Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, fresh off her party’s sweep in the January 19 general elections, is making moves to have an 18-year-old serve in Parliament for the first time.

Mottley on Monday (January 24) named 11 senators and signalled her intention to ask Cabinet and Parliament to bring a constitutional amendment to allow 18-year-old Khaleel Kothdiwala to be appointed a senator.

“It is, in my view, an anomaly that a person who is 18 years old in Barbados has the right to vote, but they do not have the capacity to serve in the Senate of our nation…. ,” Mottley said on Monday.

“I propose should it be accepted, and successful, that Khaleel Kothdiwala should be that person to serve as a senator. I have said from the very beginning, if you are old enough to vote, then you must be old enough to serve. I look forward to the support of all across civil society for this fundamental change.”

As it stands, the Barbados Constitution only allows for persons 21 and older to serve in the Senate.

The Barbados Nation reported this morning that Kothdiwala has been taking in stride all criticism of Mottley’s intention to have him appointed the Caribbean island’s youngest senator.

“I think we have to get past our young people being seen and not heard,” said Kothdiwala in response to individuals on social media who claimed his appointment was a reward for supporting the governing Barbados Labour Party and that he was too young for the post.

” I think this particular appointment, if it does indeed materialise, is not about me, it is for all young people.”

While there were those against his appointment, Kothdiwala saw support from several others on social media as well.

The youngster, described as an advocate, is well known on the island where he has been a noticeable force on the public stage since at least age 13.

During a televised address to the nation where she announced her plans for Kothdiwala, Mottley also said it was Government’s intention to engage in discussions with the Opposition parties that did not secure any seats to determine how best to participate in the appointment of two Opposition senators, which was provided for under the Constitution. 

She said she was awaiting a legal opinion from Attorney General Dale Marshall before those formal discussions could begin.

During her address, she named 11 senators to sit in the Senate. They are Senate President Reginald Farley; Deputy President H. Elizabeth Thompson; Lisa Cummins, who will also lead government business in the Senate; Dr Jerome Walcott; Dr Shantal Munroe-Knight; Dr Crystal Haynes; John King; Patricia Parris; Shanika Roberts-Odle; Lorenzo Harewood and Andwele Boyce.

Meanwhile, President Dame Sandra Mason is also expected to make her announcement with respect to independent senators.