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| government_name = Government of Barbados
| government_name = Government of Barbados
| government_form = [[Parliamentary republic|Parliamentary Republic]]
| government_form = [[Parliamentary republic|Parliamentary Republic]]
| image          = Coat of arms of Barbados.svg
| image          = Coat of arms of Barbados (3).svg
| image_size      = 160px
| image_size      = 160px
| caption        = [[Coat of arms of Barbados]]
| caption        = [[Coat of arms of Barbados]]
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{{Politics of Barbados}}
{{Politics of Barbados}}


The '''Government of Barbados''' (GoB) is a [[Unitary state|unitary]] [[Parliamentary system|parliamentary]] [[republic]], where the [[president of Barbados]] is the head of state and the [[prime minister of Barbados]] is the head of government.
The '''Government of Barbados''' is a [[Unitary state|unitary]] [[Parliamentary system|parliamentary]] [[republic]], where the [[president of Barbados|President]] is the head of state and the [[Prime Minister of Barbados|Prime Minister]] is the head of government.


==Structure==
==Structure==
[[File:Simplification of govt structure of Barbados(Republic).png|alt=Simplification of govt structure of Barbados(Republic)|thumb|right|300px|Simplification of the government structure of Barbados]]
[[File:Simplification of govt structure of Barbados(Republic).png|alt=Simplification of govt structure of Barbados(Republic)|thumb|right|300px|Simplification of the government structure of Barbados]]
The country has a [[bicameral]] legislature and a political party system, based on universal adult suffrage and fair elections. The [[Senate (Barbados)|Senate]] has 21 members, appointed by the President, 12 on the advice of the Prime Minister, two on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition, and seven at the President's sole discretion. The [[House of Assembly (Barbados)|House of Assembly]] has 30 members, all elected. Both houses debate all legislation. However, the House of Assembly may override Senate's rejection of money bills and other bills except bills amending the Constitution.
The country has a [[bicameral]] legislature and a political party system, based on universal adult suffrage and fair elections. The [[Senate of Barbados|Senate]] has 21 members, appointed by the President, 12 on the advice of the Prime Minister, two on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition, and seven at the President's discretion. The [[House of Assembly of Barbados|House of Assembly]] has 30 members, all elected. Both houses debate all legislation. However, the House of Assembly may override the Senate's rejection of bills, except those amending the [[Constitution of Barbados|Constitution]].


Officers of each house (President and Deputy President of the Senate; Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Chairman of Committees of the Assembly) are elected from the members of the respective houses.
Officers of each house (President and Deputy President of the Senate; Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Chairman of Committees of the Assembly) are elected from the members of the respective houses.


In keeping with the [[Westminster system]] of governance, [[Barbados]] has evolved into an independent [[parliamentary democracy]], meaning that all [[political power]] rests with the Parliament under a non-political President as head of state. Executive authority is vested in the President, who normally acts only on the advice of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, who are collectively responsible to Parliament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.barbadosparliament.com/uploads/bill_resolution/56f53e308108b4b315d1b367c2914f7a.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.barbadosparliament.com/uploads/bill_resolution/56f53e308108b4b315d1b367c2914f7a.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live|title=Constitution (Amendment) (No. 2) Act, 2021|date=2021|publisher=[[Parliament of Barbados]]|accessdate=29 October 2021|ref={{sfnref|Constitution Amendment Act|2021}}}}</ref> Barbadian law is rooted in [[English law|English common law]], and the [[Constitution of Barbados]] implemented in 1966, is the supreme [[law of the land]].
In keeping with the [[Westminster system]] of governance, Barbados has evolved into an independent [[parliamentary democracy]], meaning that all political power rests with Parliament under a non-political President as head of state. Executive authority is vested in the [[President of Barbados|President]], who normally acts only on the advice of the [[Prime Minister of Barbados|Prime Minister]] and [[Cabinet of Barbados|Cabinet]], who are collectively responsible to Parliament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.barbadosparliament.com/uploads/bill_resolution/56f53e308108b4b315d1b367c2914f7a.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.barbadosparliament.com/uploads/bill_resolution/56f53e308108b4b315d1b367c2914f7a.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live|title=Constitution (Amendment) (No. 2) Act, 2021|date=2021|publisher=[[Parliament of Barbados]]|accessdate=29 October 2021|ref={{sfnref|Constitution Amendment Act|2021}}}}</ref> Barbadian law is rooted in [[English law|English common law]], and the [[Constitution of Barbados]], implemented in 1966, is the supreme [[law of the land]].


Fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual are set out in the Constitution and are protected by a strict legal code.
Fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual are set out in the Constitution and are protected by a strict legal code.


The [[Cabinet (Barbados)|Cabinet]] is headed by the [[Prime Minister of Barbados|Prime Minister]], who must be an elected member of Parliament, and other ministers are appointed from either chamber by the President, as advised by the Prime Minister.
The Cabinet is headed by the Prime Minister, who must be an elected member of Parliament. Other ministers are appointed from either chamber by the President, as advised by the Prime Minister.
[[File:Barbadian Prime Minister's Office.jpg|300px|thumb|Office of the Prime Minister of Barbados on Bay Street, Bridgetown, Barbados. (c.a. November 2000)]]
[[File:Barbadian Prime Minister's Office.jpg|300px|thumb|Office of the Prime Minister of Barbados on Bay Street, Bridgetown, Barbados. (c.a. November 2000)]]


The President appoints as Leader of the Opposition the member of House of Assembly who commands the support of the largest number of members of that House in opposition to the ruling party's government.
The President appoints as Leader of the Opposition the member of the House of Assembly who commands the support of the largest number of members of that House in opposition to the ruling party's government.


The maximum duration of a Parliament is five years from the first sitting. There is a simultaneous dissolution of both Houses of Parliament by the President, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister.
The maximum duration of a Parliament is five years from the first sitting. There is a simultaneous dissolution of both Houses of Parliament by the President, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Line 63: Line 63:
==History==
==History==
{{Main|Elections in Barbados}}
{{Main|Elections in Barbados}}
The government has been chosen by elections since [[Barbadian general election, 1961|1961 elections]], when Barbados achieved full [[Self-governing colony|self-governance]]. Before then, the government was a [[Crown colony]] consisting of either colonial administration solely (such as the [[Executive Council (Commonwealth countries)|Executive Council]]), or a mixture of colonial rule and a partially elected assembly, such as the [[Legislative Council of Barbados|Legislative Council]].
The government has been chosen by elections since [[1961 Barbadian general election|1961 elections]], when Barbados achieved full [[Self-governing colony|self-governance]]. Before then, the government was a [[Crown colony]] consisting of either colonial administration solely (such as the [[Executive council (Commonwealth countries)|Executive Council]]), or a mixture of colonial rule and a partially elected assembly, such as the [[Legislative Council of Barbados|Legislative Council]].


Between 1966 and 2021, the head of state of Barbados was the [[Monarchy of Barbados]] represented by the [[Governor-General of Barbados]] as its representative. After decades of [[Republicanism in Barbados|republicanism]], the monarchy was [[Abolition of monarchy|abolished]] and replaced with a new head of state office, the President of Barbados, on 30 November 2021.  
Between 1966 and 2021, the head of state of Barbados was the [[Monarchy of Barbados]], represented by the [[Governor-General of Barbados]]. After decades of [[Republicanism in Barbados|republicanism]], the monarchy was abolished and replaced with a new head of state office, the President of Barbados, on 30 November 2021.  


Since independence the [[Democratic Labour Party (Barbados)|Democratic Labour Party]] (DLP) held office 1966 to 1976, from 1986 to 1994, and from January 2008 to 2018. The [[Barbados Labour Party]] (BLP) governed from 1976 to 1986, from September 1994–2008 and has formed the government from 2018–Present.
Since independence, the [[Democratic Labour Party (Barbados)|Democratic Labour Party]] (DLP) has held office 1966 to 1976, from 1986 to 1994, and from January 2008 to 2018. The [[Barbados Labour Party]] (BLP) has governed from 1976 to 1986, from September 1994–2008 and from 2018 to the present day.


