Barbados Port Inc. (BPI) has taken a major step toward deepening regional trade and collaboration by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Panama Maritime Authority. The agreement, finalized last Friday, is designed to expand commercial linkages, promote sustainable maritime practices, and unlock new opportunities for mutual economic growth.
The MoU creates a framework that positions Barbados as a key transshipment hub, strategically linking Panama and Latin America with Africa. It also promotes cooperation through knowledge sharing, training exchanges, and technical expertise, while placing strong emphasis on innovation, environmental stewardship, and green port development.
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BPI Chief Executive Officer David Jean-Marie signed the MoU during an official ceremony witnessed by Acting Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Senator Lisa Cummins, and Panama’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Javier Martínez-Acha.
Senator Cummins noted that the agreement builds on longstanding ties between the two nations, rooted in history and ancestral connections. “We want to leverage our diaspora relationships, our business networks, and our commercial partnerships to bring meaningful benefits to both countries through this agreement,” she said, emphasizing her vision of transforming the Port of Bridgetown into a green maritime hub.
Minister Martínez-Acha echoed the sentiment, stressing Panama’s commitment to strengthening trade and port relations with Barbados. He highlighted the agreement’s potential to create wider connectivity between Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. “This small step that we’re taking here is a huge step because we’re planning, we are envisioning the connectivity of Africa, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and even to Asia. We need to dream big,” he said.
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After the signing, Panama’s Foreign Minister and his delegation toured the Port of Bridgetown with BPI’s Divisional Manager of Operations, Ian Stewart. They were introduced to current infrastructure, including Berth 6, and briefed on plans for modernization aimed at building resilience and sustainability into the port’s future operations.
Other officials attending included Barbados’ Ambassador to Panama, Amanda Martinez; Acting Permanent Secretary (International Transport), Jamar White; and Panama’s Ambassador to Barbados, Xiomara Pérez Rodriguez.
Barbados and Panama have enjoyed diplomatic relations since 1975, and this MoU represents the latest chapter in a growing partnership focused on maritime development, trade connectivity, and shared prosperity.
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