These days the years go by quickly however, the memories of our forefathers and foremothers are still etched in our minds – the steps and journeys they embarked upon to make sure that we can celebrate being free people with free choices. 

We are told that the passage to Independence was a long, tiring but well rewarding journey. The stories fill us with pride each year as the 30^th of November approaches. This year, as we celebrate the 57th anniversary of the hard work of those who came before us, we are reminded that the movement to Independence and becoming a Republic does not conclude our journey. 

It may have begun over a century ago, but we have many more steps to take as a country and as the proud people that we are. As Barbadians we must now stand up and take ownership of where we wish to be by the time we reach our 100^th year of Independence and beyond.

As we acknowledge that we survived the toughest time in our most recent history – the crippling Covid-19 pandemic. We are more than aware that we did not just lose economically and socially, but we lost loved ones as well. Despite this, we carried on and Barbados is now front of mind as a result of many notable achievements and partnerships across our glorious industries.

One such industry is tourism. We must remember however that tourism is not just “a sector”. It is one of the few with linkages to all other sectors. When we put tourism down, we must remember what happened when we put sugar down. We must never forget that when this industry does not do well, it is our people who suffer.

These are the people who have loved this industry and who have put their sweat and tears into it as team members, leaders and owners. These are the people who must be applauded and boasted about to the world, for our successes. Tourism may not be for everyone but it surely caters to all, in the returns by financial impacts and most importantly, sociable experiences that form a lifetime of memories.

We have ‘steadied the ship’ for the most part and now we are sailing towards a brighter future. One that must involve each of us as we plot a way forward for tourism and that  we must be ‘smart’ about, particularly in the next 10 years, which is considered ‘the Decade of Change’.

We must find ways to incorporate more of what is truly ‘Barbadiana’ through the eyes, hands, mouths and energy of our people, while excelling in creative sustainable developments that entice the ‘minds and pockets’ of the dreamers who want to enjoy a piece of the rock. This rock is special to us as a people and we must steer the investment in the direction that protects our indigenous traits and bloodline, while promoting a prosperous future for generations to come.

For those of us who work directly in the sector, we are ecstatic with the direction the country is heading in, coming out of the pandemic and years of poor economic performance. As our industry leads the economic direction of the country and supports other sectors through strong linkages, we will continue to strengthen and promote these partnerships.

The future is bright with new refurbishments and redevelopments which directed us out of Covid-19 including the Barbados Museum in 2021, Harrison’s Cave Eco Adventure Park and Walker’s Reserve in 2022. In addition, we close the year with the opening of the historic property Sam Lord’s Castle – A Wyndham Grand Resort, while ground has also been broken on Hotel Indigo (IHG brand). The mixture of indigenous, historical and international brand development is key to the direction that the industry is going. 

There are also numerous success stories across the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) membership in the form of new restaurants, attractions and local and international hotels. We are confident that this list will continue to grow and build on what others before were so successful in doing in the past.

The BHTA has been assisting in the development of the economy of Barbados for 71 years and we represent all team members as well as local and international brands across the sector. The headlines may speak to a company’s name, but we wish to highlight that the energy, enthusiasm, and love of our team members paved the way for companies to be successful. That success has in turn paved bright futures for many children and for families to grow in this country.

The love and bond that is shared amongst us in the industry is much more than anything seen before and we must take pride in knowing that it has allowed us as a country to be leaders in tourism for decades. Celebrating 57 years with Barbadians for the world to see is also, in part, celebrating our people within the industry from team members to owners and supporting stakeholders. We wish to jointly celebrate you!

In closing, I wish to take this opportunity to speak to the people of Barbados intimately and directly. On behalf of the BHTA, we thank you for supporting our team members and leaders by sharing great memories within the industry locally, regionally, and internationally. Your love and appreciation does not go unnoticed. Do not ever forget, we as a country are better and stronger when we are together.

My wish is for each ‘Bajan’ to take pride in our country. Remember that we are unique in every way possible and that there is no place like home. We must face the challenges for improvement and the WINS must be celebrated. Use the 57^th Anniversary of the Independence of Barbados as a time to reflect, reset and recharge on a path towards a stronger Barbados and a Barbados where we work together progressively, as we celebrate in love and happiness.

I wish love and blessings for all of Barbados and congratulations for where we are and where we are about to go, together! Happy Independence Barbados!

Ryan Forde – CEO – Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association