Cabinet of Barbados

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Simplification of the government structure of Barbados Simplification of govt structure of Barbados(Republic).png
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.

Contents

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:

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 26 2025.

Government MinisterCabinet Positions
The Honourable Mia Mottley, SC, MPPrime Minister

Minister of Finance

Minister of National Security and the Public Service

The Honourable Santia Bradshaw, MP Deputy Prime Minister;

Minister of Transport and Works

The Honourable Dale Marshall, SC, MPSenior Minister for Governance

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs

Senator Dr. The Most Honourable Jerome Walcott, FB, JP, MBBS, FRCSSenior Minister coordinating Social and Environmental Policy

Minister of Health and Wellness

The Honourable Kerrie Symmonds, MPSenior Minister for the Productive Sectors

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade

Dr. The Honourable William Duguid, JP, MPSenior Minister in the Prime Minister's Office responsible for Infrastructural Projects and Town Planning Matters
The Honourable Wilfred Abrahams, MPMinister of Home Affairs and Information
The Honourable Indar Weir, MPMinister of Agriculture and Food and Nutritional Security
The Honourable Ian Gooding-Edghill, MPMinister of Tourism and International Transport
Senator The Honourable Lisa Cummins Minister of Energy and Business
The Honourable Kay McConney, MPMinister of Economic Affairs and Investment
The Honourable Dwight Sutherland, MPMinister of Housing, Lands and Maintenance
The Honourable Kirk Humphrey Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs
The Honourable Adrian Forde, MPMinister of Environment and National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy
The Honourable Colin Jordan, MPMinister of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector
Senator The Honourable Jonathan ReidMinister of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology
The Honourable Charles Griffith, MPMinister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment
The Honourable Ryan Straughn, MPMinister in the Ministry of Finance
Senator The Honourable Chad Blackman Minister of Educational Transformation
Senator The Honourable Shantal Munro-Knight, Ph.DMinister in the Prime Minister's Office with responsibility for Sustainable Development, Commitment for Results and Culture
The Honourable Davidson Ishmael, MPMinister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness
The Honourable Sandra Husbands, MPMinister of Training and Tertiary Education

List of Government Ministries, Ministers and Permanent Secretaries

MinistryMinister ResponsiblePermanent Secretary
Cabinet Office The Honourable Mia Mottley, SC, MP (Prime Minister) Ms. Selma Green, acting Cabinet Secretary
Prime Minister's Office The Honourable Mia Mottley, SC, MP (Prime Minister)

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 ServiceThe Honourable Mia Mottley, SC, MPMs. Penelope Linton (acting) (Director General, Human Resources)
Ministry of Transport and WorksThe Honourable Santia Bradshaw, M.P (Deputy Prime Minister)Mr. Andrew Gittens
Ministry of FinanceThe Honourable Mia Mottley, SC, MP

The Honourable Ryan Straughn, M.P

Ms. Octavia Forde
Ministry of Economic Affairs and InvestmentThe Honourable Kay McConney, MPMr. Patrick McCaskie (acting)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign TradeThe Honourable Kerrie Symmonds, M.PAmbassador Joy-ann Skinner (acting)
Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs The Hon. Dale Marshall, SC, MP Mr. Timothy Maynard
Ministry of Educational TransformationSenator The Honourable Chad BlackmanMs. Wendy Odle (acting)
Ministry of Training and Tertiary EducationThe Honourable C. Sandra Husbands, MPnil
Ministry of Home Affairs and InformationThe Honourable Wilfred Abrahams, MPMs. Jenifer King (acting)
Ministry of Health and WellnessSenator Dr. The Most Honourable Jerome Walcott, FB, JP, MBBS, FRCSMr. Wayne Marshall (acting)
Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Nutritional SecurityThe Honourable Indar Weir, MPMr. Terry Bascombe (acting)
Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector The Honourable Colin Jordan, MPMs. Marva Howell (acting)
Ministry of Housing, Lands and MaintenanceThe Honourable Dwight Sutherland, MPMr. H. Nikita Smith
Ministry of Energy and BusinessSenator The Honourable Lisa CumminsMr. Kevin Hunte (acting)
Ministry of Tourism and International TransportThe Honourable Ian Gooding-Edghill, MPMs. Francine Blackman (acting) (Tourism)

Mr. Charley Browne (acting) (International Transport)

Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community EmpowermentThe Honourable Charles Griffith, MPMs. Joy Adamson (acting)
Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder AffairsThe Honourable Kirk Humphrey, MPMr. Jehu Wiltshire
Ministry of Environment and National Beautification, Green and Blue EconomyThe Honourable Adrian Forde, MPMs. Yolande Howard
Ministry of Industry, Innovation, Science and TechnologySenator The Honourable Johnathan ReidMs. Claudette Hope-Greenidge (acting)

Ministers by common portfolios

Education Ministers

Health Ministers

Finance Ministers

Law Ministers

Trade Ministers

By Administration

Mia Mottley 2022 Cabinet

February 25, 2025 Reshuffle

The Honourable Marsha Caddle, MP and the Honourable Corey Lane, JP, MP both resigned from the Cabinet on January 25, 2025. As a consequence, the following changes were made.

