Barbados’ Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds, has unveiled a plan to enhance the country’s global visibility and foster stronger connections with Barbadians abroad. This strategy includes appointing consuls in key diaspora centers to facilitate outreach and support.
At the St James Parish Church, during the launch of the Barbados Diaspora Connection Campaign, Symmonds announced plans to place Consul Generals and Deputy Consul Generals in Miami and Toronto, with New York also under consideration. He emphasized that these officials will be instrumental in building relationships and advancing Barbadian business interests within diaspora communities.
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Highlighting the value of Barbadians abroad, Symmonds described the diaspora as influential “foot soldiers” capable of promoting Barbadian products in foreign markets. Citing a personal experience in a Florida supermarket, he shared his vision of seeing iconic Barbadian brands receive better visibility on international shelves.
Beyond economic growth, Symmonds underscored the importance of diaspora contributions in areas such as education and healthcare. He recounted a conversation with a Barbadian behavioral therapist in the UK, stressing the potential impact of skilled professionals sharing their expertise in Barbados.
The minister also pointed to the need for increased diaspora investment in Barbados, particularly on the West Coast, to bridge gaps in local ownership. He advocated for the creation of incentive packages aimed at encouraging Barbadian entrepreneurs abroad to bring their businesses home, a policy he noted has not been prioritized in past national budgets.
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Symmonds acknowledged that Barbadians overseas often face hardships, and he urged Barbados to reciprocate the support received from remittances over the years. He also discussed the global trend toward self-reliance, as many nations adopt inward-focused policies. Reflecting on Barbados’ path forward, he said, “There comes a time when an independent republic like ours must be true to ourselves and be prepared to paddle our own canoe.”
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