Barbados President retires ‘Lieutenant Colonel’ from official title

President Jeffrey Bostic has announced that he will no longer use the military title of ‘Lieutenant Colonel’ as part of his official designation, saying the time has come to be known simply as “The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic”.

Speaking on Saturday at the inaugural Commander-in-Chief Parade at St Ann’s Fort, The Garrison, the President reflected on his long association with the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) and the pride he has taken in carrying the rank earned during his 26 years of service.

He said that even after entering politics, he deliberately retained the title because he wanted Barbadians to appreciate the calibre of people produced by the force and to inspire serving members to recognise their own potential.

“Barbados had to understand what this force is capable of doing and who this force is capable of producing,” he said. “It was supposed to be an inspiration to each and every one of you in uniform serving this force to understand what this force can do for you and what you can do for this force and this country.”

However, Bostic said his elevation to the nation’s highest office marked a natural point for change.

“I’ve reached this point in my journey, this destination, this office of the president of this country and your commander-in-chief, and I’ve now determined that this is the time… that from my official title I will drop the lieutenant colonel,” he said.

Joking that the lengthy designation often created difficulties for those introducing him at official functions, he added: “From now, I am very happy to be The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic.”

The President also used the occasion to encourage members of the BDF to take pride in the institution’s history and its contributions to Barbados and the wider region, particularly during times of crisis.

“You are inheritors of the BDF, and the BDF is your inheritance,” he told troops. “It built me, it sustained me for 26 years, and today it honours me with this command.”

Recalling his years in uniform, Bostic said he remained proud of the men and women with whom he served and pledged to continue serving them in his current role as commander-in-chief.

“Together we will guard this inheritance for Barbados and for those who come after us,” he said, before offering blessings for the force, its cadets, families and the nation.