| BARBADOS Barbados Barbados Joined United Nations: 9 December 1966 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 06/23/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Bridgetown
285,653 (July 2010 est.)
Elizabeth II of United Kingdom
Queen since 6 February 1952
Queen since 6 February 1952
The monarch is hereditary and holds that position for life or until
abdication. The Governor General is selected by the Queen.
Next scheduled election: None
abdication. The Governor General is selected by the Queen.
Next scheduled election: None
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
David Thompson
Prime Minister since 16 January 2008
Prime Minister since 16 January 2008
Following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or
the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime
minister by the governor general; the prime minister
recommends the deputy prime minister
Elections: last held 15 January 2008
Next scheduled election: 2013
the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime
minister by the governor general; the prime minister
recommends the deputy prime minister
Elections: last held 15 January 2008
Next scheduled election: 2013
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Black 93%, white 3.2%, mixed 2.6%, East Indian 1%, other 0.2% (2000 census)
| RELIGIONS |
Protestant 63.4% (Anglican 28.3%, Pentecostal 18.7%, Methodist 5.1%, other 11.3%), Roman Catholic 4.2%,
other Christian 7%, other 4.8%, none or unspecified 20.6% (2008 est.)
other Christian 7%, other 4.8%, none or unspecified 20.6% (2008 est.)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Parliamentary democracy with 11 parishes and 1 city. Legal system is on English common law; no judicial review of
legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Executive: The monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the
leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor
general; the prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister
Legislative: Bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (21-member body appointed by the governor general) and
the House of Assembly (30 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: House of Assembly - last held 15 January 2008 (next to be called in 2013)
Judicial: Supreme Court of Judicature (judges are appointed by the Service Commissions for the Judicial and Legal
Services); Caribbean Court of Justice is the highest court of appeal
legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Executive: The monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the
leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor
general; the prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister
Legislative: Bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (21-member body appointed by the governor general) and
the House of Assembly (30 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections: House of Assembly - last held 15 January 2008 (next to be called in 2013)
Judicial: Supreme Court of Judicature (judges are appointed by the Service Commissions for the Judicial and Legal
Services); Caribbean Court of Justice is the highest court of appeal
| LANGUAGES |
English
| BRIEF HISTORY |
British who landed on Barbados in the 1620s at the site of present-day Holetown on the Caribbean coast found the island
uninhabited. Though it is believed that groups of Amerindians may have lived on the island, arriving in Barbados by way of
the Atlantic Ocean. Evidence of their arrival from Venezuela by canoe, and subsequent lifestyle on the island is limited to a
few artifacts left from the Amerindians' settlements. As elsewhere in the eastern Caribbean, Arawak Indians may have
been annihilated by invading Caribs, who are believed to have subsequently abandoned the island around 1200 A.D.
Spanish settlers also visited Barbados for a brief time in 1492, but did not establish settlements on the island. Los
Barbados is Spanish for the Bearded Ones, after the appearance of the island's native fig trees. From the arrival of the
first British settlers, who claimed the island in the name of King James I in 1627-1628 until independence in 1966,
Barbados was under uninterrupted British control. Nevertheless, Barbados always enjoyed a large measure of local
autonomy. Its House of Assembly began meeting in 1639. Among the initial important British figures was Sir William
Courteen. Also, Captain Henry Powell, and a group of settlers and slaves who settled at what is now Holetown, were
influential in developing early British settlements in Barbados. As the sugar industry developed into the main commercial
enterprise, Barbados was divided into large plantation estates which replaced the small holdings of the early British
settlers. Sugar cane dominated Barbados' economic growth, and the island's cash crop was at the top of the sugar
industry until 1720. Some of the displaced farmers relocated to British colonies in North America, most notably South
Carolina. To work the plantations, the slaves were persecuted Catholics from Ireland and tribal peoples of Africa; the
slave trade ceased a few years before the abolition of slavery throughout the British empire in 1834. The 1907 Nuttall
Encyclopedia reports the island's population as 182,000. Local enslaved people of Africa and Ireland worked for the
merchants of British descent. It was these merchants who continued to dominate politically even after emancipation, due
to a high income restriction on voting. Only an exclusive 30%, therefore, had any voice in the democratic process. It was
not until the 1930s that a movement for political rights was begun by the descendants of emancipated slaves, who started
trade unions. One of the leaders of this movement, Sir Grantley Adams, founded the Barbados Progressive League (now
the Barbados Labour Party) in 1938. The Great Depression caused mass unemployment, and the quality of life on the
island lowered drastically. Despite his loyalty to the British Crown (a trait which would later become his downfall), Adams
wanted more for the people, especially the poor. Finally, in 1942, the income qualification was lowered. This was
followed by the introduction of universal adult suffrage in 1951, with Adams elected the Premier of Barbados in 1958.