== Executive branch ==
== Executive branch ==
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|25 May 2018
|25 May 2018
|}
|}
The Executive Branch of government conducts the ordinary business of government. These functions are called out by the Prime Minister and cabinet ministers. The prime minister chooses the ministers of government they wish to have in the cabinet but they are actually appointed by the President.
The Executive Branch of government conducts the ordinary business of government. These functions are called out by the Prime Minister and cabinet ministers. The Prime Minister chooses the ministers of government they wish to have in the cabinet but they are actually appointed by the President.
*Heads of State
*Heads of State
** President
** President
*Head of Government
*Head of Government
** Prime Minister
** Prime Minister
** Attorney General's
** Attorney Generals
** Ministers
** Ministers


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|-
|-
|[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and International Business (Barbados)|Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade]]
|[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and International Business (Barbados)|Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade]]
|HEAD OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE, DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF FOREIGN TRADE
|Head of the Public Service, Director-General of Foreign Trade
|Louis Woodroffe
|Louis Woodroffe
|-
|-
|Prime Minister's Office
|Prime Minister's Office
|PERMANENT SECRETARY  
|Permanent Secretary  
|Ms. Alies Jordan
|Alies Jordan
|-
|-
|Ministry of the Public Service
|Ministry of the Public Service
|DIRECTOR GENERAL (HUMAN RESOURCES)
|Director General (Human Resources)
|Ms. Gail Atkins
|Gail Atkins
|-
|-
|[[Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment (Bardados)|Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment]]
|[[Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment (Barbados)|Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment]]
|PERMANENT SECRETARY
|Permanent Secretary
|Ms. Nancy Headley  
|Nancy Headley  
|-
|-
|[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and International Business (Barbados)|Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade]]
|[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and International Business (Barbados)|Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade]]
|PERMANENT SECRETARY
|Permanent Secretary
|Ms. Simone Rudder
|Simone Rudder
|-
|-
|Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs
|Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs
|PERMANENT SECRETARY
|Permanent Secretary
|Ms. Yvette Goddard
|Yvette Goddard
|-
|-
|Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training
|Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training
|PERMANENT SECRETARY
|Permanent Secretary
|Ms. Betty Alleyne Headley  
|Betty Alleyne Headley  
|-
|-
|Ministry of Home Affairs
|Ministry of Home Affairs
|PERMANENT SECRETARY
|Permanent Secretary
|Ms. Deborah Payne
|Deborah Payne
|-
|-
|[[Ministry of Health and Wellness (Barbados)|Ministry of Health & Wellness]]
|[[Ministry of Health and Wellness (Barbados)|Ministry of Health and Wellness]]
|PERMANENT SECRETARY
|Permanent Secretary
|Ms. Janet Philips
|Janet Philips
|-
|-
|Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
|Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
|PERMANENT SECRETARY
|Permanent Secretary
|Mr. Terry Bascombe
|Terry Bascombe
|-
|-
|[[Ministry of Labour (Barbados)|Ministry of Labour and Social Partnership Relations]]
|[[Ministry of Labour (Barbados)|Ministry of Labour and Social Partnership Relations]]
|PERMANENT SECRETARY
|Permanent Secretary
|Dr. Karen Best
|Dr. Karen Best
|-
|-
|Ministry of Housing, Lands and Rural Development
|Ministry of Housing, Lands and Rural Development
|PERMANENT SECRETARY
|Permanent Secretary
|Mr. Timothy Maynard
|Timothy Maynard
|-
|-
|Ministry of International Business and Industry
|Ministry of International Business and Industry
|PERMANENT SECRETARY
|Permanent Secretary
|Ms. June Chandler  
|June Chandler  
|-
|-
|National Insurance Department
|National Insurance Department
|DIRECTOR  
|DIRECTOR  
|Ms. Jennifer Hunte  
|Jennifer Hunte  
|-
|-
|Ministry of Tourism and International Transport
|Ministry of Tourism and International Transport
|PERMANENT SECRETARY
|Permanent Secretary
|Ms. Donna Cadogan
|Donna Cadogan
|-
|-
|Ministry of Youth and Community Empowerment
|Ministry of Youth and Community Empowerment
|PERMANENT SECRETARY
|Permanent Secretary
|Ms. Yolande Howard
|Yolande Howard
|-
|-
|Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs
|Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs
|PERMANENT SECRETARY
|Permanent Secretary
|Ms. Gabrielle Springer
|Gabrielle Springer
|-
|-
|Ministry of Energy, Small Business and Entrepreneurship
|Ministry of Energy, Small Business and Entrepreneurship
|PERMANENT SECRETARY (SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS)
|Permanent Secretary (Special Assignments)
|Mr. Andrew Gittens
|Andrew Gittens
|-
|-
|Ministry of Environment and National Beautification  
|Ministry of Environment and National Beautification  
|PERMANENT SECRETARY
|Permanent Secretary
|Ms. Daphne Kellman
|Daphne Kellman
|-
|-
|-
|-
|Ministry of Energy, Small Business and Entrepreneurship
|Ministry of Energy, Small Business and Entrepreneurship
|PERMANENT SECRETARY (SMALL
|Permanent Secretary (Small Business and Entrepreneurship)
BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP)
|Francine Blackman  
|Ms. Francine Blackman  
|-
|-
|Ministry of Transport, Works and Maintenance
|Ministry of Transport, Works and Maintenance
|PERMANENT SECRETARY
|Permanent Secretary
|Mr. Mark Cummins  
|Mark Cummins  
|-
|-
|Prime Minister's Office
|Prime Minister's Office
|PERMANENT SECRETARY (CULTURE)
|Permanent Secretary (Culture)
|Mr. Jehu Wiltshire  
|Jehu Wiltshire  
|-
|-
|Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy
|Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy
|PERMANENT SECRETARY
|Permanent Secretary
|Ms. Sonia Foster
|Sonia Foster
|-
|-
|Ministry of Innovation, Science and Smart Technology
|Ministry of Innovation, Science and Smart Technology
|PERMANENT SECRETARY
|Permanent Secretary
|Mr. Charley Browne  
|Charley Browne  
|-
|-
|Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Public Affairs
|Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Public Affairs
|PERMANENT SECRETARY
|Permanent Secretary
|Ms. Sandra Phillips
|Sandra Phillips
|-
|-
|Cabinet Office
|Cabinet Office
|CABINET SECRETARY
|Cabinet Secretary
|Mrs. Cecile Humphrey
|Cecile Humphrey
|-
|-
| Ministry of Energy, Small Business and Entrepreneurship
| Ministry of Energy, Small Business and Entrepreneurship
|PERMANENT SECRETARY (Small Business and Entrepreneurship)
|Permanent Secretary (Small Business and Entrepreneurship)
|Mr. Esworth Reid
|Esworth Reid
|}
|}
Source:  [https://web.archive.org/web/20201128014149/https://gisbarbados.gov.bb/download/list-of-permanent-secretaries-october-28-2020/ BGIS]
Source:  [https://web.archive.org/web/20201128014149/https://gisbarbados.gov.bb/download/list-of-permanent-secretaries-october-28-2020/ BGIS]


