Politics
Barbados Constitutional Reform Commission's Recommendations Highlighting Ministerial Code of Conduct, Senate Seat Changes, Gender Parity, and Citizen Empowerment
Barbados' new constitution proposes a binding code of conduct for ministers, increased opposition seats in the Senate, gender parity in Parliament, and citizen empowerment to sue for constitutional rights violations. The recommendations aim to enhance accountability and effectiveness.
4 min read
Originally published by barbadostoday.bb (opens in new tab)
Barbados’ new constitution will enshrine a binding code of conduct for ministers, give the opposition more seats in the Senate, ensure gender parity in the Upper House of Parliament and, for the first time, empower citizens to sue each other for breaches of constitutional rights, if the recommendations of the Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC) are accepted.
The recommendations are contained in the CRC’s 360-page just-released report, with the commission making it clear that all of the rights to be enjoyed by citizens carry with them limitations that must be reasonably justifiable.
The report noted that while a code of conduct currently exists for ministers and parliamentary secretaries, the majority of the CRC believes that the requirement for such a code should now be enshrined in the Constitution.
“The majority also recommends that the code be binding on ministers and parliamentary secretaries. The prime minister would be required to prepare the code and it would be laid before both Houses [of Parliament] for affirmative resolution,” it stated.
“It is also proposed that either House or a committee of either House be empowered to request that the Integrity Commission investigate alleged breaches of the code by a minister or parliamentary secretary. The Integrity Commission, which could also launch an investigation on its own initiative, would then report back to the House of which the minister is a member and that House should within 60 days consider the report.”
The CRC emphasised that this recommendation is intended to promote deeper accountability.
“Specifically, empowering the Integrity Commission to investigate alleged breaches ensures that the code does not create a self-regulating regime, which can be ineffective. Additionally, the majority considers it important for the code to be binding in order for the accountability regime to be effectual.
“Finally, requiring the code, and amendments, to be approved by Parliament promotes inter-branch accountability and enables Parliament to exercise a check and balance role, which further promotes separation of powers and the rule of law,” it stated.
Another recommendation proposes a reallocation of Senate seats.
While the CRC suggests retaining the Upper Chamber’s current 21 members, it believes the opposition – which presently is allotted two seats – should have four instead.
