Jeffrey Bostic sworn in as second president of Barbados on 59th Independence Anniversary

Jeffrey Bostic was sworn in as Barbados’ second president early Sunday, coinciding with the nation’s 59th Independence Day and its fourth year as a parliamentary republic.

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A former Minister of Health and decorated officer in the Barbados Defence Force (BDF), Bostic earned acclaim for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, famously rallying the nation with the call: “No Retreat, No Surrender.” He succeeds Dame Sandra Mason, who made history as both the last Governor-General (2018–2021) under the monarchical system and the country’s first president.

For the ceremony, the Government of Barbados requested support from the Regional Security System (RSS) to bolster local law enforcement. Officers and military personnel from Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Guyana, and St. Kitts and Nevis were deployed, under the terms of the RSS treaty. The event also hosted several heads of state, government officials, and international dignitaries.

In addition to Bostic’s swearing-in, three Barbadians were awarded the nation’s highest honour, The Most Honourable. Central Bank Governor Dr. Kevin Greenidge, cricket legend Joel “Big Bird” Garner, and economist and philanthropist Dr. Kurt Lambert received the Order of Freedom of Barbados for “distinguished and extraordinary service to Barbados, the Caribbean diaspora or to humanity at large.”

Dr. Greenidge was recognized for his “exceptional, people-centred leadership in economic policy and central banking, and his outstanding transformative achievements in guiding reforms under the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation programmes.”

Garner, celebrated for his record as one of the world’s greatest fast bowlers, was honoured for his “outstanding leadership as a distinguished sports administrator, sterling service to national cricket development, and extraordinary contribution to West Indies and Barbados cricket,” including his roles as Barbados Cricket Association president, selector, director, and West Indies team manager.

The honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados was also awarded to Professor Benedict Okechukwu Oramah, former president and chairman of the African Export-Import Bank, recognizing “his dedication, pivotal role and strategic leadership in expanding trade and investment relations between the members of the African Export-Import Bank and Barbados.”

Sunday’s events highlighted both the continuity of Barbados’ democratic institutions and the nation’s recognition of exceptional service to society, sports, and international development.