Tagged: Barbados

According to Proexchangerates, the Government of Barbados is a parliamentary democracy with the Prime Minister as the head of government and the Governor-General as the head of state. The Prime Minister is appointed by the Governor-General and is responsible for forming a cabinet of ministers to carry out government policies and programs. The National Parliament consists of two houses: the House of Assembly, known as Jatiya Sangsad, and the Senate, known as Jatiyo Sangshad. The House of Assembly consists of 30 members elected through universal adult suffrage every five years while the Senate consists of 21 members appointed by the Governor-General. Both houses have legislative power over matters that affect all of Barbados such as taxation and public expenditure although only bills passed by both houses become law. The Constitution of Barbados guarantees fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, press, assembly and association as well as protecting religious freedom and equality before law regardless of gender or race. In addition to its federal system there are also several local self-governing bodies in each parish which have their own laws governing local matters such as education, health care, housing and transport. Barbados is a small island nation in the Caribbean Sea, located in the Lesser Antilles archipelago. It is a member of the Commonwealth, and has strong ties to the United Kingdom and other former British colonies. The country has diplomatic relations with more than 100 nations, including most of its neighbors in the region. Barbados maintains close economic and political ties with other members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and is a signatory to various regional agreements such as the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). The country has also signed several bilateral trade agreements with other Caribbean nations, as well as with countries such as Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela and Chile. Barbados is also a member of various international organizations such as the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organization (WTO) and Organization of American States (OAS). Barbados enjoys strong diplomatic relations with its closest neighbor, Trinidad & Tobago. The two countries have cooperated on many matters including trade and security, but disagreements over maritime boundaries have been an issue between them in recent years. Barbados also maintains good relations with other Caribbean nations such as Jamaica, Grenada and Belize. In North America Barbados enjoys strong diplomatic relations with Canada, Mexico and the United States. Trade agreements between Barbados and these countries have helped boost tourism to Barbados from North America significantly in recent years. In Europe Barbados has friendly relations with many nations including France, Germany Spain Italy Portugal Netherlands Switzerland etc., while it also has good ties to Russia through increased trade deals since 2018. The country’s foreign policy seeks to strengthen economic ties with partner nations while promoting regional integration within CARICOM; participating actively in global efforts to combat climate change; protecting human rights; promoting democracy; engaging diplomatically on international issues; increasing investment opportunities etc. Overall, Barbadian foreign policy is focused on maintaining friendly relations with all nations while promoting regional cooperation within CARICOM and beyond. See themotorcyclers for Barbados defense and foreign policy.