| Rogues in Paradise

This article explores issues arising from The Death of a Constitutional Monarchy in Barbados. Before becoming a Republic, Barbados was a hereditary constitutional monarchy with its sovereignty vested in the reigning sovereign. It had a system of parliamentary government modeled after the United Kingdom, integrated within its constitution. In this system, the Sovereign was represented by the Governor-General, appointed on the advice of the Commonwealth Government Prime Minister. Each state had a Governor appointed similarly but by the State Government Premier. The Sovereign had the authority to appoint or dismiss these representatives.

Day-to-day government affairs operated through the House of Representatives and the Senate at the Commonwealth level. The Prime Minister led the major political party, while the Leader of His Majesty’s Opposition represented the main opposition. Similar principles applied in the states, with governing and opposition parties and other elected political groups.

With that said, let’s examine the pros and cons of the two systems of government.

Comparison in a Nut Shell

In a constitutional monarchy, the head of state is a monarch. The monarch’s role is largely ceremonial, representing tradition and continuity. Elected officials typically hold political power, and the monarch’s influence in governance is minimal. Succession is hereditary within a royal family.

In a republic, the head of state is an elected official, commonly a president, who may have executive powers and a more active role in governance. The president is chosen through democratic processes, and political power is vested in elected representatives and institutions. The head of state’s role can vary, from largely ceremonial to actively participating in decision-making.

Constitutional Monarchies Detail

All parliamentary and judicial business, at both state and Commonwealth levels, were conducted in the Sovereign’s name. This constitutional monarchy system aimed to prevent any political group from attaining absolute power. Politicians were required to take an Oath of Allegiance to the Sovereign, emphasizing the higher authority represented by the people through the Sovereign’s existence, ensuring good order and governance.

Advantages

Constitutional monarchies offer several advantages, varying depending on the specific system and the country in question. Some of the key advantages include:

Stability: Constitutional monarchies often provide a stable form of government, as they have a clear line of succession and a head of state who serves as a symbol of continuity and tradition. This stability can be precious during times of political turmoil or transitions of power.
Symbolic Unity: The monarch or head of state in a constitutional monarchy serves as a unifying figure for the nation. They represent the history, culture, and identity of the country, helping to foster a sense of national unity and pride.
Non-Partisan: Monarchs typically remain above partisan politics and do not engage in day-to-day political activities. This can help depoliticize certain aspects of the government and prevent the head of state from becoming a divisive figure.
National Identity: Monarchies often play a significant role in promoting and preserving national identity and cultural heritage. They can be a source of historical continuity and pride, which can be particularly important in countries with long-standing monarchies.
Tourism and Cultural Promotion: Monarchies can attract tourists and international interest, contributing to the country’s economy. Royal palaces, ceremonies, and cultural traditions can become tourist attractions.
Diplomatic and Gentle Power: Monarchs can play a role in diplomacy and international relations, representing their country on state visits and ceremonial occasions. They may serve as a valuable source of soft power for a nation.
Checks and Balances: In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch’s powers are typically limited by a constitution or laws, which balance the authority of elected officials. This can help ensure a balance of power within the government.
Constitutional Safeguards: Monarchs can serve as a safeguard against potential abuses of power by elected officials. They may refuse to give royal assent to legislation that contradicts the Constitution or infringes on civil liberties.
Smooth Transitions: The hereditary nature of monarchy can provide a clear and peaceful mechanism for succession, avoiding the uncertainties and potential conflicts associated with electoral transitions of power.
Knighthood. The British crown bestowed honours by knighting outstanding people. Barbados was fortunate to have many men and women receive this honour. The British crown has knighted 132 Bajans to appreciate their contributions to Barbados. Becoming a knight, dame, and later-day hero involves demonstrating skill, character, drive, contribution, and social responsibility. More about Barbados’s knights, dames, and heroes are covered in Rogues in Paradise.

Video – Barbados Rocky Road to the Republic

In the case of Barbados some mourn the loss of royal heritage.

In “The Black Jacobins,” Caribbean Author C. L. R. James emphasizes that achieving a national identity in the West Indies, especially in nations like Barbados with a majority black population, involves reconnecting with African roots. Despite a prevalent black majority, economic control and power in these countries are still held by the colonial class. This isn’t very irritating to many Bajans.

The loss of royal heritage concerns those Barbadians who treasure their unique identity and a cherished heritage. Some say the name Bajan defies a hyphen. It is enough to be a Bajan or Barbadian rather than an African-Bajan – or Bristish-Barbadian. This is an argument by Smokey Robinson, who declares himself an American first. Identity and heritage are issues discussed in the book Rogues in Paradise.

