Barbados has announced its intention to remove Queen Elizabeth as its head of state and become a republic by November 2021.

The decision is part of the nation’s plan to achieve sovereignty as part of celebrations to mark its 55th independence anniversary slated for November.

The country gained its independence from Britain in 1966, though the Queen remains its constitutional monarch.

The news was announced by Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, in a written speech quoting the nation’s first premier Errol Barrow.

While reading the speech, Governor-General Dame Sandra Mason said, "The time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind. Barbadians want a Barbadian Head of State.”

"This is the ultimate statement of confidence in who we are and what we are capable of achieving. Hence, Barbados will take the next logical step toward full sovereignty and become a Republic by the time we celebrate our 55th Anniversary of Independence." Mason read in a news conference.

Most Caribbean countries have kept formal links with the monarchy after achieving independence.

Barbados would join Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica as well as Guyana if it proceeds with its plan to become a republic.

According to media reports, Jamaica has also flagged such a transition, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness saying it is a priority of his government, but has yet to achieve it.