BY JULIA RAWLINS-BENTHAM | JAN 24, 2022 | TOP STORIES

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley’s address to the nation – January 24, 2022. (PMO)

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has named 11 Senators, and signalled her intention to ask Cabinet and Parliament to bring a constitutional amendment to allow an 18-year-old to serve for the first time.

In addition, she also indicated Government’s intention to reach out to the Opposition parties to appoint Senators in the Upper House. She made these revelations this evening during a televised addressed to the nation this evening.

“It is, in my view, an anomaly that a person who is 18 years old in Barbados has the right to vote, but they do not have the capacity to serve in the Senate of our nation….

“I propose should it be accepted, and successful, that Khaleel Kothdiwala should be that person to serve as a Senator.  I have said from the very beginning if you are old enough to vote, then you must be old enough to serve. I look forward to the support of all across civil society for this fundamental change,” Ms. Mottley outlined.      

The Prime Minister added that it was Government’s intention to engage in discussions with the Opposition parties who did not secure any seats to determine how best to participate in the appointment of two Opposition senators, which was provided for under the Constitution. 

She said she was awaiting a legal opinion from Attorney General Dale Marshall before those formal discussions could begin.

During her address, she named 11 Senators to sit in the Senate. They are: President of the Senate, the Honourable Reginald Farley; Deputy President, the Honourable H. Elizabeth Thompson; Senator Lisa Cummins, who will also lead Government business in the Senate; Senator Dr. The Most Honourable Jerome Walcott; Senator Dr. Shantal Munroe-Knight; Senator Dr. Crystal Haynes; Senator John King: Senator Patricia Parris; Senator Shanika Roberts-Odle; Senator Lorenzo Harewood and Senator Andwele Boyce.

Meanwhile, President Dame Sandra Mason is also expected to make her announcement with respect to independent senators.

THE NEW CABINET….

Prime Minister Mia Amor Motley today announced her new Cabinet that featured shifts and new faces.

Santia Bradshaw will be Deputy Prime Minister with coordinating responsibility for infrastructure. She will also be Minister of Transport, Works and Water Resources and Leader of Government Business in the House.

In addition to announcement of ministers, Mottley made a proposal which will require a constitutional amendment to allow an 18-year-old, Khalil Kothdiwala to serve as a senator, if it is accepted.

With regard to other ministries, Dale Marshall will be Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs. He will also be senior minister coordinating for governance.

Marshall was sworn in on Thursday, along with Mottley, following the Barbados Labour Party 30-0 sweep of the General Election last Wednesday,

The Most Honourable Jerome Walcott will be Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Senior Minister coordinating for all social and environmental matters.

Ian Gooding-Edghill will take over the reins of the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

Kerrie Symmonds’ duties will include Senior Minister coordinating the productive sectors. He will also head the Ministry of Energy and Business Development.

Lisa Cummins is retaining the portfolio of Tourism and International Business but will also assume responsibility for The Port of Bridgetown. Cummins was also named as Leader of Government Business in The Senate.

Kay McConney assumes responsibility for Education, Technological and Vocational Training, which was previously held by Bradshaw; while Dwight Sutherlans will take over the Ministry of Housing and Lands.

Kirk Humphrey was shifted to the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs.

Adrian Forde has responsibility for The Environment and National Beautification. This will include the Blue and Green Economy, with the exception of the Bridgetown Port.

First-timer Davidson Ishmael will head the Ministry of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology.

Ryan Straughn will remain in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs.

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