In a stirring address to Barbados’ parliamentary chamber, Independent Senator Reverend Dr. John Rogers issued a stark warning against proposed constitutional amendments that would penalize ‘floor crossing’ by elected officials. The clergyman-lawmaker characterized the legislative move as a potential ‘power grab’ that could fundamentally undermine the nation’s democratic foundations by transferring excessive authority to political parties.
Senator Rogers identified Section 45(1)(h) of the proposed constitutional changes as particularly problematic. This provision would automatically vacate the seat of any parliamentarian who either voluntarily leaves their party or faces expulsion from it. Rogers argued this effectively grants ‘ghost institutions’—political parties not formally recognized by the constitution—the power to override the will of voters who elected their representatives.
The senator drew a crucial distinction between candidates and representatives, emphasizing that ‘political parties present candidates to the electorate, but once chosen, these individuals become representatives of the people.’ He revealed that both the Parliamentary Reform Commission and Constitutional Reform Commission had previously endorsed maintaining the status quo, viewing the right to cross the floor as essential for a robust democratic opposition.
Rogers referenced the 2003 Commonwealth Latimer House Principles, which caution against penalizing floor crossing as potentially infringing on parliamentary independence. He warned the chamber to consider future scenarios where less benevolent leadership might exploit such provisions, quoting biblical scripture: ‘There arose a Pharaoh who did not know Joseph.’
As an alternative approach, Senator Rogers advocated for exploring voter recall legislation that would empower constituents—rather than party machinery—to determine whether a representative who changed affiliations should remain in office. He concluded that representatives should maintain the right to be ‘cantankerous’ without fear of automatic expulsion, cautioning against creating the perception of ‘an elite political class who look after themselves.’