Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds, welcomed the new resident Ambassador of Colombia to Barbados, Elizabeth Taylor Jay, the first resident envoy since the closure of the Colombian Embassy in Bridgetown in 2002.
Speaking to Ms. Taylor Jay during a courtesy call at the Ministry’s Culloden Road, St. Michael offices, Mr. Symmonds noted that while the relationship between the two countries was cordial, it had been limited over the years.
He said Barbados is keen to deepen its South-South relationship with Latin American countries, and Colombia is regarded as one of the countries where enhanced bilateral cooperation could contribute to regional stability and growth and create opportunities that benefit both nations and their citizens.
“This is really important for us because since 2002, we have not had a resident ambassador here, and a lot has happened globally since that time. And Colombia, as Barbados views it, could be a very important partner for us, perhaps made even more so by recent geopolitical events.
In addition to that, we are also very concerned about the fact that for us, Barbados, the only countries with which we really enjoy a favourable balance of trade are those of the Eastern Caribbean.
“So, when their economies start to slide or slip, then our economy is negatively affected. That being the case, it is very important for us then to try to look to capitalise on opportunities, diversify trade, diversify business supply chains, and to give our consumers options. And I think … there’s an opportunity now for us to grasp some low-hanging fruit, to identify specific areas of collaboration,” Minister Symmonds stated.
Ambassador Taylor Jay expressed sincere gratitude to the Government of Barbados for allowing Colombia to re-establish a diplomatic mission on the island.
She noted that the re-establishment of a resident embassy in Barbados underscores Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties and exploring opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.
“This is a very exciting moment for us, especially because President Petro has definitely raised the ambition of the country to turn to the Caribbean and Africa to ensure that we can have a better integration with these two regions. It’s key for us to really work on Caribbean integration and using also Barbados as a very important partner for that, as we recognise the leadership that you have in … CARICOM now.
“At this important moment that we’re living globally now, I think it would be a very important reason for us to start to engage on another level, and for Colombia to be a very strong partner,” Ambassador Taylor Jay said.
The two officials also discussed possible cooperation in commercial trade, tourism, air and maritime transport, education, culture, health, sports, language, and biodiversity.
Present at the courtesy call were Senior Foreign Service Officer, Dr. Ricardo Kellman; Foreign Service Officer, Warren Howard; and intern at the Ministry, Oshondy Phillip. Barbados and Colombia established diplomatic relations on February 1, 1972. (PR/GIS)
Caption: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds, presents a welcome gift to Colombia’s new Ambassador to Barbados, Elizabeth Taylor Jay, during their courtesy call
