The Cabinet are individuals of Barbados which execute the duties of the Government of Barbados.Under a Parliamentary republic, these powers are vested nominally by the President of Barbados, but are exercised in practice by a Cabinet of Ministers, presided over by the Prime Minister of Barbados. The Prime Minister is formally appointed by the President: the President must appoint, as Prime Minister, someone who can control a majority of votes in the House of Assembly. In practice, this is normally the leader of the largest political party or coalition in the house. When there is no clear majority, the president assumers the role of arbitrator and opens negotiations with the leaders of the various political parties, in the hope of finding someone whom a majority will accept as Prime Minister. In the event of that failing to take place, the President must dissolve the House of Assembly and call an early election.
The Cabinet system of government was implemented in the colony of Barbados on 1 February 1954 leading to attainment of full self-government. Prior to an official Cabinet, the role was fulfilled by the colonial era Executive Council on the island.[1] Under the Constitution of Barbados, Cabinet is not prescribed a maximum number Cabinet of Ministers, however, it must have no fewer than five members.The first Cabinet of Barbados was led by Premier Sir Grantley Herbert Adams. The four other Ministers were:
Between 30 November 1966 and 30 November 2021, after Barbados was granted independence, under a Westminster system of governance, the ceremonial Head of State was Elizabeth II, Queen of Barbados (represented by the Governor-General) while the office of the Premier became the Prime minister as it is now presently known. After Barbados transitioned to a republic on 30 November 2021, the Monarchy of Barbados was abolished along with the office of the Governor-General with the Governor-General's duties and powers transferring to the President of Barbados who became head of state.
The following represents to current composition of Ministers, following a Cabinet reshuffle on January 8, 2024.
| Government Minister | Cabinet Positions | |
|---|---|---|
| The Honourable Mia Mottley, SC, MP | Prime MinisterMinister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment Minister of National Security and the Public Service | |
| The Honourable Santia Bradshaw, MP | Deputy Prime Minister
| |
| The Honourable Dale Marshall, SC, MP | Senior Minister for GovernanceAttorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs | |
| Senator Dr. The Most Honourable Jerome Walcott, FB, JP, MBBS, FRCS | Senior Minister coordinating Social and Environmental PolicyMinister of Health and Wellness | |
| The Honourable Kerrie Symmonds, MP | Senior Minister for the Productive SectorsMinister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade | |
| Dr. The Honourable William Duguid, JP, MP | Senior Minister in the Prime Minister's Office responsible for Infrastructural Projects and Town Planning Matters | |
| The Honourable Wilfred Abrahams, MP | Minister of Home Affairs and Information | |
| The Honourable Indar Weir, MP | Minister of Agriculture and Food and Nutritional Security | |
| The Honourable Ian Gooding-Edghill, MP | Minister of Tourism and International Transport | |
| Senator The Honourable Lisa Cummins | Minister of Energy and Business | |
| The Honourable Kay McConney, MP | Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training | |
| The Honourable Dwight Sutherland, MP | Minister of Housing, Lands and Maintenance | |
| The Honourable Kirk Humphrey | Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs | |
| The Honourable Adrian Forde, MP, RpH | Minister of Environment and National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy | |
| The Honourable Colin Jordan, MP | Minister of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector | |
| The Honourable Marsha Caddle, MP | Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology | |
| The Honourable Charles Griffith, MP | Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment | |
| The Honourable Ryan Straughn, MP | Minister in the Ministry of Finance | |
| Senator The Honourable Chad Blackman | Minister in the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Investment | |
| Senator The Honourable Shantal Munro-Knight, Ph.D | Minister in the Prime Minister's Office with responsibility for Sustainable Development, Commitment for Results and Culture | |
| The Honourable Davidson Ishmael, MP | Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness | |
| The Honourable Sandra Husbands, MP | Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training | |
| The Honourable Corey Lane, JP, MP | Minister of State in the Office of the Attorney General with responsibility for Crime Prevention |
See main article: List of Permanent Secretaries (Barbados).
