A constitution is the foundational set of rules which guides how a country works and sets out who belongs to the state, what the branches of government are and their powers and responsibilities and identifies the rights of its citizens. A constitution is a social contract which regulates the relationship between the institutions of the government and the citizens and binds all persons in the state.

The Constitution of Barbados provides for the management of the public affairs of the country and the regulation of the branches of government. In particular, the Constitution answers certain key questions about the State:

• Who qualifies for Barbadian citizenship?

• What are the rights of persons in Barbados?

• Who governs our country and how?

• Who manages our country and how?

• Who makes the laws for our country?

• Who holds the Executive accountable?

• Who interprets and applies the law in Barbados?

Constitutional law also extends beyond the written text and takes into account core constitutional principles (such as separation of powers, the rule of law and judicial independence), previous decisions of the courts and unwritten conventions.

Constitutional reform refers to a process of re-examining present constitutional provisions with a view to recommending new provisions, designed to meet new realities.

The Constitution of Barbados, which was originally the Schedule to the Barbados Independence Order (1966), was not the subject of widespread public consultation, and indeed, was an Order-in-Council made under an Act of the British Parliament.

With Barbados’ republican transition, the present moment provides a useful opportunity to re-examine the systems and mechanics of our governance to ensure that our Constitution and the institutions of our state are effectively serving the public interest.

The Constitution regulates the fundamental aspects of our lives as citizens and affects our lives in profound ways, from the recognition of our rights and freedoms to the creation of an independent judicial system, allowing us to resolve our disputes, to the establishment of a democratic government, enabling us to have a say in the management of our country. The Constitution touches so many aspects of our lives and secures our peaceful existence.

The Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC) is charged with examining the current Constitution with a view to developing a new constitution and is required to consult widely with Barbadian citizens and organisations, both at home and abroad. At the end of the CRC’s work, we will present a report, detailing our findings and making recommendations, and we will also provide to the Cabinet, a draft constitution.