From 1958 to 1962, Barbados was one of the ten members of the West Indies Federation, an organisation doomed to
failure by a number of factors, including what were often petty nationalistic prejudices and limited legislative power.
Indeed, Adams' position as "Prime Minister" is a gross misnomer, as all of the Federation members were still colonies of
Britain. Adams, once a political visionary and now a man blind to the needs of his country, not only held fast to his
out-dated notion of defending the monarchy but also made additional attempts to form similarly flawed Federation-like
entities after that union's demise. When the Federation was terminated, Barbados had reverted to its former status as a
self-governing colony, but efforts were made by Adams to form another federation composed of Barbados and the
Leeward and Windward Islands. Due to several years of growing autonomy, Barbados was able to successfully negotiate
its own independence at a constitutional conference with the United Kingdom in June 1966. After years of peaceful and
democratic progress, Barbados finally became an independent state within the Commonwealth of Nations on November
30, 1966, with Errol Barrow serving as its first Prime Minister.
Source: Wikipedia History of the Barbados
uninhabited. Though it is believed that groups of Amerindians may have lived on the island, arriving in Barbados by way of
the Atlantic Ocean. Evidence of their arrival from Venezuela by canoe, and subsequent lifestyle on the island is limited to a
few artifacts left from the Amerindians' settlements. As elsewhere in the eastern Caribbean, Arawak Indians may have
been annihilated by invading Caribs, who are believed to have subsequently abandoned the island around 1200 A.D.
Spanish settlers also visited Barbados for a brief time in 1492, but did not establish settlements on the island. Los
Barbados is Spanish for the Bearded Ones, after the appearance of the island's native fig trees. From the arrival of the
first British settlers, who claimed the island in the name of King James I in 1627-1628 until independence in 1966,
Barbados was under uninterrupted British control. Nevertheless, Barbados always enjoyed a large measure of local
autonomy. Its House of Assembly began meeting in 1639. Among the initial important British figures was Sir William
Courteen. Also, Captain Henry Powell, and a group of settlers and slaves who settled at what is now Holetown, were
influential in developing early British settlements in Barbados. As the sugar industry developed into the main commercial
enterprise, Barbados was divided into large plantation estates which replaced the small holdings of the early British
settlers. Sugar cane dominated Barbados' economic growth, and the island's cash crop was at the top of the sugar
industry until 1720. Some of the displaced farmers relocated to British colonies in North America, most notably South
Carolina. To work the plantations, the slaves were persecuted Catholics from Ireland and tribal peoples of Africa; the
slave trade ceased a few years before the abolition of slavery throughout the British empire in 1834. The 1907 Nuttall
Encyclopedia reports the island's population as 182,000. Local enslaved people of Africa and Ireland worked for the
merchants of British descent. It was these merchants who continued to dominate politically even after emancipation, due
to a high income restriction on voting. Only an exclusive 30%, therefore, had any voice in the democratic process. It was
not until the 1930s that a movement for political rights was begun by the descendants of emancipated slaves, who started
trade unions. One of the leaders of this movement, Sir Grantley Adams, founded the Barbados Progressive League (now
the Barbados Labour Party) in 1938. The Great Depression caused mass unemployment, and the quality of life on the
island lowered drastically. Despite his loyalty to the British Crown (a trait which would later become his downfall), Adams
wanted more for the people, especially the poor. Finally, in 1942, the income qualification was lowered. This was
followed by the introduction of universal adult suffrage in 1951, with Adams elected the Premier of Barbados in 1958.
From 1958 to 1962, Barbados was one of the ten members of the West Indies Federation, an organisation doomed to
failure by a number of factors, including what were often petty nationalistic prejudices and limited legislative power.