| Cabinet Office | The Honourable Mia Mottley, SC, MP (Prime Minister) | Ms. Selma Green, acting Cabinet Secretary |
| Prime Minister's Office | The Honourable Mia Mottley, SC, MP (Prime Minister) Dr. the Honourable William Duguid, JP, MP (Senior Minister in the Prime Minister's Office for Infrastructural Projects and Town Planning Matters) Senator The Honourable Shantal Munro-Knight, PhD (Minister in the Prime Minister's Office responsible for the Sustainable Development Goals, Commitment for Results and Culture) | The Most Honourable Alies Jordan, FB Ambassador Sandra Phillips (Special Assignment - Commitment For Results) Ms. Gabrielle Springer (Director General, Infrastructure) |
| Ministry of the Public Service | The Honourable Mia Mottley, SC, MP | Ms. Penelope Linton (acting) (Director General, Human Resources) |
| Ministry of Transport, Works and Water Resources | The Honourable Santia Bradshaw, M.P (Deputy Prime Minister) | Mr. Andrew Gittens |
| Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment | The Honourable Mia Mottley, SC, MP The Honourable Ryan Straughn, M.P (Finance) Senator The Honourable Chad Blackman (Economic Affairs and Investment) | Ms. Nancy Headley (Finance) Ms. Betty Alleyne-Headley(acting)(Economic Affairs and Investment) |
| Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade | The Honourable Kerrie Symmonds, M.P | Ambassador Joy-ann Skinner (acting) |
| Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs | The Hon. Dale Marshall, SC, MP The Honourable Corey Lane, JP, MP (Crime Prevention) | Mr. Hughland Allman (acting) |
| Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training | The Honourable Kay McConney, MP | Ms. Wendy Odle (acting) |
| Ministry of Home Affairs and Information | The Honourable Wilfred Abrahams, MP | Ambassador Yvette Goddard |
| Ministry of Health and Wellness | Senator Dr. The Most Honourable Jerome Walcott, FB, JP, MBBS, FRCS | Mr. Wayne Marshall (acting) |
| Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Nutritional Security | The Honourable Indar Weir, MP | Mr. Terry Bascombe (acting) |
| Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector | The Honourable Colin Jordan, MP | Mr. Timothy Maynard |
| Ministry of Housing, Lands and Maintenance | The Honourable Dwight Sutherland, MP | Mr. H. Nikita Smith |
| Ministry of Energy and Business | Senator The Honourable Lisa Cummins | Mr. Kevin Hunte (acting) |
| Ministry of Tourism and International Transport | The Honourable Ian Gooding-Edghill, MP | Ms. Francine Blackman (acting) |
| Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment | The Honourable Charles Griffith, MP | Mr. Charley Browne (acting) |
| Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs | The Honourable Kirk Humphrey, MP | Mr. Jehu Wiltshire |
| Ministry of Environment and National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy | The Honourable Adrian Forde, MP | Ms. Yolande Howard |
| Ministry of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology | The Honourable Marsha Caddle, MP | Ms. Marva Howell (acting) |
On January 6, 2024, the Prime Minister announced a Cabinet reshuffle with effect from January 8, 2024. The most notable change in the make up of Ministers comes with the resignation of Dr. Sonia Browne, MP. The details of the few changes are outlined below.
| Government Minister | Old Position | New Position |
|---|---|---|
| The Honourable Marsha Caddle, MP | not applicable | Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology |
| The Honourable Davidson Ishmael, MP | Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology | Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness |
| Senator The Honourable Chad Blackman | not applicable | Minister in the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Investment |
| The Honourable Sandra Husbands, MP | Minister of State in the Ministries of Foreign Trade and Business | Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training |
On October 22, 2022, the Prime Minister announced the following changes to the Ministers with effect from October 26, 2022. Mr. Corey Lane is the only person to receive a promotion, moving from Parliamentary Secretary to Minister.
| Government Minister | Old Position | New Position |
|---|---|---|
| Senator Dr. The Most Honourable Jerome Walcott | Senior Minister coordinating social and environmental policy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade | Senior Minister coordinating social and environmental policy Minister of Health and Wellness |
| The Hon. Kerrie Symmonds | Senior Minister coordinating the productive sectorsMinister of Energy and Business | Senior Minister coordinating productive sectorsMinister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade |
| Senator The Hon. Lisa Cummins | Minister of Tourism and International Transport | Minister of Energy and Business |
| The Hon. Ian Gooding-Edghill | Minister of Health and Wellness | Minister of Tourism and International Transport |
| Mr. Corey Lane, M.P | Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs | Minister of State in the Office of the Attorney General responsible for Crime Prevention |
The below table is the original list of Ministers with effect from January 24, 2022 to October 26, 2022.
