Barbados Nominates Former Health Minister Jeffrey Bostic as Next President

Barbados has formally nominated retired Lt. Col Jeffrey Bostic as its second president, following a rare bipartisan endorsement by Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne.

Announced in Parliament by Deputy Speaker Neil Rowe, Bostic’s nomination will be put to a vote in October. If ratified, he will be sworn in on November 30, succeeding Dame Sandra Mason, who steps down after serving as the island-nation’s first president since its 2021 transition to a republic.

A decorated military veteran with over 30 years of service – including commanding the Barbados Regiment and serving as equerry to Queen Elizabeth II in 1989 – Bostic earned national respect as Health Minister during the COVID-19 pandemic. He represented Bridgetown in Parliament from 2013 to 2022 before retiring from politics.

With no opposing candidates expected, Bostic is poised for an uncontested election. His unanimous nomination underscores broad political consensus – and signals continuity, competence, and calm leadership as Barbados enters a new chapter.

President-elect Bostic will assume office on November 30, 2025.