Retired Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Davidson Bostic was on Tuesday confirmed as Barbados’ second president, following a rare display of unanimous parliamentary support that underscored his broad national appeal and reputation for steady leadership.
With no objections raised in the joint sitting of the House of Assembly and Senate following the call by Speaker of the House Arthur Holder — “Are there any objections?” — Lt Col Bostic’s elevation was greeted with loud desk-thumping from members across the political divide in a show of bipartisan support.
Before the roll call and formal confirmation, it was announced that Senator Christopher Maynard and Deputy President of the Senate Elizabeth Thompson would be absent. St George South MP Dwight Sutherland, who abruptly resigned from Cabinet as Minister of Housing and Lands on September 3, joined the session via teleconference.
Clerk of Parliament Pedro Eastmond informed the Parliament he was not aware of the status of Independent Senator Monique Taitt.
The former soldier, MP and Minister of Health will assume office on Independence Day, during a transition ceremony marking Barbados’ 59th anniversary of Independence from Britain, and the fourth since the island became a republic in 2021. He will succeed Dame Sandra Mason, the last viceroy of the former Commonwealth realm who became the republic’s first president.
Lt Col Bostic’s nomination, jointly submitted by Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Leader of the Opposition Ralph Thorne, was announced three weeks ago. His unanimous endorsement reflected widespread confidence in his leadership, experience and unifying presence.
A product of St Mary’s Primary, Combermere School and the University of the West Indies, Lt Col Bostic also served as Director of Operations at the Regional Security System before retiring from active military service. He later entered public office, representing the City of Bridgetown and serving as Minister of Health and Wellness from 2018 until his retirement from public life in 2022.
It was during this latter role that Lt Col Bostic became a household name across Barbados. His calm and steady leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic earned him national admiration and respect, as well as praise from regional and international partners. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the Order of Freedom of Barbados, the island’s highest national honour.
(IMC)
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