| Government Minister | Cabinet Positions | |
|---|---|---|
| The Hon. Mia Mottley | Prime MinisterMinister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment Minister of National Security and the Public Service | |
| The Hon. Santia Bradshaw | Deputy Prime Minister
| |
| The Hon. Dale Marshall | Senior Minister for GovernanceAttorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs | |
| Senator Dr. The Most Hon. Jerome Walcott | Senior Minister coordinating Social and Environmental PolicyMinister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade | |
| The Hon. Kerrie Symmonds | Senior Minister for the Productive SectorsMinister of Energy and Business | |
| Dr. The Hon. William Duguid | Senior Minister in the Prime Minister's Office responsible for Infrastructural Projects and Town Planning Matters | |
| The Hon. Wilfred Abrahams | Minister of Home Affairs and Information | |
| The Hon. Indar Weir | Minister of Agriculture and Food and Nutritional Security | |
| The Hon. Ian Gooding-Edghill | Minister of Health and Wellness | |
| Senator The Hon. Lisa Cummins | Minister of Tourism and International Transport | |
| The Hon. Kay McConney | Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training | |
| The Hon. Dwight Sutherland | Minister of Housing, Lands and Maintenance | |
| The Hon. Kirk Humphrey | Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs | |
| The Hon. Adrian Forde | Minister of Environment and National Beautification | |
| The Hon. Colin Jordan | Minister of Labour, Social Security and Third Sector | |
| The Hon. Davidson Ishmael | Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology | |
| The Hon. Charles McDonald Griffith | Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment | |
| The Hon. Ryan Straughn | Minister in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs | |
| Senator Dr. The Hon. Shantal Munro-Knight | Minister in the Prime Minister's Office | |
| Dr. The Hon. Sonia Browne | Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness | |
| The Hon. Sandra Husbands | Minister of State in Foreign Trade and Business Development |
With effect from August 30, 2021, the Hon. Peter Phillips was reassigned from Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to Minister in the Ministry of Housing, Lands and Maintenance alongside the Minister of Housing, Lands and Maintenance, the Hon. William Duguid.[2]
On July 22, 2020 in a statement to the nation, the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, announced the following changes to take effect from July 23, 2020.
| Government Minister | Cabinet Positions |
|---|---|
| Hon. Mia Mottley | Prime MinisterMinister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment Minister of National Security and the Public Service |
| Hon. Santia Bradshaw | Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training |
| Hon. John King | Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister responsible for Culture and National Development |
| Hon. Marsha Caddle | Minister in the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Investment |
| Hon. Ryan Straughn | Minister in the Ministry of Finance |
| Hon. Dale Marshall | Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs |
| Sen. Dr. the Hon. Jerome Walcott | Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade |
| Hon. Sandra Husbands | Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Trade |
| Lt. Col. the Hon. Jeffery Bostic | Minister of Health and Wellness |
| Dr. the Hon. William Duguid | Minister of Housing, Lands and Maintenance |
| Hon. Kerrie Symmonds | Minister of Energy, Small Business and Entrepreneurship |
| Hon. Cynthia Forde | Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs |
| Sen. the Hon. Lisa Cummins | Minister of Tourism and International Transport |
| Hon. Wilfred Abrahams | Minister of Home Affairs, Information and Public Affairs |
| Hon. Ian Gooding-Edghill | Minister of Transport, Works and Water Resources |
| Hon. Charles Griffith | Minister in the Ministry of Water Resources |
| Hon. Adrian Forde | Minister of Environment and National Beautification |
| Hon. Colin Jordan | Minister of Labour and Social Partnership Relations |
| Hon. Ronald Toppin | Minister of International Business and Industry |
| Hon. Dwight Sutherland | Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment |
| Kirk Matthew Humphrey | Minister of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy |
| Hon. Indar Weir | Minister of Agriculture and Food Security |
| Hon. Peter Philips | Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security |
| Sen. Hon. Kay McConney | Minister of Innovation, Science and Smart Technology |
The 26-member Cabinet announced by the Barbados Labour Party as of 26 May 2018:[3]
| Government Minister | Cabinet Positions |
|---|---|
| Hon. Mia Mottley Q.C. M.P. | |
| Hon. Dale Marshall Q.C. M.P. | Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs |
| Hon. Santia Bradshaw M.P. | Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training |
| Hon. George Payne Q.C. M.P. | Minister of Housing, Lands and Rural Development |
| Hon. Ronald Toppin M.P. | Minister of International Business and Industry |