Government MinisterOld PositionNew Position
The Honourable Marsha Caddle, MPMinister of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technologynot applicable
The Honourable Corey Lane, JP, MPMinister of State in the Office of the Attorney General responsible for Crime Preventionnot applicable
Senator The Honourable Chad BlackmanMinister in the Ministry of Economic Affairs and InvestmentMinister of Educational Transformation
The Honourable Sandra Husbands, MPMinister of State in the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational TrainingMinister of Training and Tertiary Education
The Honourable Kay McConney, MPMinister of Education, Technological and Vocational TrainingMinister of Economic Affairs and Investment
Senator The Honourable Jonathan Reidnot applicableMinister of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology

January 2024 Reshuffle

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 MinisterOld PositionNew Position
The Honourable Marsha Caddle, MPnot applicableMinister of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology
The Honourable Davidson Ishmael, MPMinister of Industry, Innovation, Science and TechnologyMinister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness
Senator The Honourable Chad Blackmannot applicableMinister in the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Investment
The Honourable Sandra Husbands, MPMinister of State in the Ministries of Foreign Trade and BusinessMinister 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 MinisterOld PositionNew Position
Senator Dr. The Most Honourable Jerome WalcottSenior 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 SymmondsSenior 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 CumminsMinister of Tourism and International TransportMinister of Energy and Business
The Hon. Ian Gooding-EdghillMinister of Health and WellnessMinister of Tourism and International Transport
Mr. Corey Lane, M.PParliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder AffairsMinister 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.

Government MinisterCabinet Positions
The Hon. Mia Mottley Prime Minister

Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment

Minister of National Security and the Public Service

The Hon. Santia Bradshaw Deputy Prime Minister;

Minister of Transport, Works and Water Resources

The Hon. Dale Marshall Senior Minister for Governance

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs

Senator Dr. The Most Hon. Jerome Walcott Senior Minister coordinating Social and Environmental Policy

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade

The Hon. Kerrie Symmonds Senior Minister for the Productive Sectors

Minister of Energy and Business

Dr. The Hon. William Duguid Senior Minister in the Prime Minister's Office responsible for Infrastructural Projects and Town Planning Matters
The Hon. Wilfred Abrahams Minister of Home Affairs and Information
The Hon. Indar Weir Minister of Agriculture and Food and Nutritional Security
The Hon. Ian Gooding-Edghill Minister of Health and Wellness
Senator The Hon. Lisa Cummins Minister of Tourism and International Transport
The Hon. Kay McConney Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training
The Hon. Dwight Sutherland Minister of Housing, Lands and Maintenance
The Hon. Kirk Humphrey Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs
The Hon. Adrian Forde Minister of Environment and National Beautification
The Hon. Colin Jordan Minister of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector
The Hon. Davidson Ishmael Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology
The Hon. Charles McDonald Griffith Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment
The Hon. Ryan Straughn Minister in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs
Senator Dr. The Hon. Shantal Munro-Knight Minister in the Prime Minister's Office
Dr. The Hon. Sonia Browne Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness
The Hon. Sandra HusbandsMinister 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.

Government MinisterCabinet Positions
Hon. Mia MottleyPrime Minister

Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment

Minister of National Security and the Public Service

Hon. Santia BradshawMinister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training
Hon. John KingMinister in the Office of the Prime Minister responsible for Culture and National Development
Hon. Marsha Caddle Minister in the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Investment
Hon. Ryan StraughnMinister in the Ministry of Finance
Hon. Dale MarshallAttorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs
Sen. Dr. the Hon. Jerome WalcottMinister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
Hon. Sandra HusbandsMinister in the Ministry of Foreign Trade
Lt. Col. the Hon. Jeffery BosticMinister of Health and Wellness
Dr. the Hon. William DuguidMinister of Housing, Lands and Maintenance
Hon. Kerrie SymmondsMinister of Energy, Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Hon. Cynthia FordeMinister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs
Sen. the Hon. Lisa CumminsMinister of Tourism and International Transport
Hon. Wilfred AbrahamsMinister of Home Affairs, Information and Public Affairs
Hon. Ian Gooding-EdghillMinister of Transport, Works and Water Resources
Hon. Charles GriffithMinister in the Ministry of Water Resources
Hon. Adrian FordeMinister of Environment and National Beautification
Hon. Colin JordanMinister of Labour and Social Partnership Relations
Hon. Ronald ToppinMinister of International Business and Industry
Hon. Dwight SutherlandMinister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment
Kirk Matthew Humphrey Minister of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy
Hon. Indar WeirMinister of Agriculture and Food Security
Hon. Peter PhilipsMinister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
Sen. Hon. Kay McConneyMinister of Innovation, Science and Smart Technology
The Original Cabinet

