This morning, the Parliamentary Reform Commission, chaired by Sir Richard L. Cheltenham, KA, KC, Ph.D., met with Her Excellency, Dame Sandra P. Mason, FB, GCMG, DA, President of Barbados at State House and formally tendered its report titled “Report of the Parliamentary Reform Commission, 2024” dated June 27, 2024.
Also attending the presentation were Deputy Chairman, Sir Roy Trotman, Her Excellency, Ambassador H. Elizabeth Thompson, Dr. Richard Ishmael, Ms. Maxine McClean, Mr. Corey Beckles, Dr. William Chandler Jr., and Mr. Pedro Eastmond, Clerk of Parliament and Secretary to the Commission.
Appointed on May 8, 2023, the Commission was directed under its Terms of Reference to inquire into Barbados’ parliamentary system, process, and procedures with a view to making recommendations to strengthen Parliament, enlarge Barbados’ democracy and reflect the wishes of the Barbadian people.
In discharging its mandate to consult widely with Barbadians, the Commission held ten (10) Town Hall Meetings, including one ‘Zoom Hall’ with the diaspora, a youth-specific Town Hall with the students at the Barbados Community College, and meetings with the two (2) major political parties, the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) and the Barbados Labour Party (BLP). The Commission’s meetings were also broadcast on various streaming channels and attracted almost thirty thousand (30,000) views.
The Commission also conducted thirteen (13) Private Hearings during which it met with various government organisations, current and former civil servants, and experts in different fields, as well as Parliamentarians. In completing its report, the Commission also had fifty-five (55) internal sessions at which it deliberated on the submissions it had received and considered its recommendations.
Under its Terms of Reference, the Commission was required to submit its report to the President. This morning’s presentation marks the conclusion of the Commission’s work. The Commission thanks the public for its input and support.