Constitution of Barbados

As a former English and later British colony, the Constitution is similar to those of other former Commonwealth realms, yet distinctly different in the spirit of the Statute of Westminster.

In 1625 the English landed at Barbados and carved the term 'For King James of E. and this island' on a tree, then some personal items were left behind, and the ship's crew returned to England to notify The Crown and to seek initial settlers.

In 1627 the initial settlers landed at Barbados and formed a colony based entirely on common law.

As the population of Barbados grew a General Assembly was created and began to draft laws.

After conflict in England erupted during the English Civil War, and large numbers of English settlers moved to Barbados, the General Assembly began the practice of creating a distinctly Barbados-based administration based upon the plantocracy class.

Amendments to certain defined clauses require the support of two thirds of all the members of each House.

(Based upon European Convention on Human Rights) Comprises sections 28-34H.