The 26-member Cabinet announced by the Barbados Labour Party as of 26 May 2018: [5]

Government MinisterCabinet Positions
Hon. Mia Mottley Q.C. M.P. Prime Minister
and Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment
Hon. Dale Marshall Q.C. M.P. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs
Hon. Santia Bradshaw M.P.Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training
Hon. George Payne Q.C. M.P.Minister of Housing, Lands and Rural Development
Hon. Ronald Toppin M.P.Minister of International Business and Industry
Senator Dr. the Hon. Jerome Walcott J.PMinister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
Hon. Trevor Prescod JP M.P.Minister of the Environment and National Beautification
Hon. Cynthia Forde JP M.P.Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs
Hon. Kerrie Simmonds M.P.Minister of Tourism and International Transport
Hon. Dr. William Duguid JP M.P.Minister of Transport, Works and Maintenance
Hon. Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bostic M.P. Minister of Health and Wellness
Hon. Edmund Hinkson M.P. Minister of Home Affairs
Hon. Dwight Sutherland M.P.Minister of Small Business, Entrepreneurship and Commerce
Hon. Wilfred Abrahams M.PMinister of Energy and Water Resources
Hon. Ryan Straughn M.P.Minister in the Ministry of Finance
Hon. Marsha Caddle M.P.Minister in the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Investment
Hon. C. Sandra Husbands M.P.Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Trade
Hon. Colin Jordan M.P.Minister of Labour and Social Partnership Relations
Hon. Charles Griffith M.P.Minister in the Ministry of Housing, Lands and Rural Development
Hon. Adrian Forde M.PMinister of Youth and Community Empowerment
Hon. Kirk Humphrey M.PMinister of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy
Hon. Indar Weir M.P.Minister of Agriculture and Food Security
Hon. Peter Philips M.PMinister in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Maintenance
Hon. John King M.PMinister of Creative Economy, Culture and Sports
Senator the Hon. Kay McConneyMinister of Innovation, Science and Smart Technology
Senator the Hon. Lucille MoeMinister of Information, Broadcasting and Public Affairs

Freundel Stuart 2015 Cabinet

The 18-member Cabinet announced by the Democratic Labour Party as of 3 July 2015: [6]

Government MinisterCabinet Positions
Hon. Freundel Stuart Q.C. M.P. Prime Minister
and Minister of National Security, the Public Service and Urban Development
Hon. Richard Sealy M.P.Minister of Tourism and International Transport
Hon. Adriel Brathwaite M.P. Attorney-General and Minister of Home Affairs
Hon. Christopher Sinckler M.P. Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs
Hon. John Boyce M.P. Minister of Health
Hon. Dr. David Estwick M.P.Minister of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries, and Water Resource Management
Hon. Ronald Jones J.P. M.P.Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation
Hon. Dr. Denis Lowe M.P.Minister of the Environment and Drainage
Hon. Donville Inniss M.P.Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development
Hon. Denis Kellman M.P.Minister of Housing, Lands and Rural Development
Sen. Dr. Esther R. Byer-SuckooMinister of Labour, Social Security and Human Resource Development
Hon. Steve Blackett M.P.Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development
Hon. Michael Lashley M.P.Minister of Transport and Works
Sen. Hon. Patrick ToddMinister of State in the Prime Minister's Office
Sen. Maxine McClean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
and Leader of Government Business in the Senate

David Thompson 2008 Cabinet

The full Cabinet of the previous Barbados Government administration as of February 2006:

