Barbados has elected Dame Sandra Mason, 72, as the country’s first-ever president.

The Caribbean Island will become a republic, removing Queen Elizabeth as the head of state.

In 1966 Barbados gained independence from British rule, however the Queen continued to be its monarch.

Marking the country’s 55th anniversary of British independence, Dame Sandra will be sworn in on November 30th.

In a statement, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley said: “We have just elected from among us a woman who is uniquely and passionately Barbadian, does not pretend to be anything else (and) reflects the values of who we are.”

She also said: “We look forward to continuing the relationship with the British monarch.”