President of Barbados

The president of Barbados is the head of state of Barbados and the commander-in-chief of the Barbados Defence Force. This important role began when Barbados changed to a parliamentary republic on 30 November 2021. Before this date, the head of state was Elizabeth II, Queen of Barbados, who was represented by a governor-general.

The first person to serve as president was Dame Sandra Mason, who held the position from 2021 to 2025. After her, the current president, Jeffrey Bostic, took over the role. The president plays a key part in leading the country and ensuring its laws and traditions are followed.

History

Main article: Republicanism in Barbados

In 1979, a group studied if Barbados could change its government system. They found that most people wanted to keep the constitutional monarchy. Later, in 1996, another group was formed to look at the Constitution of Barbados again. They suggested Barbados become a republic, but nothing happened right away.

In 2005, a law was passed for a vote on becoming a republic, but it was delayed. Finally, in 2020, the government announced Barbados would become a republic by November 2021. This meant the country would no longer have a monarch of Barbados but would instead have a president as head of state.

On 30 November 2021, Barbados became a parliamentary republic. The first president was Governor-General of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason, who was chosen by the prime minister and the leader of the opposition and then approved by parliament. She took office that same day.

Election

See also: 2021 Barbadian presidential election and 2025 Barbadian presidential election

The president of Barbados is chosen by the Parliament of Barbados. The prime minister and the leader of the opposition work together to pick one person to be president about 90 days before the current president’s time in office ends. Usually, this person is chosen without a vote, unless someone in Parliament objects. If there is an objection, the two parts of Parliament — the Senate and the House of Assembly — meet separately to vote. They need a two-thirds majority in both groups to choose the new president.

If they cannot agree on a person by 60 days before the current president’s term ends, other people can join the race. To be allowed to run, a person must be chosen by the prime minister, the leader of the opposition, or at least ten members of the House of Assembly. Even in this case, both groups of Parliament must agree with a two-thirds majority to choose the new president.

Temporary vacancy

When the president of Barbados is away, on vacation, or unable to do their job for any reason, someone else steps in to help. The prime minister chooses this person after talking with the leader of the opposition.

If the president is unable to serve because of impeachment, the president of the Senate of Barbados becomes the acting president. The rules do not say who would take over after that.

Constitutional role

Barbados' constitution describes how the country is run, with a system similar to the United Kingdom. The president of Barbados is the head of state and has important duties, but usually follows the advice of the government leaders.

The president can appoint the prime minister and other leaders, approve laws, and make some important decisions. However, in everyday matters, the president acts based on the advice of the prime minister and the cabinet. The president also has the power to delay or reject certain laws, though this is not used often. The president also helps choose judges and can forgive people who have broken the law.

Official oath of office

According to the Constitution (Amendment) (No. 2) Act, 2021 and the First Schedule section of the Constitution of Barbados, the official oath of office or affirmation for the president of Barbados is as follows:

I, [name], do swear (solemnly affirm) that I will well and truly serve Barbados in the office of President. (So help me God. (to be omitted in affirmation))