== Legislative Branch ==
== Legislative branch ==
Under Barbados' version of the [[Westminster system]] of government, the executive and legislative branches are partly intertwined.
Under Barbados' version of the [[Westminster system]] of government, the executive and legislative branches are partly intertwined. The only official Cabinet office (other than Prime Minister) expressly mentioned in the country's constitution is the Office of the Attorney-General.
The only official Cabinet office (other than Prime Minister) expressly mentioned in the Constitution of Barbados is Office of the Attorney-General.
* President
* President
* Chief Secretaries (Abolished)
* Chief Secretaries (abolished)
* Auditors-General
* Auditors-General
* Senators
* Senators
** Presidents of the Senate
** Presidents of the Senate
* Members of the House ( a/k/a Members of Parliament)
* Members of the House (also known as Members of Parliament)
** Speakers of the House of Assembly
** Speakers of the House of Assembly
* Clerks of Parliament
* Clerks of Parliament


=== Law ===
=== Law ===
The [[Constitution of Barbados]] is the supreme law of the nation.<ref>[http://pdba.georgetown.edu/Constitutions/Barbados/barbados66.html The official Constitution of Barbados] (1966) version.</ref> The Attorney General heads the independent [[judiciary]]. Historically, Barbadian law was based entirely on [[English common law]] with a few local adaptations. At the time of independence, the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom]] lost its ability to legislate for Barbados, but the existing English and British common law and statutes in force at that time, together with other measures already adopted by the [[Barbadian Parliament]], became the basis of the new country's legal system.
The [[Constitution of Barbados]] is the supreme law of the nation.<ref>[http://pdba.georgetown.edu/Constitutions/Barbados/barbados66.html The official Constitution of Barbados] (1966) version.</ref> The Attorney General heads the independent [[judiciary]]. Historically, Barbadian law was based entirely on [[English common law]] with a few local adaptations. At the time of independence, the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom]] lost its ability to legislate for Barbados, but the existing English and British common law and statutes in force at that time, together with other measures already adopted by the Barbadian Parliament, became the basis of the new country's legal system.