Indeed, Adams' position as "Prime Minister" is a gross misnomer, as all of the Federation members were still colonies of
Britain. Adams, once a political visionary and now a man blind to the needs of his country, not only held fast to his
out-dated notion of defending the monarchy but also made additional attempts to form similarly flawed Federation-like
entities after that union's demise. When the Federation was terminated, Barbados had reverted to its former status as a
self-governing colony, but efforts were made by Adams to form another federation composed of Barbados and the
Leeward and Windward Islands. Due to several years of growing autonomy, Barbados was able to successfully negotiate
its own independence at a constitutional conference with the United Kingdom in June 1966. After years of peaceful and
democratic progress, Barbados finally became an independent state within the Commonwealth of Nations on November
30, 1966, with Errol Barrow serving as its first Prime Minister.
Source: Wikipedia History of the Barbados
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Historically, the Barbadian economy was dependent on sugarcane cultivation and related activities. However, in recent
years the economy has diversified into light industry and tourism with about three-quarters of GDP and 80% of exports
being attributed to services. Growth has rebounded since 2003, bolstered by increases in construction projects and
tourism revenues, reflecting its success in the higher-end segment, but the sector faced declining revenues in 2009 with
the global economic downturn. The country enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the region. Offshore finance
and information services are important foreign exchange earners and thrive from having the same time zone as eastern
US financial centers and a relatively highly educated workforce. The government continues its efforts to reduce
unemployment, to encourage direct foreign investment, and to privatize remaining state-owned enterprises. The public
debt-to-GDP ratio rose to over 100% in 2009, largely because a sharp slowdown in tourism and financial services led
to a wide budget deficit.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Barbados)
years the economy has diversified into light industry and tourism with about three-quarters of GDP and 80% of exports
being attributed to services. Growth has rebounded since 2003, bolstered by increases in construction projects and
tourism revenues, reflecting its success in the higher-end segment, but the sector faced declining revenues in 2009 with
the global economic downturn. The country enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the region. Offshore finance
and information services are important foreign exchange earners and thrive from having the same time zone as eastern
US financial centers and a relatively highly educated workforce. The government continues its efforts to reduce
unemployment, to encourage direct foreign investment, and to privatize remaining state-owned enterprises. The public
debt-to-GDP ratio rose to over 100% in 2009, largely because a sharp slowdown in tourism and financial services led
to a wide budget deficit.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Barbados)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
The politics of Barbados function within a framework of constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary government with
strong democratic traditions; constitutional safeguards for nationals of Barbados include: freedom of speech, press,
worship, movement, and association.
Executive power is vested in the Barbadian monarch, and is exercised by her or her vice-regal representative, on the
advice of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, who, together, form the government. Legislative power is vested in both the
government and the two chambers of the Parliament. The political system is dominated by two main parties, the
Barbados Labour Party and the Democratic Labour Party. The judiciary of Barbados is independent of the executive
and the legislature. Jurisprudence is based on English common law.
Many of the country's legislative practices derive from the unwritten conventions of, and precedents set by, the United
Kingdom's Westminster parliament; however, Barbados has evolved variations.
Source: Wikipedia Politics of Barbados
strong democratic traditions; constitutional safeguards for nationals of Barbados include: freedom of speech, press,
worship, movement, and association.
Executive power is vested in the Barbadian monarch, and is exercised by her or her vice-regal representative, on the
advice of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, who, together, form the government. Legislative power is vested in both the
government and the two chambers of the Parliament. The political system is dominated by two main parties, the
Barbados Labour Party and the Democratic Labour Party. The judiciary of Barbados is independent of the executive
and the legislature. Jurisprudence is based on English common law.
Many of the country's legislative practices derive from the unwritten conventions of, and precedents set by, the United
Kingdom's Westminster parliament; however, Barbados has evolved variations.
