When Jeffrey Davidson Bostic takes the oath of office as the island’s second president on Independence Day, November 30, the moment will be more than a ceremonial transition.
Both Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Leader of the Opposition Ralph Thorne struck an uncommon chord of agreement as they jointly nominated and endorsed Lieutenant Colonel Bostic for the presidency. In a political climate often marked by tension and mistrust, their shared confidence in the former army officer and parliamentarian is refreshing and symbolic.
The partisan divide was closed, and there was a collective belief that the next head of state must be a figure who can rise above political loyalties and represent the best of Barbadian service and discipline.
Speaking during Tuesday’s joint sitting of Parliament, Mottley described Lt Col Bostic as “the man for the moment” — a leader forged in service, whose “moral authority comes only from a lifetime of putting nation and community before self.”
Her remarks spoke directly to character. She framed him as a man capable of bridging divides between the military and civilian spheres and between generations as the island continues to evolve.
The Prime Minister pointed to his distinguished military training from the Inter-American Defence College to the Lester Pearson Peacekeeping Centre, and his steady leadership as minister of health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through it all, she said, Lt Col Bostic demonstrated the qualities the island now needs most. These include calm judgement, integrity, and respect across every sector of society.
“Those who have served alongside him testify to his wisdom and deep love of country,” Mottley said.
Yet it was Thorne who gave the moment its deeper moral weight. Supporting Lt Col Bostic’s nomination, the Opposition Leader called on all Barbadians “including cynics and conspiracy theorists” to reject bitterness and approach the occasion with a spirit of unity.
He reminded Parliament that while the presidency is by nature a political office, it must never become a partisan one.
“That person must bring to the office a steady hand,” Thorne said. “That person must bring stability, wisdom, and a sense of justice.”
Thorne’s tone was not one of mere courtesy but of conviction. He spoke of integrity as something that cannot be legislated, but must be lived, as he expressed confidence that Lt Col Bostic possessed that moral steadiness.
He told Parliament: “It is not that we love our parties less, but that we love our country more.” His appeal echoed the collective desire for leadership that can rise above political noise and focus on the national good.
The rare harmony between Mottley and Thorne should not be overlooked. Their bipartisan support for the President-elect suggests not only respect for the man himself but also a recognition of the importance of maintaining public confidence in the office of the presidency.
President Bostic will step into a role characterised by the dignified tenure of President Sandra Mason, the republic’s first president. Mottley paid tribute to President Mason’s “grace, dignity, and distinction,” noting that her leadership set a standard for how the office should be conducted. Lt Col Bostic’s challenge will be to build upon President Mason’s legacy while helping shape it with his own style.
As the Head of State, the President must serve as a moral anchor, a figure who commands respect, tempers any political excesses, and reflects the island’s conscience. We face difficult realities such as economic restructuring, social challenges, and unease about freedom of movement, among others. While the President does not dictate policy, the tone he sets through fairness, restraint, and his examples can strengthen national unity at this time.
In this regard, Lt Col Bostic’s life in service may be his greatest credential. From his years in the Barbados Defence Force to his role in government, he has shown the discipline and calm temperament that Barbados now needs. He has seen the country through crisis, worked across the political divide, and maintained the respect of colleagues.
As Independence Day approaches, there is cautious optimism. Many are looking to the President-elect to steer the “ship of State” as Thorne described it, with balance and wisdom. If he can maintain the stability and sense of justice that both government and opposition have called for, he will truly be the man for the moment.
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