For the 23rd year in a row, the Barbados Horticultural Society (BHS) has won a Gold award at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025. This year’s theme was ‘Bajans love to Play’, which paid tribute to five pastimes that Barbadians enjoy at a world-class level, whether rooted in tradition, practised professionally, or simply for the love of it. These pastimes included cricket, draughts, road tennis, ‘Mas’ and dominoes.

This year the BHS welcomed Barbadian-born ambassador and former England cricketer, Gladstone Small, to be the celebrity on stand for the media day. Best known for his role in assisting the England team with their win during the 1986-87 Ashes series in Australia, and for his standout performances in both Test and One Day International games, Mr. Small earned a reputation as a skilful fast bowler. His attendance at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show drew in visitors and members of the press with his charm and pride.

The exhibit was designed to imitate Bajans’ love for fun and light-heartedness through various unique combinations and dramatic contrasts in the variety of plant materials and colours used. In a nod to the island’s natural heritage, the display featured some of the island’s local flora and fauna, including various species of ginger lilies, anthuriums, orchids, ornamental pineapple plants, and heliconias, to name a few, bringing a tropical and authentically Bajan vibrancy to the exhibit.

“We selected each plant not just for its beauty, but for its ability to tell a story,” said Jennifer Weetch, President of BHS. “The bold reds of the ginger plants represent passion and energy, perfect for cricket and road tennis, while the playful forms of bromeliads and orchids echo the spirit of Mas. It’s a garden that plays, performs, and celebrates, just like our people.”

A striking tribute to cricketing legend Sir Garfield Sobers featured in the exhibit, with oversized bamboo stumps and an imaginative interpretation of a cricket ball, a creative nod to his iconic status and the island’s enduring love for the sport.

The exhibit also paid homage to Barbadian checkers grandmaster Ronald ‘Suki’ King:  a multiple-time World Three-Move and World Go-As-You-Please Champion. Renowned for dominating national championships worldwide, King’s legacy was represented through a cropped draughts board, honouring his exceptional contribution to the sport.

Road Tennis, an important part of the Island’s history, was first invented during the 1930s by working class Bajans who could not afford to play lawn tennis. This sport, which is now a symbol of national pride, was celebrated in the display depicting the authentic style of the game.

Short for masquerade, Mas is a popular sport among Bajans, typically played during Grand Kadooment, the vibrant finale event of the island’s Crop Over Festival. Capturing this spectacle, the exhibit featured a striking stilt walker adorned with a vivid display of orchids, symbolising the energy, colour, and rhythm of this beloved national celebration, dubbed the “sweetest summer festival”.

Élan Mottley Harris, Director UK for the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, said: “The RHS Chelsea Flower Show provides a platform to showcase not only Barbados’ rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, but also the vibrant spirit of our people. This year’s sport-inspired exhibit celebrates the joy, creativity, and community that define life in Barbados. We are proud to support the Barbados Horticultural Society as they continue to share our island’s stories with such artistry and passion. 

“From BTMI, heartfelt congratulations to the Barbados Horticultural Society on yet another gold achievement. This continued success at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a testament to their dedication, creativity, and enduring excellence.” (PR/GIS)

Internationally acclaimed entertainer Andre Parris, widely known as DJ Puffy, has been officially announced as Barbados’ newest Tourism and Culture Ambassador. The announcement was made during a formal contract signing held at the headquarters of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI).

In a strategic move to enhance Barbados’ global brand appeal, particularly among younger, international audiences, the BTMI and the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) have jointly secured a one-year partnership with the world-renowned DJ and Red Bull 3Style World Champion. DJ Puffy brings unmatched talent, infectious energy, and a profound pride in representing his Barbadian heritage on the world stage.

DJ Puffy Ambassador Signing

“BTMI is proud to stand with Mr. Parris, an internationally acclaimed entertainer, whose roots run deep in Barbadian soil and whose reach extends to stages and audiences around the world,” said Ms. Andrea Franklin, Chief Executive Officer of BTMI. “As an ambassador for Barbados, his story becomes a part of our story. Through digital storytelling and high-profile appearances, we expect this collaboration to significantly increase awareness and visibility for Destination Barbados, helping us strengthen the island’s global identity.”

Ms. Carol Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of the NCF, echoed these sentiments.

“The National Cultural Foundation is just absolutely delighted at the opportunity to work with DJ Puffy again. We have worked with him in the past, but this opportunity is invaluable because it allows us to continue our work to promote Barbadian music but at a different level. There is no doubt that DJ Puffy will ignite nostalgia and beautiful memories to those Barbadians and West Indians across the globe, but equally important this is a wonderful opportunity through DJ Puffy to introduce untold millions of people around the globe to the energy and the vibe and the beauty and the rhythm of local music.”

DJ Puffy will play a pivotal role in elevating the island’s global image by spotlighting its vibrant culture at key international events. His appointment aligns seamlessly with the BTMI’s and NCF’s shared commitment to investing in homegrown talent and collaborating with cultural innovators who are shaping global conversations.

Mr. Parris shared, “The opportunity to represent your country is something many only dream of. Nearly a decade ago, I had the honour of doing just that and winning on the world stage. Since then, the motivation, mindset, and mission to uplift have never left me. In fact, the desire has only grown. The bigger the stage, the stronger the drive.” He added, “Today, I’m incredibly proud to be officially recognized as a Barbados Tourism and Culture Ambassador. Barbados isn’t just where I’m from—it’s my sanctuary. A place of joy, culture, rejuvenation, humility, love, pride, and relentless spirit. Sharing that with the world isn’t just a goal—it’s part of who I am.”

Through his music, influence, and platform, DJ Puffy will share the spirit of Barbados with global audiences, bold, creative, and proudly Bajan. (PR/GIS)

After a five-year hiatus, the island’s foremost tourism business-to-business event, Connect Barbados, is back! Scheduled for June 23rd to 26th, the premier travel conference will be held at Wyndham Grand Barbados Resort, Sam Lord’s Castle.

Over four exclusive days, Connect Barbados will host top international tour operators, travel decision-makers, and local service providers, welcoming delegates from the island’s major source markets. 

In addition to robust networking and business meetings, the 2025 event proudly reintroduces the Connect Barbados Awards, last celebrated in 2019, to honour outstanding media and trade partners whose work and collaboration have elevated Barbados’ global profile.

“The return of Connect Barbados marks a pivotal milestone for our island and for the global travel community that continues to stand with us,” said Andrea Franklin, CEO of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI). 

“As our premier B2B platform, Connect Barbados plays a vital role in fostering meaningful commercial relationships between our international tour operators, travel partners, and the dedicated stakeholders within Barbados’ tourism sector.” 

The CEO added, “It is through these collaborations that we drive sustainable growth, create new business opportunities, and strengthen Barbados’ position in the global tourism marketplace. This year, we are excited to reconnect, celebrate excellence and chart an exciting new future together.”

Under the dynamic theme, “From Street to Chic: A Culinary Journey Awaits,” Connect Barbados 2025 will also celebrate the island’s vibrant culinary landscape from the humble delights of street food offerings and local rum shops to the heights of fine dining excellence. (PR/GIS)