Source: Wikipedia Politics of Barbados
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago abide by the April 2006 Permanent Court of Arbitration decision delimiting a
maritime boundary and limiting catches of flying fish in Trinidad and Tobago's exclusive economic zone; joins other
Caribbean states to counter Venezuela's claim that Aves Island sustains human habitation, a criterion under the UN
Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which permits Venezuela to extend its EEZ/continental shelf over a
large portion of the eastern Caribbean Sea
maritime boundary and limiting catches of flying fish in Trinidad and Tobago's exclusive economic zone; joins other
Caribbean states to counter Venezuela's claim that Aves Island sustains human habitation, a criterion under the UN
Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which permits Venezuela to extend its EEZ/continental shelf over a
large portion of the eastern Caribbean Sea
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
One of many Caribbean transshipment points for narcotics bound for Europe and the US; offshore financial center
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Barbados
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Barbados is a parliamentary democracy with a population of approximately 278,000. In January 2008 general elections the
Democratic Labour Party (DLP), which had been in opposition since 1994, defeated the Barbados Labour Party, and DLP leader
David Thompson became prime minister. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
Although the government generally respected the human rights of its citizens, problems included:
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Barbados is a parliamentary democracy with a population of approximately 278,000. In January 2008 general elections the
Democratic Labour Party (DLP), which had been in opposition since 1994, defeated the Barbados Labour Party, and DLP leader
David Thompson became prime minister. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
Although the government generally respected the human rights of its citizens, problems included:
- excessive use of force by police;
- societal violence against women and children.
11 May 2007
Human Rights Committee
Eighty-ninth session
New York, 12-30 March 2007
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 40 OF THE COVENANT
Concluding observations of the Human Rights Committee
BARBADOS
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the State party’s third periodic report and the opportunity thus offered to resume
the dialogue with the State party based on a report after an interval of more than 18 years, the State party having not submitted a
report since 1991 when its third periodic report was due. The Committee considers that the failure to submit a report for such a
long period of time constitutes a breach by Barbados of its obligations under article 40 of the Covenant and an obstacle to a
thoroughgoing consideration of the steps to be taken to ensure the satisfactory implementation of the provisions of the Covenant.
The Committee expresses the hope that the State party will submit its reports in the future in accordance with the schedule
established by the Committee.
B. Positive aspects
3. The Committee welcomes
a) The adoption of the Penal System Reform Act, which puts a greater emphasis on rehabilitation, as well as providing the courts
with a broader range of sentencing options;
b) The establishment in 2001 of the Police Complaints Authority to investigate complaints of ill-treatment and misconduct by police;
c) The adoption of the Evidence Act with its provisions for audio and videotaping of police interviews.
4. The Committee notes with satisfaction that the United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law
Enforcement Officials are being implemented by the Police Force.
C. Concerns and recommendations
5. The Committee notes that the Covenant as such has not been incorporated into the State party's law, although many of its
principles are contained in Chapter 3 of the Constitution. It also notes the Constitutional Review Commission’s recommendation that
the amended Constitution should incorporate the State party’s international legal obligations and that the Constitutional Review
Commission will shortly report to Parliament on the "internationalization" of the Constitution, so as to give full consideration to all
human rights norms (art. 2).
The State party is encouraged to undertake the necessary measures to incorporate the Covenant into the domestic law through,
inter alia, the ongoing constitutional reform process.
Click here to read more »
Human Rights Committee
Eighty-ninth session
New York, 12-30 March 2007
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 40 OF THE COVENANT
Concluding observations of the Human Rights Committee
BARBADOS
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the State party’s third periodic report and the opportunity thus offered to resume
the dialogue with the State party based on a report after an interval of more than 18 years, the State party having not submitted a
report since 1991 when its third periodic report was due. The Committee considers that the failure to submit a report for such a
long period of time constitutes a breach by Barbados of its obligations under article 40 of the Covenant and an obstacle to a
thoroughgoing consideration of the steps to be taken to ensure the satisfactory implementation of the provisions of the Covenant.
The Committee expresses the hope that the State party will submit its reports in the future in accordance with the schedule
established by the Committee.
B. Positive aspects
3. The Committee welcomes
a) The adoption of the Penal System Reform Act, which puts a greater emphasis on rehabilitation, as well as providing the courts
with a broader range of sentencing options;
b) The establishment in 2001 of the Police Complaints Authority to investigate complaints of ill-treatment and misconduct by police;
c) The adoption of the Evidence Act with its provisions for audio and videotaping of police interviews.
4. The Committee notes with satisfaction that the United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law
Enforcement Officials are being implemented by the Police Force.
