Barbados is paving the way for dynamic international collaborations, as Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley recently held discussions with Russian Ambassador Alexander Kurmaz and India’s non-resident High Commissioner to Barbados, Shri Subhash Prasad Gupta. The talks focused on a wide range of topics, including skill development, economic opportunities, and the future of Barbados’ healthcare and technological sectors.
Expanding Opportunities with Russia
In a cordial meeting at Ilaro Court, Prime Minister Mottley and Ambassador Kurmaz explored initiatives that could reshape Barbados’ development trajectory. Among the key topics were scholarships for Barbadian students, modernizing revenue collection strategies, and strengthening cyber security.
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Highlighting Russia’s reputation for innovative tax systems, Mottley expressed keen interest in adapting successful strategies to boost Barbados’ revenue collection. “I want the Ministry of Finance and the Barbados Revenue Authority to collaborate with your revenue agency. If there are practices that can be replicated here, we’d love to explore technical assistance,” she noted.
Ambassador Kurmaz extended an invitation to Minister of Finance Ryan Straughn for a working visit to Russia, emphasizing the mutual benefits of knowledge sharing.
The provision of scholarships for Barbadian students also took center stage, with Mottley ensuring her office, in collaboration with the Office of Citizen Engagement, would oversee the process to ensure maximum impact.
The discussions also tackled critical issues such as enhancing Barbados’ cyber security infrastructure through Russia’s expertise, the war in Ukraine, climate change challenges, and support for Cuba, a nation Kurmaz described as “unique on Russia’s agenda.”
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Building New Bridges with India
Prime Minister Mottley’s dialogue with High Commissioner Gupta focused on addressing Barbados’ skills shortage and enhancing its pharmaceutical industry. Mottley highlighted Barbados’ long-standing pharmaceutical legacy, dating back to 1882, and invited Indian companies to establish operations on the island to manufacture life-saving drugs, including cancer treatments, vaccines, and precision biologics.
Direct air connectivity between India and Barbados was a major talking point, with Mottley emphasizing its potential to unlock opportunities in scholarships, tourism, and cricket. “India and Barbados share a rich cricketing heritage. Connecting our nations directly could amplify collaboration in sports and beyond,” she remarked.
The High Commissioner echoed her sentiments, stressing that improved connectivity would be a catalyst for deeper diplomatic ties.
Mottley also proposed introducing yoga teachers and fitness instructors in schools to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and instill lifelong healthy habits. High Commissioner Gupta expressed readiness to support the initiative and requested a structured framework for its implementation.
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The talks delved further into critical areas, including recruiting skilled professionals in engineering, healthcare, agriculture research, and IT, as well as exploring climate-smart agriculture and solar energy initiatives under an international solar alliance. Mottley also expressed a strong interest in establishing an Indian Embassy in Barbados to deepen collaboration further.
A Bright Horizon for Barbados
These discussions with Russian and Indian officials underscore Barbados’ proactive approach to building strategic partnerships. With ties to Russia established since 1993 and diplomatic relations with India dating back to 1966, the island nation is leveraging its relationships to tackle pressing challenges while unlocking transformative opportunities in education, healthcare, technology, and global cooperation.
Barbados is charting a future where international collaboration and innovation go hand in hand, setting an inspiring example for small island nations worldwide.
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