Your Ultimate Guide To Barbados

The Government of Barbados

Barbados' governance has evolved significantly since achieving full self-governance in 1961. Prior to this milestone, the island operated as a Crown colony under various administrative models, ranging from colonial rule to partially-elected assemblies like the Legislative Council and Executive Council.

Since 1961, elections have determined the composition of the government, with both the Barbados Labour Party and the Democratic Labour Party taking turns in power. The island is divided into thirty constituencies, each represented in a democratic system where constituents vote for their representatives during General Elections. The party securing the majority of seats assumes leadership, and if their leader wins their own constituency, they automatically become the Prime Minister. Otherwise, the party selects a new leader for the position.

Following the 2022 elections, the Barbados Labour Party secured all 30 seats, forming the current government. The Democratic Labour Party did not win any seats in this election.

The Government of Barbados is structured with the Monarch, currently HRM Queen Elizabeth II, represented by the Governor-General, The Hon. Sandra Prunella Mason. The Prime Minister, The Hon. Mia Mottley, heads the Cabinet, and the Parliament consists of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Assembly. Barbados operates under a Parliamentary democracy and Constitutional monarchy, where ultimate authority lies with Parliament. Executive powers are vested in the Prime Minister and Cabinet, who are collectively accountable to Parliament.

Barbadian law is rooted in English common law, with the Constitution of Barbados, established in 1966, serving as the supreme law of the land, reflecting the evolution of the Westminster system of governance.