The Government of Barbados has moved to address recent comments made on a radio call-in programme that cast doubt on the standing of national institutions and the rights of Barbadian citizens.
Below is the full statement:
Over recent days, comments on a radio Call-in Programme cast doubt on the standing of Barbados’ national institutions and the rights of Barbadians. The Government of Barbados seeks to respond to the queries and provide clarity to the record.
The Barbados Police Service (BPS) exists in law. Since 2021, The Constitution of Barbados recognises the Police Service by that name and defines “Police Service” as “the Barbados Police Service established under the Police Act, Cap. 167”. The Parliament of Barbados is seeking to align remaining statutes to bring the language of the legislation into conformity with The Constitution.
No citizen of Barbados is disenfranchised during elections in Barbados. Elections are governed by the Cap 12 Representation of The People Act and the Election Rules. No eligible elector is denied a ballot solely for lack of an identification card.
Once you have a national registration number, you are on the Register of Electors. On polling day the presiding officer will ask for your identification card, but if it has not yet been issued, or it is lost or destroyed, you may still receive your ballot. The Electoral and Boundaries Commission already holds your registration details and photograph linked to your number, so you can be identified at the station whether or not you have a Trident card with you. If you prefer, you may present a passport or a driving licence.
Also, The Barbados Identity Management Act, 2021 provides for the use of the Barbados National Identification Card for the purpose of voting in an election in Barbados. The use of the old, laminated Identification Cards is permitted until they are replaced. This is the policy, as recent as the by-election in Saint James North and it will be followed. The Government of Barbados will continue to revise the legislation so that policy and statute are in full harmony.
