Former Health Minister Jeffrey Bostic nominated as Barbados’ second President

Former Minister of Health and Wellness, Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic, has been formally nominated to become Barbados’ second president.

The announcement was made by Deputy Speaker of the House, Neil Rowe, during Parliament on Tuesday, following a joint nomination by Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne.

Parliament is scheduled to vote on the nomination in October. If ratified, Bostic’s appointment will take effect on November 30, when he will be sworn in as president. His predecessor, Dame Sandra Mason, who became Barbados’ first president in 2021 following the nation’s transition to a parliamentary republic, will conclude her term on November 29.

Bostic, a retired military officer and former Member of Parliament for the City of Bridgetown (2013–2022), is widely respected for his leadership during the island’s COVID-19 response as Health Minister. His military career spanned over three decades, including service in the Barbados Defence Force where, in 1989, he acted as equerry to Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Barbados. He also served as an aide to Governor General Sir Hugh Springer and retired in 2006 as Commanding Officer of the Barbados Regiment and Director of Operations at the RSS.

Entering politics in 2013, Bostic was first elected to the House of Assembly on February 21, and was re-elected in 2018. He served as Minister of Health until his retirement on January 18, 2022.

Due to his joint nomination by the prime minister and opposition leader, Bostic will be the sole candidate in the 2025 presidential election. Should Parliament raise no objections, he will be acclaimed as president in a walkover, officially taking office on November 30.