Prior to Barbados attaining republic status on November 30, 2021 it was a Constitutional monarchy, with the King or Queen of England serving as Head of State.
The local representative, before Independence, was the Governor and subsequently, the Governor-General.
Barbados has had eight Governors-General since Independence on November 30, 1966, seven of them native. On becoming a republic in 2021, the post of Governor-General was abolished and the Head of State became the President.
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Sir John Montague Stow
Sir John Montague Stow was the last Governor of Barbados, but he made the seamless transition to become the island’s first Governor-General.
Born in India in 1911, Stow came to Barbados to take up the appointment as Governor on October 8, 1959 and retained it until November 29, 1966.
The following day, when the country celebrated its first Independence Day, Stow was named Governor-General. For most Barbadians, the lasting image of him is with late Prime Minister Errol Walton Barrow, both dapperly dressed during that iconic picture at the Garrison Savannah.
Stow held the post until May 18, 1967.
The History of Barbados records him being present with members of the House of Assembly on March 10, 1961 when the SS Diplomat became the first commercial vessel to enter the Deep Water Harbour
He passed away in London at age 85 in March 1997.
Editor’s Note: Barbados is celebrating 60 years as an independent nation and five as a republic.