Legislation may be shaped or influenced by such organisations as the United Nations, the [[Organization of American States]], or other international bodies to which Barbados has obligatory commitments by treaty. Additionally, through international co-operation, other institutions may supply the Barbados Parliament with key sample legislation to be adapted to meet local circumstances before enacting it as local law.
Legislation may be shaped or influenced by the [[United Nations]], the [[Organization of American States]], or other international bodies to which Barbados has obligatory commitments by treaty. Additionally, through international co-operation, other institutions may supply Parliament with key sample legislation to be adapted to meet local circumstances before enacting it as local law.


New acts are passed by the Barbadian Parliament and require approval by the President to become law. The President, has the power to "withhold assent" from laws by vetoing the proposed law without parliamentary override.<ref>[[Constitution of Barbados]], Section 58(3)</ref>
New acts are passed by Parliament and require approval by the President to become law. The President has the power to "withhold assent" from laws by vetoing the proposed law without parliamentary override.<ref>[[Constitution of Barbados]], Section 58(3)</ref>


==Judicial branch ==
==Judicial branch ==
{{main|Judiciary of Barbados}}
{{main|Judiciary of Barbados}}


The judiciary is the legal system through which punishments are handed out to individuals who break the law. The functions of the judiciary are to enforce laws; to interpret laws; to conduct court hearings; to hear court appeals.<ref>{{Cite web|title=About the Judicial System {{!}} Barbados Judicial System|url=https://www.barbadoslawcourts.gov.bb/about-the-judicial-system/|access-date=2021-01-10|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-01-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112055934/https://www.barbadoslawcourts.gov.bb/about-the-judicial-system/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The judiciary is the legal system through which punishments are handed out to individuals who break the law. The functions of the judiciary are to enforce laws, to interpret laws, to conduct court hearings, and to hear court appeals.<ref>{{Cite web|title=About the Judicial System {{!}} Barbados Judicial System|url=https://www.barbadoslawcourts.gov.bb/about-the-judicial-system/|access-date=2021-01-10|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-01-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112055934/https://www.barbadoslawcourts.gov.bb/about-the-judicial-system/|url-status=dead}}</ref>


The local court system of Barbados is made up of:
The local court system of Barbados is made up of:
*Magistrates' Courts: Covering Criminal, Civil, Domestic, Domestic Violence, and Juvenile matters. But can also take up matters dealing with Coroner's Inquests, Liquor Licences, and civil marriages. Further, the Magistrates' Courts deal with Contract and Tort law where claims do not exceed $10,000.00.<ref name="court">{{cite web |url=http://www.lawcourts.gov.bb/Aboutus.html |title=Law Courts of Barbados |publisher=Lawcourts.gov.bb |access-date=4 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090815015349/http://www.lawcourts.gov.bb/Aboutus.html |archive-date=15 August 2009 }}</ref>
*Magistrates' Courts: covering criminal, civil, domestic, domestic violence, and juvenile matters. Magistrates can also take up matters dealing with coroner's inquests, liquor licences, and civil marriages. They also deal with contract and tort law where claims do not exceed $10,000.<ref name="court">{{cite web |url=http://www.lawcourts.gov.bb/Aboutus.html |title=Law Courts of Barbados |publisher=Lawcourts.gov.bb |access-date=4 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090815015349/http://www.lawcourts.gov.bb/Aboutus.html |archive-date=15 August 2009 }}</ref>
*The [[Supreme Court of Barbados|Supreme Court]]: is made up of High Court and Court of Appeals.<ref name="court" />
*[[Supreme Court of Judicature (Barbados)|Supreme Court]]: made up of the High Court and the Court of Appeals.<ref name="court" />
**High Court: Consisting of Civil, Criminal, and Family law divisions.
**High Court: consisting of civil, criminal, and family law divisions.
**Court of Appeal: Handles appeals from the High Court and Magistrates' Court. It hears appeals in both the civil, and criminal law jurisdictions. It may consist of a single Justice of Appeal sitting in Chambers; or may sit as a Full Court of three Justices of Appeals.
**Court of Appeal: handles appeals from the High Court and Magistrates' Courts. It hears appeals in both the civil and criminal law jurisdictions. It may consist of a single Justice of Appeal sitting in Chambers; or may sit as a Full Court of three Justices of Appeals.
*The [[Caribbean Court of Justice]] (CCJ), (based in [[Port of Spain]], Trinidad and Tobago), is the court of last resort (final jurisdiction) over Barbadian law. It replaced the London-based [[Judicial Committee of the Privy Council]] (JCPC). The CCJ may resolve other disputed matters dealing with the [[CARICOM Single Market and Economy|Caribbean Single Market and Economy]] (CSME).
*[[Caribbean Court of Justice]] (CCJ): based in [[Port of Spain]], Trinidad and Tobago, the CCJ is the court of last resort (final jurisdiction) over Barbadian law. It replaced the London-based [[Judicial Committee of the Privy Council]]. The CCJ may resolve other disputed matters dealing with the [[CARICOM Single Market and Economy|Caribbean Single Market and Economy]].
* Chief Justices
* Chief Justices
** Justices of Appeals
** Justices of Appeals
Line 380: Line 378:


== External links ==
== External links ==
* [http://www.gov.bb/ Barbadian Government Website]
* [http://www.gov.bb/ Barbadian Government website]
* [http://www.photius.com/countries/barbados/government/system.html The Barbados Governmental System], Photius Coutsoukis
* [http://www.photius.com/countries/barbados/government/system.html The Barbados Governmental System], Photius Coutsoukis
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110706132317/http://www.gov.bb/portal/page/portal/GISMEDIA%20CENTRENEWS%20MANAGEMENT/News%20Archive/Correct%20Forms%20Of%20Address%20Of%20Officials Barbados Government statement on the proper titles for members of Government]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110706132317/http://www.gov.bb/portal/page/portal/GISMEDIA%20CENTRENEWS%20MANAGEMENT/News%20Archive/Correct%20Forms%20Of%20Address%20Of%20Officials Barbados Government statement on the proper titles for members of Government]

Latest revision as of 11:38, 13 February 2026

Template:Infobox government

Template:Politics of Barbados

The Government of Barbados is a unitary parliamentary republic, where the President is the head of state and the Prime Minister is the head of government.

Structure

Simplification of govt structure of Barbados(Republic)
Simplification of the government structure of Barbados

The country has a bicameral legislature and a political party system, based on universal adult suffrage and fair elections. The Senate has 21 members, appointed by the President, 12 on the advice of the Prime Minister, two on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition, and seven at the President's discretion. The House of Assembly has 30 members, all elected. Both houses debate all legislation. However, the House of Assembly may override the Senate's rejection of bills, except those amending the Constitution.

Officers of each house (President and Deputy President of the Senate; Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Chairman of Committees of the Assembly) are elected from the members of the respective houses.

In keeping with the Westminster system of governance, Barbados has evolved into an independent parliamentary democracy, meaning that all political power rests with Parliament under a non-political President as head of state. Executive authority is vested in the President, who normally acts only on the advice of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, who are collectively responsible to Parliament.[1] Barbadian law is rooted in English common law, and the Constitution of Barbados, implemented in 1966, is the supreme law of the land.

Fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual are set out in the Constitution and are protected by a strict legal code.

The Cabinet is headed by the Prime Minister, who must be an elected member of Parliament. Other ministers are appointed from either chamber by the President, as advised by the Prime Minister.

File:Barbadian Prime Minister's Office.jpg
Office of the Prime Minister of Barbados on Bay Street, Bridgetown, Barbados. (c.a. November 2000)

The President appoints as Leader of the Opposition the member of the House of Assembly who commands the support of the largest number of members of that House in opposition to the ruling party's government.

The maximum duration of a Parliament is five years from the first sitting. There is a simultaneous dissolution of both Houses of Parliament by the President, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister.

There is an established non-political civil service. Also, there are separate constitutional commissions for the Judicial and Legal Service, the Public Service, and the Police Service.

