Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

What a momentous day it is for Barbados. We are a republic ourselves and proud of our own tradition as a republic. This morning at 4 a.m. our time, the world's newest republic was avowed. What a wonderful achievement for that small country. It comes 55 years to the day since Barbados gained full independence. Today, I wish its people, its Government and the newly-elected and sworn-in President every success. I know everyone will join with me in that.