C. Concerns and recommendations
5. The Committee notes that the Covenant as such has not been incorporated into the State party's law, although many of its
principles are contained in Chapter 3 of the Constitution. It also notes the Constitutional Review Commission’s recommendation that
the amended Constitution should incorporate the State party’s international legal obligations and that the Constitutional Review
Commission will shortly report to Parliament on the "internationalization" of the Constitution, so as to give full consideration to all
human rights norms (art. 2).
The State party is encouraged to undertake the necessary measures to incorporate the Covenant into the domestic law through,
inter alia, the ongoing constitutional reform process.
Click here to read more »
FREEDOM IN THE WORLD 2010 REPORT
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
In 2009, the new Barbadian government led by Prime Minister David Thompson of the Democratic Labour Party grappled with the
impact of the economic recession.
Barbados gained its independence from Britain in 1966 but remained a member of the Commonwealth. The Barbados Labour Party
(BLP) under Prime Minister Owen Arthur governed from 1994 to 2008, when the opposition Democratic Labour Party (DLP) won
a clear majority of 20 seats in the lower house of Parliament. The BLP was left with the remaining 10 seats. Despite this stunning
upset, the new government led by David Thompson of the DLP did not break markedly from the policies pursued by the Arthur
government.
In 2009, Barbados was an active member of the Caribbean Community and enjoyed warm relations with most of its neighbors.
However, heavy migration flows from Guyana to Barbados continued to cause tension between the countries, and Barbados
remained outside the Venezuelan-backed regional energy pact known as PetroCaribe due to concerns about accumulating additional
debt. The pact offered Caribbean countries a guarantee of Venezuelan oil shipments on favorable financial terms. The International
Monetary Fund forecast that Barbados would face a major economic recession by the end of 2009, forcing the government to cut
expenditures, stabilize prices, and shore up the country’s foreign reserves.
Barbados has been more successful than other Caribbean countries in combating violent crime, which remained at low levels. The
country experienced only 19 murders in 2009, the lowest recorded number in a decade. Joint patrols of the Royal Barbados Police
Force and the Barbados Defence Force have managed to contain the problem, which was often linked to narcotics trafficking. The
attorney general called for focusing more attention on curtailing the drug trade, which remained a significant problem in 2009.
Barbados is an electoral democracy. Members of the 30-member House of Assembly, the lower house of the bicameral Parliament,
are directly elected for five-year terms. The governor-general, who represents the British monarch as head of state, appoints the 21
members of the Senate: 12 on the advice of the prime minister, 2 on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and the remaining 7
at his own discretion. The prime minister is the leader of the political party with a majority in the House.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
In 2009, the new Barbadian government led by Prime Minister David Thompson of the Democratic Labour Party grappled with the
impact of the economic recession.
Barbados gained its independence from Britain in 1966 but remained a member of the Commonwealth. The Barbados Labour Party
(BLP) under Prime Minister Owen Arthur governed from 1994 to 2008, when the opposition Democratic Labour Party (DLP) won
a clear majority of 20 seats in the lower house of Parliament. The BLP was left with the remaining 10 seats. Despite this stunning
upset, the new government led by David Thompson of the DLP did not break markedly from the policies pursued by the Arthur
government.
In 2009, Barbados was an active member of the Caribbean Community and enjoyed warm relations with most of its neighbors.
However, heavy migration flows from Guyana to Barbados continued to cause tension between the countries, and Barbados
remained outside the Venezuelan-backed regional energy pact known as PetroCaribe due to concerns about accumulating additional
debt. The pact offered Caribbean countries a guarantee of Venezuelan oil shipments on favorable financial terms. The International
Monetary Fund forecast that Barbados would face a major economic recession by the end of 2009, forcing the government to cut
expenditures, stabilize prices, and shore up the country’s foreign reserves.
Barbados has been more successful than other Caribbean countries in combating violent crime, which remained at low levels. The
country experienced only 19 murders in 2009, the lowest recorded number in a decade. Joint patrols of the Royal Barbados Police
Force and the Barbados Defence Force have managed to contain the problem, which was often linked to narcotics trafficking. The
attorney general called for focusing more attention on curtailing the drug trade, which remained a significant problem in 2009.
