Barbados opposition Senator Karina Goodridge issued a stark warning during Friday’s parliamentary session, asserting that proposed constitutional amendments preventing MPs from switching political parties risk undermining fundamental democratic freedoms. The legislation, designed to trigger automatic by-elections for defecting representatives, faced rigorous scrutiny as the senator articulated concerns about its potential to suppress internal dissent and empower party leaders to silence critics.
Drawing upon Shakespearean wisdom, Senator Goodridge—leader of the Friends of Democracy party—contended that perception shapes reality, emphasizing that the amendment must be evaluated against Barbados’ existing constitutional safeguards. She meticulously referenced Chapter 3, Section 11 of the Bill of Rights, which guarantees every citizen’s entitlement to fundamental rights and freedoms regardless of political opinions.
The senator specifically highlighted subsection (d), protecting freedom of conscience, expression, assembly, and association, arguing that parliamentarians should enjoy these rights without restriction. She further cited Section 21, which explicitly prohibits hindering individuals’ rights to associate with political parties or form associations for interest protection.
Senator Goodridge questioned the legislation’s urgency, asking whether Barbados truly suffers from significant political instability or merely reacts to isolated instances of floor-crossing. She characterized the move as seemingly rushed and lacking proper justification, despite government assertions that the bill ensures political stability and democratic integrity.
The opposition leader expressed particular concern about potential abuse mechanisms, warning that expelled members could face weaponization of the legislation by their former parties. While acknowledging the need for political accountability, she maintained that the bill requires substantial refinement to avoid vagueness, conflicts, and ambiguities that might infringe upon constitutional rights.