7th Prime Minister of Barbados – Freundel Stuart – Totally Barbados
The Honourable Freundel Stuart – a member of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) – became the seventh (7th) Prime Minister of Barbados on October 23rd, 2010.
Stuart grew up in St. Philip’s parish, where he was fascinated with politics and the law at a young age. He attended the Boys’ Foundation School and, later, the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill.
At University, Stuart pursued a course of study relevant to his desired career in law and politics. He graduated with undergraduate degrees in Law and Political Science and an LL.M. in Public International Law. He also achieved a Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago. Stuart was called to the Barbados Bar in 1984. He worked as an Attorney-at-Law in his law chambers, practicing criminal and corporate law.
Stuart joined the Democratic Labour Party around 1970. He proved to be a dedicated member, and he held various positions within the party, including, at one time, president.
In the nineties, Stuart participated in the General Elections as a candidate for the St. Philip South constituency. Although the Democratic Labour Party was defeated in this 1994 election, Stuart secured the seat for the constituency above.
He served as a member of parliament during the 1994 to 1999 term. He was defeated by BLP (Barbados Labour Party) member Anthony Wood in the 1999 elections.
In 2003 Stuart switched constituencies and competed as a candidate for St. Michael South. BLP member Noel Lynch defeated him. This time, however, Stuart was appointed to the Senate. He served as an opposition senator until 2008 when he won the seat for St. Michael South.
2008 proved to be a good year for the Democratic Labour Party. They secured 20 of the 30 seats, winning the general election for the first time in over a decade. The party was headed by the Honourable David Thompson, who then became the island’s Prime Minister.
Under the Thompson administration, Stuart was named Minister of Home Affairs, Attorney General, and Deputy Prime Minister. This latter role became crucial in May 2010 when Thompson became ill with pancreatic cancer.
Stuart performed as Acting Prime Minister until Thompson’s unfortunate passing on October 23rd of that same year. Stuart was chosen to be the new Prime Minister of Barbados. He was sworn in on the same day by the Governor-General.
Stuart has supported the Notre Dame Sports Club and the Dayrells United Achievers Community Club. Renowned for his intricate use of the English language, Stuart is also a music lover and an eager reader.
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