​Read the news and answer the question. The change was also part of the island´s 55th anniversary of independence from Britain when Barbados slowly distanced itself from its colonial past. More than 200 years ago, the island was a center for the Atlantic slave trade. Prince Charles, who was a guest of honor, acknowledged the cruel and shocking history of the island, saying that it would forever be a sad reminder. Despite its new republic status, the island will remain within part of Britain’s Commonwealth.