Freedom of expression is fully respected. Public opinion expressed through the news media, which are free of censorship and government control, has a powerful influence on policy. Newspapers are privately owned, and there are two major dailies. Private and government radio stations operate. In 1992, a domestic violence law was passed to give police and judges greater powers to protect women, although violence and abuse continue to be major social problems.
Women are well represented at all levels of government and politics.
Part of the country s move to break with the British Crown has been a government effort to exalt Bajan heros at the expense of English ones, such as Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson, whose statue stands in Trafalgar Square, Bridgetown. The effort has created resentment among the whites who make up about seven percent of the country s 265,000 people. In response, Arthur appointed a 13-member National Reconciliation Committee to foster greater understanding between the majority Black and the minority Anglo communities. There are two major labor unions and various smaller ones that are politically active. Women make up roughly half of the workforce.