Temporary senators take oath of office in Barbados

In Barbados, two new senators - Delisle Bradshaw and John Williams were sworn into office on Thursday at Government House before Governor General, Dame Sandra Mason.

The two former Ministers of Government will temporarily sit in the Senate as replacements for Senators-designate Rawdon Adams and Kay McConney, who were absent from the May 31 swearing-in ceremony.

 

Adams’ and   McConney’s absence, as pointed out by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Dale Marshall, related to the Barbados’ 1966 Constitution which stipulates that a Senator must be an ordinary resident in the country for 12 consecutive months before being appointed.

Adams is the son of late Prime Minister, Tom Adams, and has been resident in Barbados after relocating here almost 12 months ago, while  McConney currently lives in Canada, and would have to resume residence in Barbados.

On Tuesday, following the official opening of Parliament, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley took the necessary step towards amending the island’s Constitution to provide for the appointment of both to the Senate.

The Senate is expected to meet for the first time on the Constitutional Amendment on Friday.