The Republic Governance Detail

Plato’s book – “The Republic,” is an excellent place to start – His ideas are like a feast—bold, controversial, and still sparking debates today. His writing style is approachable, but those thoughts of his can be elusive. It’s like a puzzle—you might not get it all on the first try. If it’s haunting your thoughts, there’s a good chance you’ll be drawn back in. But if not, there’s no harm in leaving some philosophical breadcrumbs for later. What aspect intrigued you the most?

Potential Disadvantages of the Monarchial System

Lack of Democratic Accountability: In a monarchical system, the head of state is not elected but inherits the position, limiting citizen involvement in choosing their leader. While many constitutional monarchies require the monarch to have the approval of the Parliament, this indirect representation of the people may still lack the direct democracy present in republics.
Variable Competence: Inherited monarchy does not guarantee that the monarch will be competent or suitable for the position. History has witnessed incompetent, arrogant, tyrannical, or careless monarchs, which can be a risk in a hereditary system.
Personal Beliefs and Conservatism: Monarchs, like many individuals, have their personal beliefs and political preferences, which may not align with most of their country’s population. This can lead to a disconnect between the monarch’s views and the values of their citizens.
Costly Lifestyles: Royal families often lead extravagant and expensive lifestyles, including the monarch, family members, and related perks. Organizing royal trips and providing security can be a significant financial burden on the state. While presidents and prime ministers in republics also incur expenses, the costs associated with royal families can be substantial.
Corruption and Accountability: Sometimes, justice systems may be lenient with the potential abuses of royal families, as delegitimizing their figures may not be in the country’s interest. This lack of accountability can incentivize members of the royal family to abuse their status, potentially leading to corruption and abuses of power.

Source Medial

Advantages

The advantages of a republic can vary depending on the specific form of the country’s political system. Here are some potential advantages of a republic:

Democratic Representation: leaders are elected by the people. This allows citizens to have a direct role in selecting their head of state and other government officials.
Accountability: Elected leaders in a republic are accountable to the people and can be held responsible for their actions through periodic elections. This accountability can help ensure that leaders act in the citizens’ best interests.
Separation of Powers: Many republics have a clear separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, which can help prevent the concentration of power in one individual or institution.
Political Stability: Republics can provide a stable form of government if they have strong democratic institutions, adherence to the rule of law, and a clear framework for governance.
Flexibility: Republics allow for more flexibility in choosing the head of state. The head of state may serve a fixed term and can be reelected or replaced by a new leader, providing opportunities for change and adaptability.
Inclusivity: Republics often promote inclusivity and equal representation, as leaders are chosen through elections in which all eligible citizens can participate, regardless of their background or social status.
Non-Hereditary: Republics do not rely on hereditary succession, which means leadership is based on merit, experience, and the people’s will rather than birthright.
Symbolic Leadership: In some republics, the head of state may serve as a symbolic and unifying figure, representing the values and aspirations of the nation without the historical baggage associated with monarchy.
Transparency: Republics tend to have transparent political processes, where public officials are accountable for their actions, and government operations are subject to scrutiny.
Economic Development: Some republics have successfully promoted economic growth and development by focusing on good governance, rule of law, and accountability.

Potential Disadvantages of the Republic

When compared to a constitutional monarchy, the disadvantages of a republic can also vary depending on the specific form of the republic and the country in question. Here are some potential disadvantages of a republic in comparison to a constitutional monarchy:

Lack of Symbolic Unity: In a republic, the head of state is often an elected official, which can lack the same symbolic and historical significance as a monarch. This may lead to a reduced sense of national unity and continuity.
Political Divisiveness: Republics can sometimes be more susceptible to political polarization and divisiveness, as the head of state is a political figure elected through partisan processes. This can lead to more frequent changes in leadership and potentially greater political instability.
Partisan Influence: In a republic, the head of state may have stronger ties to political parties, making them more susceptible to partisan influence and political pressures, which can undermine their role as a unifying figure.
Risk of Populism: In some republics, the head of state may be elected based on populist or short-term considerations rather than qualities such as experience, wisdom, and historical perspective, often associated with monarchs.
Potential for Political Gridlock: Republics may experience more frequent gridlock and difficulties in reaching consensus, as competing branches of government may have varying levels of authority and different political agendas.
Uncertain Succession: Selecting a new head of state in a republic can be less clear and more subject to political maneuvering, leading to potential instability during transitions.
Limited Role in International Diplomacy: In some republics, the head of state may have a more limited role in international diplomacy than a monarch, who often symbolizes the nation in diplomatic relations.
Erosion of Cultural Traditions: The shift from a constitutional monarchy to a republic may lead to the erosion of certain cultural traditions and historical practices associated with monarchy.
Cost of Presidential Elections: Running presidential elections in a republic can be costly, with campaigns and associated expenses often requiring significant public funding. This can be a financial
burden on the country.