Barbados is an electoral democracy. Members of the 30-member House of Assembly, the lower house of the bicameral Parliament,
are directly elected for five-year terms. The governor-general, who represents the British monarch as head of state, appoints the 21
members of the Senate: 12 on the advice of the prime minister, 2 on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and the remaining 7
at his own discretion. The prime minister is the leader of the political party with a majority in the House.
Click here to read more »
Suggested recommendations to 13 of the States coming up during the third
round of reviews under the Universal Periodic Review
December 2008
Recommendations to the government of Barbados
The death penalty
To repeal all provisions allowing for the death penalty and immediately declare a moratorium on all executions;
To embark on a public education program to explain why the death penalty is a violation of fundamental human rights.
The International Criminal Court
To accede to the Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of the International Criminal Court and to implement it in national law.
Click here to read more »
round of reviews under the Universal Periodic Review
December 2008
Recommendations to the government of Barbados
The death penalty
To repeal all provisions allowing for the death penalty and immediately declare a moratorium on all executions;
To embark on a public education program to explain why the death penalty is a violation of fundamental human rights.
The International Criminal Court
To accede to the Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of the International Criminal Court and to implement it in national law.
Click here to read more »
October 28, 2008...3:41 pm
Barbados Blocking UN Efforts To End Child Execution – Human Rights Watch
Barbados Rejects Proposal To End Death Penalty For Children
Last week, the group of Latin American and Caribbean states rejected a proposal from the European Union to call for an immediate
suspension of all juvenile executions, pending abolition through legal reform, even though none of the countries in the region has
carried out such executions since at least 1990. The group also rejected a proposal for a report from the UN secretary-general on
compliance with the absolute ban on the juvenile death penalty in international law. Barbados was one of the most vocal opponents
of the proposals.
“It’s simply baffling that Latin American and Caribbean states would block efforts to end the execution of children,” said Jo
Becker, children’s rights advocate at Human Rights Watch. “None of these countries have executed juvenile offenders for years.
Why would they possibly defend this practice?”
… the above is from a Human Rights Watch press release available at the end of this BFP article.
Barbados Once Again Sides With Iran Against Human Rights!
In December of 2006, Barbados abstained from a UN Resolution citing Iran for human rights violations against women.
We were disgusted and said so in our article…
Click here to read more »
Barbados Blocking UN Efforts To End Child Execution – Human Rights Watch
Barbados Rejects Proposal To End Death Penalty For Children
Last week, the group of Latin American and Caribbean states rejected a proposal from the European Union to call for an immediate
suspension of all juvenile executions, pending abolition through legal reform, even though none of the countries in the region has
carried out such executions since at least 1990. The group also rejected a proposal for a report from the UN secretary-general on
compliance with the absolute ban on the juvenile death penalty in international law. Barbados was one of the most vocal opponents
of the proposals.
“It’s simply baffling that Latin American and Caribbean states would block efforts to end the execution of children,” said Jo
Becker, children’s rights advocate at Human Rights Watch. “None of these countries have executed juvenile offenders for years.
Why would they possibly defend this practice?”
… the above is from a Human Rights Watch press release available at the end of this BFP article.
Barbados Once Again Sides With Iran Against Human Rights!
In December of 2006, Barbados abstained from a UN Resolution citing Iran for human rights violations against women.
We were disgusted and said so in our article…
Click here to read more »
Barbados- Thompson Says Removal Policy will only be Implemented After Amnesty
Friday, 20 November 2009
CMC - Prime Minister David Thompson has warned that his government is ready to press ahead with the deportation of Caribbean
Community (CARICOM) nationals residing in Barbados illegally once the six-month amnesty for regularising their status expires at
the end of the year.
Thompson, speaking to reporters during a nationally broadcast press conference Thursday evening, assured however that no one
had been removed from the country under the guise of the amnesty since it was announced in May.
He said the process has been moving slower than anticipated due to problems stemming from the issuing of police certificates of
character for those applying for the amnesty but that once that hurdle is cleared, his government’s new immigration policy will kick
in with full force in the New Year.
“When the amnesty period is over on December 31, then the sanctions, if you want to call it that, or the second part of the policy
then kicks in, which is the removal of those who are here illegally. Nothing has changed,” the Prime Minister said.
“That is still the government’s policy,” he added.
Thompson, who has direct responsibility for immigration matters, said the government has received roughly 300 applications for
the amnesty.
