The Government of Barbados has announced that it will amend the controversial Interception of Communications Bill following days of public outcry and protests.
In a statement issued Saturday evening, the administration confirmed that changes will be made to the exception clause of the legislation, which was passed in the House of Assembly last week. The amendment will ensure that communications can only be intercepted by way of a judge’s warrant.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley is scheduled to deliver a national address on Sunday night, where she will outline the reasons behind the government’s decision and explain how the changes will be implemented.
“This government has the humility to listen and always the courage to correct,” Mottley said ahead of her address. “I promised you that on May 27, 2018, and we will hold fast to that.”
Sunday’s address is also expected to touch on several other pieces of legislation recently debated and approved in Parliament, including:
The Criminal Proceedings (Witness Anonymity) Bill, aimed at offering greater protection for witnesses in criminal trials.
The Police (Amendment) Bill, which upgrades special constables into the ranks of the Barbados Police Service.
The Juries Bill, designed to significantly broaden the pool of eligible jurors.
The Firearms (Amendment) Act, which strengthens the country’s gun laws.
The Prime Minister will also provide further insight into the new Immigration and Citizenship Bills, both of which received their second reading in Parliament last Friday. According to the government, the measures will benefit the country as well as the children of Barbadians living abroad.
Other topics on the agenda include the recent industrial action by Sanitation Service Authority workers, and the ministerial statement delivered last week by Minister of Educational Transformation, Chad Blackman.
Mottley is also expected to dismiss what she called “the preposterous, utterly and completely false and reckless statement” made by a political aspirant, alleging that citizens without the new Trident ID card would be denied essential services and the right to vote.
In addition, the Prime Minister will reflect on Barbados’ hosting of CARIFESTA XV, which begins later this week. This will be the third time in over 50 years that the island has staged the regional cultural festival. Mottley is expected to encourage Barbadians to welcome visiting artists and delegates with the warmth and hospitality for which the island is known.
