HEADS OF state from several African and Caribbean countries have paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth who died yesterday. She was 96. Vic Motune and Leah Mahon report.

Her Majesty passed at Balmoral Castle, Scotland, where she was being observed by a medical team after her health deteriorated.

Political  leaders from both regions described Britain’s longest reigning monarch as a pillar of strength and inspirational stateswoman following news of her death yesterday. The Queen, who recently celebrated her 70th anniversary as monarch, was the head of state of eight countries and five colonies in the Caribbean.

Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, extended his sympathies to the British Royal Family and people, and said that the  people of Guyana would never forget Her Majesty’s visits to the country.

“I join all Guyanese in expressing our profound and deepest sorrow at the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II” he said. “Her passing marks the end of an era in the history of the British Monarchy, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Nations.

“Queen Elizabeth’s place in history is assured and her legacy is intact. Her long and impactful reign has helped to shape the post-World War II world. Her Majesty has been a source of stability for her country. She will be long remembered for her sterling leadership of the Commonwealth of Nations.”

Dame Sandra Mason, the President of Barbados who historically replaced the Queen as their Head of State, said in a response to the nation that she sent her “sincere and heartfelt condolences to members of the royal family” and people around the UK.

“While her passing marks the end of an era, her reign will forever represent the kind of stoic determination our world has required of its leaders over the past century, but which, sadly, we have not always been able to witness,” she said.

“And today, given the most precarious position facing the world and the threat that it poses to the well being of millions, we may all find a most valuable lesson in the strength of character and concern for humanity that was so much a feature of her 70 years on the British throne.”

She added that the Caribbean country’s decision to break away from the colonial residue of the British Empire “did not in the least diminish the friendship between our two nations, or indeed with Buckingham Palace.”

Jamaican PM Andrew Holness sent condolences to the Royal Family and announced that the Caribbean nation will undergo eight-days of mourning. He described Queen Elizabeth’s reign as “transformative and inspiring”.

“The world has lost a global matriarch, who was a steadying and constant force throughout many crises and periods of difficulty” he said. “Over the course of her 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth II made an immense contribution to the world in public life and was a close friend of Jamaica.

“As the longest reigning British sovereign, Queen Elizabeth served with distinction, leading with dignity and grace,” he said before going on to recall the six visits to Jamaica that she made in her lifetime.

Holness added: “Her Royal Tours saw her visiting Jamaica in 1953, 1966, 1975, 1983, 1994 and 2002, where she participated in Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings, and many sittings of the Houses of Parliament on such occasions. Undoubtedly, she formed a special bond with the people of Jamaica during her reign, and her visits were met with warm welcome and an outpouring of affection.”

Premier David Burt of Bermuda also sent his condolences to the Royal Family.

“A life of undimmed duty, a model of strength and devotion to country…On behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda, I express sincere condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom.” Burt said.

Cayman Islands Premier Wayne Panton said: “I, on behalf of the Cayman Islands, join others from around the world in offering our condolences to the Royal Family. It is our prayer that God grants them the grace and peace to get through this difficult time. May God be with and comfort us all.”

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said the people of Dominica were saddened at the news of Her Majesty’s death.

“Our prayers are with the Royal Family during this period of grief. Her passing ends an iconic 70-year reign and is a profound loss for the Commonwealth of Nations and the world. May she rest in peace,” he said.

The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne, hailed the Queen’s leadership of the Commonwealth of Nations.

“Her Majesty’s life personified the simplest of qualities – tolerance and decency. Her ability to inspire and unite has been one of the many remarkable features of her life which we all admire,” he said.

African heads of state, many of whom knew the Queen well as head of the Commonwealth, also shared tributes to her.

Macky Sall, chair of the African Union and the Senegalese president, said he was saddened to hear of the Queen’s passing.

“I offer my heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Britain. I salute the memory of the illustrious deceased, with an exceptional career,” Sall said.

In a statement Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the AU Commission said: “Our deepest condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom and the countries of the Commonwealth on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll,”

Kenya’s President-elect William Ruto praised her “historic legacy” and said Kenyans would “miss the cordial ties she enjoyed” with the country.

The former British colony which gained its independence from Britain in 1963, Kenya, held poignant memories for Queen Elizabeth.

In 1952 the then Princess Elizabeth was on holiday in the east African when her father, King George VI, died peacefully in his sleep. She acceded to the throne was crowned Queen the following year.

President Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon, which is one of the newest nations to join the Commonwealth, said: “The Queen was a great friend of Africa and Africa showed her affection in return.”

And Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo tweeted that his country had fond memories of the two visits the Queen made there, remarking on “her friendliness, elegance, style and sheer joy she brought to the performance of her duties”.

President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed condolences on behalf of the South African government and people.

He described Elizabeth II as an extraordinary and world-renowned public figure who lived a remarkable life.

“Her life and legacy will be fondly remembered by many around the world,” said Ramaphosa.

“The Queen’s commitment and dedication during her 70 years on the throne remains a noble and virtuous example to the entire world,” Ramaphosa said

President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria described the deceased as “a towering global personality and an outstanding leader.”

“The story of modern Nigeria will never be complete without a chapter on Queen Elizabeth II,” Buhari stated. “She dedicated her life to making her nation, the Commonwealth and the entire world a better place.”

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, attained independence from Britain in 1960.

Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan, one of two female presidents in Africa sent condolences to the Royal Family and the British people.

“The Queen will be remembered around the world as a pillar of strength, peace, unity and stability,” Hassan stated.

The President of Liberia, H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah expressed sadness over the passing of the United Kingdom’s longest-serving Monarch.

He described the death of the Queen as a colossal loss to the world. Weah added that he shared Britain’s grief having spent some of his career as a professional footballer in the country.