NNP voices concern over nomination of Barbados’ next president

Leader of the New National Party (NNP), Kemar Stuart, has voiced strong concerns over the nomination of retired military officer and former Minister of Health, Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic, to become Barbados’ second President, noting what he said is potential political bias and a threat to the independence of the Office of the President.

In a statement released on Thursday, Stuart described Bostic’s nomination, which was co-signed by Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne, as a “back room decision” that bypasses the will of the Barbadian people.

“This nomination of Mr. Bostic presents a natural bias and a conflict of interest given his outright party affiliation with the BLP,” Stuart said.

“I’ve long said that the people of Barbados should be voting for whoever serves as President of Barbados.”

Bostic, affectionately known as “The Colonel,” served as Member of Parliament for The City of Bridgetown under the ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP) from 2013 to 2022 and held the post of Minister of Health and Wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He was jointly nominated this week by Mottley and Thorne, both sitting BLP Members of Parliament.

Stuart argued that the selection of an openly partisan figure to the largely symbolic but constitutionally influential role of President could erode the public’s confidence in Barbados’ parliamentary democracy.

He pointed to the President’s constitutional authority to appoint seven independent Senators at their discretion, stressing that the potential for partisan appointments “would shut the only line of defence down and give total parliamentary power to one party.”

Stuart is therefore proposing that once confirmed, Bostic should write to minority political parties including the NNP, United Progressive Party (UPP), Friends of Democracy, and the CBLP, inviting each to nominate one individual for Senate appointment.

“This would revolutionize the politics of Barbados,” Stuart said.

“It provides a firm solution to the political bias introduced to the Office of President, reignites voter interest, and may reduce voter apathy.”

According to him,  such a move would signal Bostic’s willingness to put country before party and restore balance to the democratic process.

“Anything less is the facilitation of the one-party state and a welcoming of total dictatorship,” he added.

Parliament is expected to vote on Bostic’s nomination in October.

If ratified, he will assume office on November 30, following the end of President Dame Sandra Mason’s term. (SM)