| Senator Dr. the Hon. Jerome Walcott J.P | Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade |
| Hon. Trevor Prescod JP M.P. | Minister of the Environment and National Beautification |
| Hon. Cynthia Forde JP M.P. | Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs |
| Hon. Kerrie Simmonds M.P. | Minister of Tourism and International Transport |
| Hon. Dr. William Duguid JP M.P. | Minister of Transport, Works and Maintenance |
| Hon. Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bostic M.P. | Minister of Health and Wellness |
| Hon. Edmund Hinkson M.P. | Minister of Home Affairs |
| Hon. Dwight Sutherland M.P. | Minister of Small Business, Entrepreneurship and Commerce |
| Hon. Wilfred Abrahams M.P | Minister of Energy and Water Resources |
| Hon. Ryan Straughn M.P. | Minister in the Ministry of Finance |
| Hon. Marsha Caddle M.P. | Minister in the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Investment |
| Hon. C. Sandra Husbands M.P. | Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Trade |
| Hon. Colin Jordan M.P. | Minister of Labour and Social Partnership Relations |
| Hon. Charles Griffith M.P. | Minister in the Ministry of Housing, Lands and Rural Development |
| Hon. Adrian Forde M.P | Minister of Youth and Community Empowerment |
| Hon. Kirk Humphrey M.P | Minister of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy |
| Hon. Indar Weir M.P. | Minister of Agriculture and Food Security |
| Hon. Peter Philips M.P | Minister in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Maintenance |
| Hon. John King M.P | Minister of Creative Economy, Culture and Sports |
| Senator the Hon. Kay McConney | Minister of Innovation, Science and Smart Technology |
| Senator the Hon. Lucille Moe | Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Public Affairs |
The 18-member Cabinet announced by the Democratic Labour Party as of 3 July 2015:[4]
| Government Minister | Cabinet Positions |
|---|---|
| Hon. Freundel Stuart Q.C. M.P. | Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Public Service and Urban Development |
| Hon. Richard Sealy M.P. | Minister of Tourism and International Transport |
| Hon. Adriel Brathwaite M.P. | Attorney-General and Minister of Home Affairs |
| Hon. Christopher Sinckler M.P. | Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs |
| Hon. John Boyce M.P. | Minister of Health |
| Hon. Dr. David Estwick M.P. | Minister of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries, and Water Resource Management |
| Hon. Ronald Jones J.P. M.P. | Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation |
| Hon. Dr. Denis Lowe M.P. | Minister of the Environment and Drainage |
| Hon. Donville Inniss M.P. | Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development |
| Hon. Denis Kellman M.P. | Minister of Housing, Lands and Rural Development |
| Sen. Dr. Esther R. Byer-Suckoo | Minister of Labour, Social Security and Human Resource Development |
| Hon. Steve Blackett M.P. | Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development |
| Hon. Michael Lashley M.P. | Minister of Transport and Works |
| Sen. Hon. Patrick Todd | Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office |
| Sen. Maxine McClean | Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Leader of Government Business in the Senate |
The full Cabinet of the previous Barbados Government administration as of February 2006:
| Government Minister | Cabinet Positions | |
|---|---|---|
| Hon. David Thompson M.P. | Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Development, Energy Labour and the Civil Service | |
| Sen. the Hon. Maxine McClean | Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office | |
| Rt. Hon. Freundel Stuart, MP | Attorney General and Minister of Home Affairs | |
| Hon. Christopher Sinckler, MP | Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and International Business | |
| Dr. the Hon. David Estwick, MP | Minister of Health, National Insurance and Social Security | |
| Hon. Ronald Jones, M.P | Minister of Education and Human Resource Development | |
| Dr. the Hon. Dennis Lowe, M.P | Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Urban Development | |
| Hon. Patrick Todd M.P. | Minister of State, Ministry of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Urban Development | |
| Hon. Richard Sealy, M.P | Minister of Tourism | |
| Sen. the Hon. Haynesley Benn | Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development | |
| Hon. George Hutson, M.P | Minister of Trade, Industry and Commerce | |
| Hon. Michael Lashley M.P. | Minister of Housing and Lands | |
| Dr. the Hon. Esther Byer-Suckoo, M.P | Minister of Family, Youth Affairs, Sport and Environment | |
| Hon. Steven Blackett, M.P. | Minister of Community Development and Culture | |
| Hon. John Boyce M.P. | Minister of Transport, Works and International Transport | |
| Sen. the Hon. Darcy Boyce | Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office with responsibility for Finance and Energy | |
| Sen. the Hon. Arnie Walters | Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office with responsibility for Employment, Labour Relations and The Social Partnership |
In a reshuffle of his Cabinet late 2008, the following became the Cabinet until his passing.
