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 role started when Barbados became a parliamentary republic on 30 November 2021. Before that, the head of state was Elizabeth II, the Queen of Barbados, who was represented by a governor-general.

The first president was Dame Sandra Mason, who served from 2021 to 2025. Now, the president is Jeffrey Bostic. The president helps lead the country and makes sure its laws and traditions are respected.

History

Main article: Republicanism in Barbados

In 1979, a group looked at changing Barbados' government. Most people wanted to keep the constitutional monarchy. In 1996, another group suggested Barbados become a republic, but this did not happen right away.

In 2005, a law was passed to vote on becoming a republic, but this was delayed. In 2020, the government said Barbados would become a republic by November 2021. This meant the country would no longer have a monarch of Barbados and would instead have a president.

On 30 November 2021, Barbados became a parliamentary republic. The first president was the Governor-General of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason. She was chosen and approved by parliament, and 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 picked 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, 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 explains how the country works, like the United Kingdom. The president of Barbados is the head of state and has important jobs, but usually listens to the government leaders.

The president can choose the prime minister and other leaders, approve laws, and make big decisions. But for most things, the president follows what the prime minister and the cabinet say. The president can also wait before approving some laws or say no, but this does not happen often. The president helps pick 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))