Barbados Swears In Second President Amid Independence Celebrations

Barbados inaugurated its second president, Jeffrey Bostic, early Sunday during the nation’s 59th Independence Day parade, marking its fourth year as a republic.

A decorated military officer and former Health Minister, Bostic earned widespread praise for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, famously rallying the nation with the slogan: “No Retreat, No Surrender.”

He succeeds Dame Sandra Mason, who made history as Barbados’ final Governor-General under the monarchy and its first president in the republic system.

The government enlisted support from the Regional Security System (RSS), deploying police and military personnel from Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada, Guyana, and St. Kitts & Nevis to bolster local law enforcement during the significant celebrations. This move follows treaty provisions allowing RSS member states to assist each other under agreed terms.

In other notable honors, Central Bank Governor Kevin Greenidge, cricket legend Joel “Big Bird” Garner, and economist-philanthropist Kurt Lambert were awarded the Order of Freedom of Barbados, the nation’s highest accolade, recognizing their exceptional contributions.

Greenidge was celebrated for transformative leadership in economic policy and the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation programs. Garner, famed for his fearsome fast bowling in the 1970s and 1980s and his subsequent leadership roles in Barbados cricket, was honored for outstanding service to national and regional sport.

Lambert was recognized for his philanthropic and economic impact.

Additionally, Benedict Oramah, former president of the African Export-Import Bank, received an honorary Order of Freedom for advancing trade and investment ties between Africa and Barbados.