Road to a Republic... Barbados’ transition

THE Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley, announced this month that the island will become a republic by November 30, 2021. Her announcement is a major step for the country, which has had Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State since Barbados’ Independence in 1966.

Many Barbadians accept this news while others are upset about the way the announcement and the process in which this transition is being made. There was no referendum or consultation with the people of Barbados and some people have questioned if this is fair and just with the principles of modern democracy.

In 1979, the Cox Commission made a commission inquiry as to whether “Constitution was constituted and charged with studying the feasibility of introducing a republican system”. The outcome at that time found that Barbadians were satisfied with the current system of constitutional monarchy and they did not wish to become a republic.

In theory, a republic is a form of government in which “power is held by the people and their elected representatives” (Oxford Dictionary).

The 1990s

In the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) 1994 manifesto, it was mentioned on Page 44 about the power of a referendum and how it can be used to introduce a republic.

On October 29, 1996, Henry Forde led a commission called the Constitution Review Commission, which focused on a review of the Constitution of Barbados. The Vice Chairman was Oliver Jackman, a former diplomat and judge of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. The aim of the commission was to:

a) “Determine the necessity for retaining the Monarchical System of Government and make recommendations in respect of the Executive form of Government most suited to protect parliamentary democracy, the fundamental rights and freedoms of the citizen of Barbados and to achieve effective and efficient Government, so as to position Barbados to meet the challenges of the 21st century and beyond.

b). To advise and make recommendations concerning the appropriateness or otherwise of maintaining Barbados’ link with the Crown.

c). To advise and make recommendations concerning a structure for the Executive Authority of Barbados that is best suited to protect the Independence and Authority of Parliament and the fundamental rights and freedoms of its citizens.”

The Commission recommended that Barbados adopt a parliamentary republic system and this was announced on December 15, 1998. This report was submitted to the Governor General of Barbados. In 1999, the results of this Commission were placed in the BLP’s manifesto and it was noted that this will be a focus of the party in the future.  

Reviving the discussion on becoming a Republic 2005-2007

In February 2005, in the Referendum Act of that year, the question was asked, “Do you agree with the recommendation of the Constitution Review Commission that Barbados should become a Parliamentary republic with the head of State of Barbados being a President who is a citizen of Barbados?” This bill was passed in October 2005, but no date was set for the referendum. It was noted that Referendum Day could be announced “no more than 90 days and no less than 60 days from the date of proclamation” by the Governor General of Barbados.

The late and former Prime Minister, Owen Arthur, the then political leader of the day, stated that he had concerns about the future British monarchy.

It is at this time that an interesting clause was mentioned. It stated that “the Act itself could not amend Barbados’ constitution because under section 49.1, a majority of two-thirds of Parliament is required to make any amendments”. On May 25, 2018, Barbados for the first time in its history had a government that consisted of 30 political members from one party and no opposition. This reality will play a key role in the events to come 2021 and beyond.

DLP announces move to Republic soon

On March 22, 2015, then Prime Minister of Barbados Freundel Stuart announced that Barbados will become a republic “in the near future”.

In the Jamaica Observer, PM Stuart stated at a meeting, “We cannot pat ourselves on the shoulder at having gone into independence; having de-colonised our politics; we cannot pat ourselves on the shoulders at having decolonized our jurisprudence by delinking from the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council and explain to anybody why we continue to have a monarchical system. Therefore, the Right Excellent Errol Barrow decolonized the politics; Owen Arthur decolonized the jurisprudence and Freundel Stuart is going to complete the process.”

The move was confirmed by then General Secretary of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), George Pilgrim. It was to coincide with the 50th Independence anniversary in 2016. Pilgrim also indicated that the change would be implemented through a bill that would be presented to the Parliament of Barbados.

Barbados Advocate

Mailing Address:
Advocate Publishers (2000) Inc
Fontabelle, St. Michael, Barbados

Phone: (246) 467-2000
Fax: (246) 434-2020 / (246) 434-1000