History

Main article: Elections in Barbados

The government has been chosen by elections since 1961 elections, when Barbados achieved full self-governance. Before then, the government was a Crown colony consisting of either colonial administration solely (such as the Executive Council), or a mixture of colonial rule and a partially elected assembly, such as the Legislative Council.

Between 1966 and 2021, the head of state of Barbados was the Monarchy of Barbados, represented by the Governor-General of Barbados. After decades of republicanism, the monarchy was abolished and replaced with a new head of state office, the President of Barbados, on 30 November 2021.

Since independence, the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has held office 1966 to 1976, from 1986 to 1994, and from January 2008 to 2018. The Barbados Labour Party (BLP) has governed from 1976 to 1986, from September 1994–2008 and from 2018 to the present day.

Executive branch

Template:Office-table | President | File:Sandra of Barbados.jpg

Sandra Mason

| Independent | 30 November 2021 |- |Prime Minister |File:Mia Mottley (2021) (cropped).jpg

Mia Mottley

|Barbados Labour Party |25 May 2018 |} The Executive Branch of government conducts the ordinary business of government. These functions are called out by the Prime Minister and cabinet ministers. The Prime Minister chooses the ministers of government they wish to have in the cabinet but they are actually appointed by the President.

  • Heads of State
    • President
  • Head of Government
    • Prime Minister
    • Attorney Generals
    • Ministers
Office Office Holder Constituency Political Party
Prime Minister
Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, with responsibility for Culture, Security, Public Service, Caricom and Development Commissions 		Mia Mottley St. Michael North East Barbados Labour Party
Deputy Prime Minister
Senior Minister
Minister of Transport, Works and Water Resources 		Sanita Bradshaw St. Michael South East
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs
Senior Minister Governance 		Dale Marshall St. Joseph
Minister of Energy and Business Development
Senior Minister 		Kerrie Symmonds St. James Central
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
Senior Minister, Social and Environmental Policy 		Jerome Walcott N/A (Senator)
Senior Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, with responsibility for Infrastructure and Town Planning Matters William Duguid Christ Church West
Minister of Homes Affairs and Information Wilfred Abrahams Christ Church East
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Security Indar Weir St. Philip South
Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding Edghill St. Michael West Central
Minister for the Public Service, Home Affairs, Labour and Gender Affairs Lisa Cummings N/A (Senator)
Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training Kay McConney St. Philip West
Minister of Housing, lands and Maintenance Dwight Sutherland St. George South
Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey St. Michael South
Minister of the Environment and National Beautification and Blue Economy Adrian Forde Christ Church West Central
Minister of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector Colin Jordan St. Peter
Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology Davidson Ishmael St. Michael North
Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith St. John
Minister in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development Ryan Straughn Christ Church East Central
Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Chantal Munroe Knight N/A (Senator)
Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness Sonia Browne St. Philip North
Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Ministry of Business Development Sandra Husbands St. James South

Source: St.Lucia Times Archived 2022-04-13 at the Wayback Machine

Parliamentary Secretaries
Office Office Holder Constituency Political party
Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Water Resources, with responsibility for Water Resources Rommel Springer St. Andrew Barbados Labour Party
Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Corey Layne City of Bridgetown

Source: St.Lucia Times Archived 2022-04-13 at the Wayback Machine

Permanent Secretaries
Ministerial Office Position Office Holder
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Head of the Public Service, Director-General of Foreign Trade Louis Woodroffe
Prime Minister's Office Permanent Secretary Alies Jordan
Ministry of the Public Service Director General (Human Resources) Gail Atkins
Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment Permanent Secretary Nancy Headley
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Permanent Secretary Simone Rudder
Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs Permanent Secretary Yvette Goddard
Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training Permanent Secretary Betty Alleyne Headley
Ministry of Home Affairs Permanent Secretary Deborah Payne
Ministry of Health and Wellness Permanent Secretary Janet Philips
Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Permanent Secretary Terry Bascombe
Ministry of Labour and Social Partnership Relations Permanent Secretary Dr. Karen Best
Ministry of Housing, Lands and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Timothy Maynard
Ministry of International Business and Industry Permanent Secretary June Chandler
National Insurance Department DIRECTOR Jennifer Hunte
Ministry of Tourism and International Transport Permanent Secretary Donna Cadogan
Ministry of Youth and Community Empowerment Permanent Secretary Yolande Howard
Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Permanent Secretary Gabrielle Springer
Ministry of Energy, Small Business and Entrepreneurship Permanent Secretary (Special Assignments) Andrew Gittens
Ministry of Environment and National Beautification Permanent Secretary Daphne Kellman
Ministry of Energy, Small Business and Entrepreneurship Permanent Secretary (Small Business and Entrepreneurship) Francine Blackman
Ministry of Transport, Works and Maintenance Permanent Secretary Mark Cummins
Prime Minister's Office Permanent Secretary (Culture) Jehu Wiltshire
Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy Permanent Secretary Sonia Foster
Ministry of Innovation, Science and Smart Technology Permanent Secretary Charley Browne
Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Public Affairs Permanent Secretary Sandra Phillips
Cabinet Office Cabinet Secretary Cecile Humphrey
Ministry of Energy, Small Business and Entrepreneurship Permanent Secretary (Small Business and Entrepreneurship) Esworth Reid

Source: BGIS

Legislative branch

Under Barbados' version of the Westminster system of government, the executive and legislative branches are partly intertwined. The only official Cabinet office (other than Prime Minister) expressly mentioned in the country's constitution is the Office of the Attorney-General.

  • President
  • Chief Secretaries (abolished)
  • Auditors-General
  • Senators
    • Presidents of the Senate
  • Members of the House (also known as Members of Parliament)
    • Speakers of the House of Assembly
  • Clerks of Parliament

Law

The Constitution of Barbados is the supreme law of the nation.[2] The Attorney General heads the independent judiciary. Historically, Barbadian law was based entirely on English common law with a few local adaptations. At the time of independence, the Parliament of the United Kingdom lost its ability to legislate for Barbados, but the existing English and British common law and statutes in force at that time, together with other measures already adopted by the Barbadian Parliament, became the basis of the new country's legal system.

Legislation may be shaped or influenced by the United Nations, the Organization of American States, or other international bodies to which Barbados has obligatory commitments by treaty. Additionally, through international co-operation, other institutions may supply Parliament with key sample legislation to be adapted to meet local circumstances before enacting it as local law.

New acts are passed by Parliament and require approval by the President to become law. The President has the power to "withhold assent" from laws by vetoing the proposed law without parliamentary override.[3]

Judicial branch

Main article: Judiciary of Barbados

The judiciary is the legal system through which punishments are handed out to individuals who break the law. The functions of the judiciary are to enforce laws, to interpret laws, to conduct court hearings, and to hear court appeals.[4]

The local court system of Barbados is made up of:

  • Magistrates' Courts: covering criminal, civil, domestic, domestic violence, and juvenile matters. Magistrates can also take up matters dealing with coroner's inquests, liquor licences, and civil marriages. They also deal with contract and tort law where claims do not exceed $10,000.[5]
  • Supreme Court: made up of the High Court and the Court of Appeals.[5]
    • High Court: consisting of civil, criminal, and family law divisions.
    • Court of Appeal: handles appeals from the High Court and Magistrates' Courts. It hears appeals in both the civil and criminal law jurisdictions. It may consist of a single Justice of Appeal sitting in Chambers; or may sit as a Full Court of three Justices of Appeals.
  • Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ): based in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, the CCJ is the court of last resort (final jurisdiction) over Barbadian law. It replaced the London-based Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. The CCJ may resolve other disputed matters dealing with the Caribbean Single Market and Economy.
  • Chief Justices
    • Justices of Appeals
    • Magistrates

Perception

Transparency International ranked Barbados as 23rd place (of 180) in the world on its Corruption Perceptions Index in 2024, being the least corrupt country in the Caribbean.[6]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Constitution (Amendment) (No. 2) Act, 2021" (PDF). Parliament of Barbados. 2021. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2022-10-09. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  2. ↑ The official Constitution of Barbados (1966) version.
  3. ↑ Constitution of Barbados, Section 58(3)
  4. ↑ "About the Judicial System | Barbados Judicial System". Archived from the original on 2021-01-12. Retrieved 2021-01-10.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Law Courts of Barbados". Lawcourts.gov.bb. Archived from the original on 15 August 2009. Retrieved 4 July 2010.
  6. ↑ "Corruption Perceptions Index", Wikipedia, 2025-07-10, retrieved 2025-07-27

Further reading

Template:Barbados topics Template:Americas topic

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