Government MinisterCabinet Positions
Hon. David Thompson M.P. Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Development, Energy Labour and the Civil Service
Sen. the Hon. Maxine McCleanMinister of State in the Prime Minister's Office
Rt. Hon. Freundel Stuart, MPAttorney General and Minister of Home Affairs
Hon. Christopher Sinckler, MPMinister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and International Business
Dr. the Hon. David Estwick, MPMinister of Health, National Insurance and Social Security
Hon. Ronald Jones, M.PMinister of Education and Human Resource Development
Dr. the Hon. Dennis Lowe, M.PMinister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Urban Development
Hon. Patrick Todd M.P.Minister of State, Ministry of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Urban Development
Hon. Richard Sealy, M.PMinister of Tourism
Sen. the Hon. Haynesley BennMinister of Agriculture and Rural Development
Hon. George Hutson, M.PMinister of Trade, Industry and Commerce
Hon. Michael Lashley M.P.Minister of Housing and Lands
Dr. the Hon. Esther Byer-Suckoo, M.PMinister of Family, Youth Affairs, Sport and Environment
Hon. Steven Blackett, M.P.Minister of Community Development and Culture
Hon. John Boyce M.P.Minister of Transport, Works and International Transport
Sen. the Hon. Darcy BoyceMinister of State in the Prime Minister's Office with responsibility for Finance and Energy
Sen. the Hon. Arnie WaltersMinister of State in the Prime Minister's Office with responsibility for Employment, Labour Relations and The Social Partnership

In a reshuffle of his Cabinet late 2008, the following became the Cabinet until his passing.

Government MinisterCabinet Positions
Hon. David Thompson, MPPrime Minister and Minister of Finance & Investment, Labour, Civil Service & Energy
Hon. Fruendel Stuart, MPDeputy Prime Minister, Attorney General, Minister of Home Affairs
Hon. George Hutson, MPMinister of International Transport & International Business
Hon. David Estwick, MPMinister of Economic Affairs & Empowerment, Innovation, Trade, Industry & Commerce
Hon. Dennis Lowe, MPMinister of the Environment, Water Resources & Drainage
Hon. Donville Inniss, MPMinister of Health
Hon. Christopher Sinkler, MPMinister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment, Rural & Urban Development
Hon. Esther Byer Suckoo, MPMinister of Family, Youth Affairs & Sport
Hon. Ronald Jones, MPMinister of Education & Human Resource Development
Hon. Michael Lashley, MPMinister of Housing & Lands
Hon. Richard Sealy, MPMinister of Tourism
Hon. Steve Blackett, MPMinister Community Development & Culture
Hon. John Boyce, MPMinister of Transport & Works
Sen. Hon. Haynesly BennMinister of Agriculture
Sen. Hon. Maxine McCleanMinister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
Hon. Patrick Todd, MPMinister of State: Education & Human Resource Development
Sen. Hon. Darcy BoyceMinister of State responsibly for Finance, Investment, Telecommunications & Energy
Sen. Hon. Arnie WaltersMinister of State responsible for Labour & Immigration
Sen. Irene Sandiford GarnerParliamentary Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office

Owen Arthur 2006 Cabinet

The full Cabinet of the previous Barbados Government administration as of February 2006:

Government MinisterCabinet Positions
Rt. Hon. Owen S. Arthur M.P. Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
Hon. Mia Mottley QC, M.P.Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Economic Affairs and Development
Hon. Dame Billie A. Miller DBE, D.A., BCH, M.P.Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
Hon. Noel A. Lynch M.P.Minister of Tourism and International Transport
Hon. H. Elizabeth Thompson M.P.Minister of Energy and the Environment
Hon. Rawle C. Eastmond JP, M.P.Minister of Labour and Civil Service
Hon. Dr. Jerome X. Walcott JP, M.P.Minister of Health
Hon. Reginald Farley JP, M.P.Minister of Housing and Lands
Senator Hon. Lynette Eastmond.Minister of Commerce, Consumer Affairs and Business Development
Hon. Dale D. Marshall M.P.Attorney General & Minister of Home Affairs
Hon. Gline A. Clarke J.P., M.P.Minister of Public Works
Hon. Trevor Prescod M.P.Minister of Social Transformation
Senator Hon. Erskine Griffith GCM, JPMinister of Agriculture and Rural Development
Hon. Joseph J.S. Atherley JP, M.P.Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office
Hon. Anthony P. Wood JP, M.P.Minister of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports
Hon. Cynthia Y. Forde JP, M.P.Minister of State in the Ministry of Education
Hon. Clyde A. Mascoll M.PMinister of State in the Ministry of Finance
Hon. Kerrie D. Symmonds M.PMinister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade

See also

References

  1. "Barbados (Government) (Hansard, 6 November 1946)".
  2. "No. 40090". The London Gazette (Supplement). 2 February 1954. p. 719.
  3. "No. 48044". The London Gazette (Supplement). 28 December 1979. p. 31.
  4. "Minister Phillips Reassigned to Ministry of Housing". 7 September 2021.
  5. Beckles, Natasha (26 May 2018). "PM names new Cabinet". Nation News . Archived from the original on 28 May 2018. Retrieved 26 May 2018.
  6. Chiefs of State and Cabinet Members of Foreign Governments: Barbados