Simplification of the government structure of Barbados
The Cabinet are individuals of Barbados which execute the duties of the Government of Barbados.
Under a Parliamentary republic, these powers are vested nominally by the President of Barbados, but are exercised in practice by a Cabinet of Ministers, presided over by the Prime Minister of Barbados. The Prime Minister is formally appointed by the President: the President must appoint, as Prime Minister, someone who can control a majority of votes in the House of Assembly. In practice, this is normally the leader of the largest political party or coalition in the house. When there is no clear majority, the president assumers the role of arbitrator and opens negotiations with the leaders of the various political parties, in the hope of finding someone whom a majority will accept as Prime Minister. In the event of that failing to take place, the President must dissolve the House of Assembly and call an early election.
History
The Cabinet system of government was implemented in the colony of Barbados on 1 February 1954 leading to attainment of full self-government. Prior to an official Cabinet, the role was fulfilled by the colonial era Executive Council on the island.[1] Under the Constitution of Barbados, Cabinet is not prescribed a maximum number Cabinet of Ministers, however, it must have no fewer than five members.
The first Cabinet of Barbados was led by Premier Sir Grantley Herbert Adams.[2] The four other Ministers were:
The Hon. Dr. H.G.H. Cummins (Member 1935–36; 1940–1961);
The Hon. Mencea Ethereal Cox (later Sir Mencea,[3] member 1944–1961; senator 1976–1981;
The Hon. R. G. Mapp (later Sir Ronald, member 1946–1961; Senator 1976–1979);
The Hon. C. E. Talma (later Sir Edwy, member 1944–1948; 1951–1976)
Between 30 November 1966 and 30 November 2021, after Barbados was granted independence, under a Westminster system of governance, the ceremonial Head of State was Elizabeth II, Queen of Barbados (represented by the Governor-General) while the office of the Premier became the Prime minister as it is now presently known. After Barbados transitioned to a republic on 30 November 2021, the Monarchy of Barbados was abolished along with the office of the Governor-General with the Governor-General's duties and powers transferring to the President of Barbados who became head of state.
Current
The following represents to current composition of Ministers, following a Cabinet reshuffle on January 8, 2024.
Dr. the Honourable William Duguid, JP, MP (Senior Minister in the Prime Minister's Office for Infrastructural Projects and Town Planning Matters)
Senator The Honourable Shantal Munro-Knight, PhD (Minister in the Prime Minister's Office responsible for the Sustainable Development Goals, Commitment for Results and Culture)
The Most Honourable Alies Jordan, FB
Ambassador Sandra Phillips (Special Assignment - Commitment For Results)
Ms. Gabrielle Springer (Director General, Infrastructure)
Ministry of the Public Service
The Honourable Mia Mottley, SC, MP
Ms. Penelope Linton (acting) (Director General, Human Resources)
Ministry of Transport, Works and Water Resources
The Honourable Santia Bradshaw, M.P (Deputy Prime Minister)
Mr. Andrew Gittens
Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment
The Honourable Mia Mottley, SC, MP
The Honourable Ryan Straughn, M.P (Finance)
Senator The Honourable Chad Blackman (Economic Affairs and Investment)
Ms. Nancy Headley (Finance)
Ms. Betty Alleyne-Headley(acting)
(Economic Affairs and Investment)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
The Honourable Kerrie Symmonds, M.P
Ambassador Joy-ann Skinner (acting)
Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs
On January 6, 2024, the Prime Minister announced a Cabinet reshuffle with effect from January 8, 2024. The most notable change in the make up of Ministers comes with the resignation of Dr. Sonia Browne, MP. The details of the few changes are outlined below.
Government Minister
Old Position
New Position
The Honourable Marsha Caddle, MP
not applicable
Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology
The Honourable Davidson Ishmael, MP
Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology
Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness
Senator The Honourable Chad Blackman
not applicable
Minister in the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Investment
The Honourable Sandra Husbands, MP
Minister of State in the Ministries of Foreign Trade and Business
Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training
October 2022 Reshuffle
On October 22, 2022, the Prime Minister announced the following changes to the Ministers with effect from October 26, 2022. Mr. Corey Lane is the only person to receive a promotion, moving from Parliamentary Secretary to Minister.
Government Minister
Old Position
New Position
Senator Dr. The Most Honourable Jerome Walcott
Senior Minister coordinating social and environmental policy
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
Senior Minister coordinating social and environmental policy
Minister of Health and Wellness
The Hon. Kerrie Symmonds
Senior Minister coordinating the productive sectors
Minister of Energy and Business
Senior Minister coordinating productive sectors
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
Senator The Hon. Lisa Cummins
Minister of Tourism and International Transport
Minister of Energy and Business
The Hon. Ian Gooding-Edghill
Minister of Health and Wellness
Minister of Tourism and International Transport
Mr. Corey Lane, M.P
Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs
Minister of State in the Office of the Attorney General responsible for Crime Prevention
The Mia Mottley Cabinet
The below table is the original list of Ministers with effect from January 24, 2022 to October 26, 2022.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness
The Hon. Sandra Husbands
Minister of State in Foreign Trade and Business Development
Mia Mottley 2018 to 2022 Cabinet
The Mia Mottley Cabinet
Reassignments
With effect from August 30, 2021, the Hon. Peter Phillips was reassigned from Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to Minister in the Ministry of Housing, Lands and Maintenance alongside the Minister of Housing, Lands and Maintenance, the Hon. William Duguid.[4]
July 2020 Reshuffle
On July 22, 2020 in a statement to the nation, the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, announced the following changes to take effect from July 23, 2020.
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