Another step next week in process to select Barbadian Head of State

Attorney General Dale Marshall will next week move the first reading of legislation to provide guidance for the selection of a Barbadian Head of State, Prime Minister Mia Mottley has announced.

Speaking during a press briefing on Saturday, Mottley disclosed that the House of Assembly will receive notice on Monday and Marshall will give the first reading on Tuesday.

“The first reading is just a process in Parliament, but the actual debate will not take place until the following week when there is then the second and third reading and full debate.

“That legislation is simply about what is necessary, one, to ensure that we revoke the Independence Order-in-Council that was done by Her Majesty the Queen, and make sure that what is left of the Barbadian Constitution is simply a Barbadian Constitution anchored by the Parliament of Barbados and not anchored by the actions of Her Majesty in 1966.

“It does not in any way change any major thing other than it provides as well for the election of a Barbadian Head of State. And it sets out the procedure as to how it will be done and how she or he may be nominated, ” Mottley explained.

She again reassured that there will be no major changes to the Constitution as the country moves towards Republic status.

Mottley also announced that Government is hoping to have the revised Integrity in Public Life Bill back on the floor of Parliament by October, to ensure that concerns expressed by the Senate are addressed. (AH)