fortitude." 

He continued: "Emancipation, self-government and independence were your way-points ... freedom, justice and self-determination have been your guide." 

Barbados will still remain a member of the Commonwealth and Charles's presence at the ceremony demonstrates Britain's strong desire to maintain close bonds with the island nation.

After his speech, Charles was presented with the Order of Freedom of Barbados by the country's new president, which is considered the nation's highest honor. 

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Queen Elizabeth II had earlier sent her congratulations to the new head of state, Dame Sandra Mason, the former governor-general of Barbados, and said the island had held a "special place" in her heart since she first visited 55 years ago.

ELizabeth also said she believes friendship will continue between the two countries. 

"Over the years, our countries have enjoyed a partnership based on common values, shared prosperity and close collaboration on a wide range of issues, including recent work on climate change," the monarch said. 

"It is also a source of great satisfaction that Barbados remains an active participant within the Commonwealth and I look forward to the continuation of the friendship between our two countries and peoples."

Charles watched the symbolic moment as the queen's standard was lowered and the presidential flag raised in its place at midnight local time. 

At the event, Mason spoke about how "Republic Barbados has set sail on her maiden voyage" and recognized the "complex, fractured and turbulent world" it would need to navigate. 

"Our country must dream big dreams and fight to realize them," she added.  

A long-running curfew that has been in place to curb the spread of COVID-19 was suspended to allow Barbadians to enjoy festivities. 

The "Pride of Nationhood" ceremony was closed to the wider public. Pop star Rihanna, arguably the island's most famous citizen, was also declared a National Hero of Barbados by Prime Minister Mia Mottley. 

Referencing one of her most famous songs, Mottley said: "May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honor to your nation." 

Rihanna joins a select group of 10 other Barbadians including Garfield Sobers, regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time and the only other living national hero.

Mason was elected the country's first president in October, one year after Mottley declared that the country would "fully" leave behind its colonial past. 

Barbados won independence from Britain in 1996 and for many Barbadians replacing the queen has been a long time coming. 

Speaking to AFP, Anastasia Smith, a 61-year-old nurse, said: "I remember in the old days we would be really excited about the queen and Prince Charles and Princess Diana and royal weddings.

"But I don't really know if we ever quite saw them as our royal family. Now, everybody is talking about a republic. I'm not sure that anything about my life is going to change. But I think we're doing the right thing and it's a proud moment for Barbados." 

Unemployment is at nearly 16 percent in Barbados, up from 9 percent in recent years. This hit to the country's economy is partially due to the coronavirus pandemic that has exposed the nation's over-reliance on tourism, which has plummeted over the past two years.

The end of the queen's reign is also considered by many Barbadians to be a crucial step towards financial reparations to address the historic consequences of the slave trade. 

For some people, including young activists such as Firhaana Bulbulia, founder of the Barbados Muslim Association, British colonialism and slavery lie behind the island's modern inequalities.

"The wealth gap, the ability to own land and even access to loans from banks all have a lot to do with structures built out of being ruled by Britain," said Bulbulia. 

In the 17th century, Barbados was claimed by the British and turned into a colony, which used the labor of hundreds of thousands of people brought over as slaves from Africa.

The island became a hub for producing sugar, which was considered a crucial commodity that helped to enrich British slave owners.