Dame Sandra Mason, right, will replace Queen Elizabeth II, left, as Barbados' head of state ©Getty Images

The Barbados Olympic Association (BOA) was visited by the island's departing governor general, and soon to be President, in one of her last acts before the country severs ties with Queen Elizabeth II.

Dame Sandra Mason was welcomed by directors and staff, and also met privately with BOA President Sandra Osborne and vice-presidents Ralph Johnson and Cameron Burke.

She toured the BOA Museum and was presented with a gift of jewellery by BOA director Esther Maynard.

The governor general has been The Queen's ceremonial head of state in Barbados but the role will become redundant as the country will become a republic tomorrow.

Barbados announced the move in September 2020, with Prime Minister Mia Mottley saying it was time to leave the country's colonial past behind.

Dame Sandra was nominated for the President's role in October and will become the new Barbadian head of state, with the role remaining largely ceremonial.

Barbados will continue to compete at the Commonwealth Games as a member of the Commonwealth of Nations ©Getty Images
Barbados will continue to compete at the Commonwealth Games as a member of the Commonwealth of Nations ©Getty Images

The historic move will not impact Barbados' participation at the Commonwealth Games, as the country is remaining within the Commonwealth of Nations.

Having The Queen as head of state is not a prerequisite for membership, with Trinidad and Tobago among other republics in the Caribbean to be included.

In 2009, Rwanda joined the Commonwealth without any links to the British Empire, and the African country competes at the Commonwealth Games.

Barbados' participation at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games next year will include representing the West Indies in the inaugural women's T20 cricket tournament.