He explained that around 6,000 applications for regular immigrant status and citizenship had also created a backlog at the
Immigration Department but that those requests would have to be considered under the normal processing procedures.
The Prime Minister said his administration’s Green Paper on Immigration has only raised concerns and not settled policy -
something that still has to happen.
“However, once a decision is made, there will be a rigorous implementation of our immigration policy. I’ve said so from the
beginning and I remain absolutely committed to that particular objective. I am firm on that,” he said.
Click here to read more »
Friday, 20 November 2009
CMC - Prime Minister David Thompson has warned that his government is ready to press ahead with the deportation of Caribbean
Community (CARICOM) nationals residing in Barbados illegally once the six-month amnesty for regularising their status expires at
the end of the year.
Thompson, speaking to reporters during a nationally broadcast press conference Thursday evening, assured however that no one
had been removed from the country under the guise of the amnesty since it was announced in May.
He said the process has been moving slower than anticipated due to problems stemming from the issuing of police certificates of
character for those applying for the amnesty but that once that hurdle is cleared, his government’s new immigration policy will kick
in with full force in the New Year.
“When the amnesty period is over on December 31, then the sanctions, if you want to call it that, or the second part of the policy
then kicks in, which is the removal of those who are here illegally. Nothing has changed,” the Prime Minister said.
“That is still the government’s policy,” he added.
Thompson, who has direct responsibility for immigration matters, said the government has received roughly 300 applications for
the amnesty.
He explained that around 6,000 applications for regular immigrant status and citizenship had also created a backlog at the
Immigration Department but that those requests would have to be considered under the normal processing procedures.
The Prime Minister said his administration’s Green Paper on Immigration has only raised concerns and not settled policy -
something that still has to happen.
“However, once a decision is made, there will be a rigorous implementation of our immigration policy. I’ve said so from the
beginning and I remain absolutely committed to that particular objective. I am firm on that,” he said.
Click here to read more »
Work ongoing on governance legislation in Barbados
Friday, February 19, 2010
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (BGIS) -- Draft Freedom of Information and Integrity in Public Life Bills are currently being examined
by the Cabinet committee on Governance, one of the final stages before being laid in Parliament.
Prime Minister David Thompson made the disclosure last Thursday, at his first quarterly press conference for the year, which was
televised live from Ilaro Court.
He indicated that while it may have seemed that progress was being made slowly, it was not simply a matter of using drafts from
other countries, "because some of those countries themselves have run into problems".
Noting that a number of public officers would be required to make declarations, Mr. Thompson stressed that he would not
introduce integrity legislation, unless he was "able to do something about people who obtain directorships in the private sector and
for practices in the private sector that are not conducive to accountability, and have the effect of placing a stranglehold on the
economy".
A Governance Advisory Board was established by Cabinet in 2008, to deal with a number of issues, including a Freedom of
Information Act, a Defamation Act and Integrity Legislation.
Click here to read more »
Friday, February 19, 2010
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (BGIS) -- Draft Freedom of Information and Integrity in Public Life Bills are currently being examined
by the Cabinet committee on Governance, one of the final stages before being laid in Parliament.
Prime Minister David Thompson made the disclosure last Thursday, at his first quarterly press conference for the year, which was
televised live from Ilaro Court.
He indicated that while it may have seemed that progress was being made slowly, it was not simply a matter of using drafts from
other countries, "because some of those countries themselves have run into problems".
Noting that a number of public officers would be required to make declarations, Mr. Thompson stressed that he would not
introduce integrity legislation, unless he was "able to do something about people who obtain directorships in the private sector and
for practices in the private sector that are not conducive to accountability, and have the effect of placing a stranglehold on the
economy".
A Governance Advisory Board was established by Cabinet in 2008, to deal with a number of issues, including a Freedom of
Information Act, a Defamation Act and Integrity Legislation.
Click here to read more »
Friday, May 14, 2010
EPA Impact on Local Prices
Everything Bajan may shortly be more expensive
When Barbados signed the EPA with the rest of the Caribbean, one of the conditions was the application of national treatment to all
imports from the EU. This means that whatever taxes (or conditions) apply to goods produced in Barbados would equally apply to
imports from the EU. It goes vice-versa as well; meaning that whatever taxes are imposed on imports, must also be imposed on
locally produced goods.