| Government Minister | Cabinet Positions | |
|---|---|---|
| Hon. David Thompson, MP | Prime Minister and Minister of Finance & Investment, Labour, Civil Service & Energy | |
| Hon. Fruendel Stuart, MP | Deputy Prime Minister, Attorney General, Minister of Home Affairs | |
| Hon. George Hutson, MP | Minister of International Transport & International Business | |
| Hon. David Estwick, MP | Minister of Economic Affairs & Empowerment, Innovation, Trade, Industry & Commerce | |
| Hon. Dennis Lowe, MP | Minister of the Environment, Water Resources & Drainage | |
| Hon. Donville Inniss, MP | Minister of Health | |
| Hon. Christopher Sinkler, MP | Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment, Rural & Urban Development | |
| Hon. Esther Byer Suckoo, MP | Minister of Family, Youth Affairs & Sport | |
| Hon. Ronald Jones, MP | Minister of Education & Human Resource Development | |
| Hon. Michael Lashley, MP | Minister of Housing & Lands | |
| Hon. Richard Sealy, MP | Minister of Tourism | |
| Hon. Steve Blackett, MP | Minister Community Development & Culture | |
| Hon. John Boyce, MP | Minister of Transport & Works | |
| Sen. Hon. Haynesly Benn | Minister of Agriculture | |
| Sen. Hon. Maxine McClean | Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade | |
| Hon. Patrick Todd, MP | Minister of State: Education & Human Resource Development | |
| Sen. Hon. Darcy Boyce | Minister of State responsibly for Finance, Investment, Telecommunications & Energy | |
| Sen. Hon. Arnie Walters | Minister of State responsible for Labour & Immigration | |
| Sen. Irene Sandiford Garner | Parliamentary Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office |
The full Cabinet of the previous Barbados Government administration as of February 2006:
| Government Minister | Cabinet Positions | |
|---|---|---|
| Rt. Hon. Owen S. Arthur M.P. | Prime Minister and Minister of Finance | |
| Hon. Mia Mottley QC, M.P. | Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Economic Affairs and Development | |
| Hon. Dame Billie A. Miller DBE, D.A., BCH, M.P. | Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade | |
| Hon. Noel A. Lynch M.P. | Minister of Tourism and International Transport | |
| Hon. H. Elizabeth Thompson M.P. | Minister of Energy and the Environment | |
| Hon. Rawle C. Eastmond JP, M.P. | Minister of Labour and Civil Service | |
| Hon. Dr. Jerome X. Walcott JP, M.P. | Minister of Health | |
| Hon. Reginald Farley JP, M.P. | Minister of Housing and Lands | |
| Senator Hon. Lynette Eastmond. | Minister of Commerce, Consumer Affairs and Business Development | |
| Hon. Dale D. Marshall M.P. | Attorney General & Minister of Home Affairs | |
| Hon. Gline A. Clarke J.P., M.P. | Minister of Public Works | |
| Hon. Trevor Prescod M.P. | Minister of Social Transformation | |
| Senator Hon. Erskine Griffith GCM, JP | Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development | |
| Hon. Joseph J.S. Atherley JP, M.P. | Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office | |
| Hon. Anthony P. Wood JP, M.P. | Minister of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports | |
| Hon. Cynthia Y. Forde JP, M.P. | Minister of State in the Ministry of Education | |
| Hon. Clyde A. Mascoll M.P | Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance | |
| Hon. Kerrie D. Symmonds M.P | Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade |