Freundel Stuart vs Johan Ferrier

Following the death of David Thompson, Freundel Stuart, as Deputy Prime Minister, was sworn in as Prime Minister of Barbados. He led the Democratic Labour Party government for the remainder of the term.

Stuart's Democratic Labour Party suffered a landslide defeat in the 2018 general election, losing all 30 seats to the Barbados Labour Party led by Mia Mottley. This was the first time a ruling party lost every seat in Barbadian history.

Under Stuart's leadership, Barbados officially transitioned from a constitutional monarchy to a parliamentary republic on November 30, 2021. Queen Elizabeth II was replaced as head of state by a Barbadian president, ending centuries of colonial ties.

Ferrier served as Governor of Suriname, the representative of the Dutch monarch, from 1968 to 1975. He played a key role in negotiations for independence and maintaining stability during the transition period.

Johan Ferrier became the first President of Suriname upon its independence from the Netherlands on November 25, 1975. He served as a ceremonial head of state, overseeing the transition to sovereignty and the drafting of the constitution.

Ferrier resigned as President in 1980 after a military coup led by Desi Bouterse overthrew the civilian government. His resignation marked the end of democratic rule and the beginning of military dictatorship in Suriname.

After the coup, Ferrier went into exile in the Netherlands, where he remained for several years. He later returned to Suriname after the restoration of democracy in the 1990s, but did not re-enter politics.