This is bad news for consumers and disadvantageous to local producers. Already, many goods on the shelves of supermarkets are
expired or are about to expire. This is called dumping, where large manufacturers try to get the rid of products before they expire.
This means one of two things. The supplier has excess supply and must get rid of it or, in an attempt to profit at a lower price, our
importers buy in excess quantities and find themselves over-stocked. It may very well be both scenarios operating simultaneously.
The worst news is that right now there is an environmental levy on imports and it means that Government must either remove the
levy or impose a levy on locally produced goods. Of course, Government has opted to impose the environmental levy on all locally
produce goods. It is our understanding that Government is getting ready to implement the tax. What does that mean? What do we
produce in Barbados?
This is not an exhaustive list: Bread, cakes, cookies, biscuits, ice cream, chicken, eggs, white flour, whole wheat flour, cream of
wheat, pasta, vegetables, seasonings, tomato ketchup, syrups, rum, beer, juices, malt, plus, cement, cement blocks, furniture, solar
water heaters, utilities (electricity, telephone, water), school uniforms, clothes, etc.
The businesses that will be affected: Farmers, restaurants, food businesses, bars, shops, supermarkets, hardwares, building
suppliers, variety stores, clothing outlets, craft, wholesalers, bakeries, construction, cottage industries; in short, all manufacturers,
wholesalers and retailers selling anything made in Barbados.
While it may be true that a reduction in VAT may serve to offset increases, the question is whether of not government sees this as
a viable strategy. Either way, the blow will be struck at manufacturers and producers depending on the extent to which the levy
will impact on their ability to be competitive. If this is so, the compound effect of increased prices and diminishing competitiveness,
will tend to negatively impact the economy as a whole.
Click here to read more »
EPA Impact on Local Prices
Everything Bajan may shortly be more expensive
When Barbados signed the EPA with the rest of the Caribbean, one of the conditions was the application of national treatment to all
imports from the EU. This means that whatever taxes (or conditions) apply to goods produced in Barbados would equally apply to
imports from the EU. It goes vice-versa as well; meaning that whatever taxes are imposed on imports, must also be imposed on
locally produced goods.
This is bad news for consumers and disadvantageous to local producers. Already, many goods on the shelves of supermarkets are
expired or are about to expire. This is called dumping, where large manufacturers try to get the rid of products before they expire.
This means one of two things. The supplier has excess supply and must get rid of it or, in an attempt to profit at a lower price, our
importers buy in excess quantities and find themselves over-stocked. It may very well be both scenarios operating simultaneously.
The worst news is that right now there is an environmental levy on imports and it means that Government must either remove the
levy or impose a levy on locally produced goods. Of course, Government has opted to impose the environmental levy on all locally
produce goods. It is our understanding that Government is getting ready to implement the tax. What does that mean? What do we
produce in Barbados?
This is not an exhaustive list: Bread, cakes, cookies, biscuits, ice cream, chicken, eggs, white flour, whole wheat flour, cream of
wheat, pasta, vegetables, seasonings, tomato ketchup, syrups, rum, beer, juices, malt, plus, cement, cement blocks, furniture, solar
water heaters, utilities (electricity, telephone, water), school uniforms, clothes, etc.
The businesses that will be affected: Farmers, restaurants, food businesses, bars, shops, supermarkets, hardwares, building
suppliers, variety stores, clothing outlets, craft, wholesalers, bakeries, construction, cottage industries; in short, all manufacturers,
wholesalers and retailers selling anything made in Barbados.
While it may be true that a reduction in VAT may serve to offset increases, the question is whether of not government sees this as
a viable strategy. Either way, the blow will be struck at manufacturers and producers depending on the extent to which the levy
will impact on their ability to be competitive. If this is so, the compound effect of increased prices and diminishing competitiveness,
will tend to negatively impact the economy as a whole.
Click here to read more »
Represented by
Sir Clifford Straughn Husbands
Governor General since 1 June 1996
Sir Clifford Straughn Husbands
Governor General since 1 June 1996
| Click map for larger view |
| Click flag for Country Report |
Mia Mottley
Deputy Prime Minister since 26 May 2003
Deputy Prime Minister since 26 May 2003
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
