Barbados Government
Barbados
The Constitution provides for freedom of religion, and the Government generally respects this right in practice. The Government at all levels strives to protect this right in full, and does not tolerate its abuse, either by governmental or private actors. The Government is secular and does not interfere with an individual's right to worship. Christian holy days, such as Good Friday, Whit Monday, and Christmas are national holidays. ... The U.S. Government discusses religious freedom issues with the Government, local groups, and other organizations in the context of its overall dialog and policy of promoting human rights. ... [Read More]
Barbados
There are no legal impediments to the participation of women and minorities in government or politics. Approximately one-third of the cabinet members were women, including the Deputy Prime Minister, who served concurrently as the Attorney General and Minister of Home Affairs. Section 4 Governmental Attitude Regarding International and Nongovernmental Investigation of Alleged Violations of Human Rights A number of domestic human rights groups generally operated without government restriction, investigating and publishing their findings on human rights cases. Government officials were cooperative and responsive to their views. The government Ombudsman's office hears complaints against government offices for alleged injuries or injustices resulting from administrative conduct. The Governor General appoints the Ombudsman on the recommendation of the Prime Minister in consultation with ... [Read More]
Barbados (08/04)
The island is divided into 11 parishes and the city of Bridgetown for administrative purposes. There is no local government. Barbados' defense expenditures account for about 2.5% of the government budget. ... Plantation owners and merchants of British descent dominated local politics. It was not until the 1930s that the descendants of emancipated slaves began a movement for political rights. One of the leaders of this movement, Sir Grantley Adams, founded the Barbados Labor Party in 1938. Progress toward more democratic government for Barbados was made in 1951, when the first general election under universal adult suffrage occurred. This was followed by steps toward increased self-government, and in 1961, Barbados achieved internal autonomy. ... [Read More]
U.S. Embassy, Bridgetown, Main Page
The Embassy maintains foreign relations with seven governments, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts/Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and seeks those governments' support in multilateral fora, promotes democracy and economic stability in the island states, facilitates the entry of legitimate visitors, and assists U.S. citizens and businesses overseas. The Embassy serves as a platform for other government agencies to conduct business with host governments, and acts on behalf of all other U.S. government agencies engaged in international activities. Contacts: Visa Appointments:& ... [Read More]
Barbados
The Constitution provides for freedom of speech and of the press, and the authorities respect these rights in practice. There are two independent daily newspapers, both of which present opposition political views. The Government regularly comes under criticism in the newspapers and on daily call-in radio programs. There are six radio stations, two of which are owned by the Government. The Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) television service (the only television source, excluding direct satellite reception) is government owned. Although CBC is a state enterprise, it regularly reported views opposing government policies. Critics allege that the Government sometimes uses its influence to discourage media reporting on sensitive issues, but the press remained vigorously critical of the Government on a broad span of issues. The Government prohibits the production of pornographic materials. ... [Read More]
Sustainable Development
The Web site for Sustainable Development Partnerships (sdp.gov) provides information about the dozens of partnerships that the U.S. Government has launched with other governments, the private sector, international organizations, and civil society groups to bring hope and opportunity to those living in the shadow of poverty. [ more] ... -- Remarks by Assistant Secretary Turner at the Government University Industry Research Roundtable Meeting, The National Academies (6/7/05) ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
Throughout the year, Embassy officers are invited to participate in a large number and wide array of official functions. The most prevalent invitations are to ceremonial events, openings of conference proceedings, presentations of awards, or special religious services sponsored either by the Barbados Government or private organizations. The Barbados Government also holds cocktail parties, dinners, and receptions, though less frequently than in other countries and typically with a limited number of invitations to Embassy personnel. Diplomats of other countries or private citizens also offer such functions occasionally. The Governments of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Dominica, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, hold a limited number of official social functions on those islands annually. ... [Read More]
U.S. Embassy, Bridgetown, Main Page
The U.S. Information Resource Center (IRC) in Bridgetown, Barbados provides an outreach and reference service to Barbados and Eastern Caribbean government officials, academics, non-governmental organizations, and the general public. The IRC uses traditional print sources, CD ROM, and the Internet to answer reference questions. Through the Internet, the IRC has access to U.S. government data bases as well as to several subscriber-only databases. The IRC supports the Embassy's focus on substance abuse prevention and education. ... [Read More]
Background Notes
These publications include facts about the land, people, history, government, political conditions, economy, and foreign relations of independent states, some dependencies, and areas of special sovereignty. The Notes are updated/revised by the Office of Electronic Information and Publications of the Bureau of Public Affairs as they are received from the Department's regional bureaus and are added to the database of the Department of State website you are now using. ... [Read More]
U.S. Embassy, Bridgetown, America Citizen Services
111111The Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) is a postage-free postcard printed111111and distributed by the Federal government for absentee voters which enables111111citizens to register and apply for an absentee ballot at the same time. 111111The extent and manner of the use of the FPCA is regulated by State law, and to a111111lesser extent, by local procedures. To obtain a FPCA, contact the American111111Citizens Services office (ACS). ... [Read More]
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