Barbadians to weigh in on reform recommendations this month

The two commissions on reforming the Constitution of Barbados and Parliament have submitted their reports to ministers, and Barbadians will have the opportunity to review their recommendations this month, with a final decision on the report anticipated by January, Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced Friday.

The announcement came as she addressed the annual lighting of Heroes Square and Parliament Buildings in a ceremony sponsored by Sagicor.

The Constitutional Reform Commission’s report has been submitted to President Dame Sandra Mason and the Prime Minister’s Office, said Mottley. The Cabinet has agreed that both the Constitutional and Parliamentary Reform Commission reports will be made available to the public digitally and in print throughout November, with public discussions and input on the reports expected to follow promptly.

“I can think of no better occupation during the month of November, as we reengage, as we reignite, as we reimagine, for us to review the recommendations of those two reports. The third committee, chaired by the former cabinet secretary Cecile Humphrey, on the national emblems of our country, will also be engaging with the Barbadian public in this month of November,” the prime minister said.

“So, on this first day of November, as we agree to move forward in light, with purpose, we must have the conversations that would cause us to see whether parliamentary reform for the first time in 53 years is absolutely necessary as recommended by that commission, and similarly, whether the Constitution of Barbados that was settled by the Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow upon the settlement of independence in the parliament of the day, whether we are prepared now to have a new constitution under the Republic of Barbados.”

Mottley encouraged Barbadians to come out and engage in discussion around the reports, given their importance to the country going forward.

She said: “I look forward to Barbadians embracing the opportunity for rigorous discussion for sharing views, and ultimately when all of that is done, then the Cabinet of Barbados will reflect upon the reports and the consultations, and the decisions for governance will come early next year.”

Mottley also urged Barbadians to dedicate the month of independence to passing down Barbadian culture and traditions to the younger generation, warning that without this effort, young people may miss out on understanding the unique beauty of Barbadian heritage.

“Let us all remember to share the stories of our upbringing, of our culture [and] the folklore. If we don’t protect our culture, if the young people don’t know how to stir cou-cou, or make cassava pone, or sweet bread, how will grandchildren ever know the joys of these simple Bajan delicacies?”