The present constitution provides for the separation of powers under the Governor General, Parliament, the Executive, the Judiciary and the Public Service.

The Governor General

The country is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government. Therefore at the helm is the monarchy and acting on its behalf is the Governor General.

Parliament

This consists of Her Majesty, a Senate and a House of Assembly.

The Senate is the Upper nominated House. The Constitution provides for 21 persons. Twelve of these are government senators, appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister, two are the Opposition's choice and seven are appointed to represent various interest groups. The House of Assembly is the Lower House. There are now 30 members elected for a maximum of five years.

Any citizen of Barbados who is 21 years of age or older and resident in Barbados is eligible for election to the House of Assembly.

Executive Powers

Under this area the Constitution lists Her Majesty, the Cabinet, the Leader of the Opposition and the Privy Council and a Director of Public Prosecutions.

The Cabinet — this consists of the Prime Minister and not fewer than five other Ministers.

Leader of the Opposition — the Governor General appoints as Leader of the Opposition the person who, in his/her judgement, is best able to command the support of a majority of those members of the House who do not support the Government.

The Privy Council — members of this body are appointed by the Governor General after consultation with the Prime Minister. According to the provision of the Constitution no person can serve on the body for more than 15 years.

The Council advises the Governor General in the exercise of the Royal Prerogative of Mercy and in the exercise of disciplinary powers over members of the Public and Police Services, who may appeal to the Council in cases of disciplinary actions against them.

Director of Public Prosecutions – is a public office free of political interference.

The Judiciary

This is a branch of government free from executive interference and comprises the Magistrate Courts, a High Court and a Court of Appeal.

Public Service

The Services Commission is made up of the Judicial, Legal and Public Service Commissions. These Commissions have executive powers to deal with the appointment, dismissal and discipline of members of the services for which they are respectively responsible.