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BHTA 2025 NEW YEAR’S DAY MESSAGE

BY CHAIRMAN JAVON GRIFFITH

My fellow Barbadians, as we usher in the new year of 2025, the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) wishes to extend absolute best wishes to the people of Barbados.

I extend heartfelt gratitude to all tourism stakeholders, particularly our esteemed tourism workers, for their unwavering support and commitment to our island’s tourism industry.

The past year presented us with new and exciting business prospects. We are profoundly thankful, to the many valued investors for consistently believing in our country’s ability, to elevate Barbados’ status as a premier luxury Caribbean holiday destination.

In the eleven months of 2024 from January to November, Barbados welcomed to its shores a total of 617,228 stay-over arrivals, according to the Barbados Statistical Service (BSS). This is up 10% from the 559,701 stay-over arrivals, recorded for the same period in 2023.

This growth has been primarily driven by the island’s resounding success, in significantly growing the United States market. For January to November 2024, this market has already accounted for 201,005 visitors compared to 157,023 visitors, for the exact same period in 2023.

This 28% increase in North American visitors to our shores, is being positively felt in every corner of the tourism industry and across our membership. From the restaurants to the car rental firms, from the surf instructors to the taximen, from the villa management companies to the hotels and from the beach vendors to the merchants in Bridgetown.

This is being driven by the return of American Airlines to Barbados from New York-JFK and Philadelphia, the return of Delta Airlines to Barbados from Atlanta and New York-JFK, the introduction of Frontier Airlines to Barbados from San Juan, the increases in United Airlines flights to Barbados from Newark-EWR, the increases in JetBlue flights to Barbados from Boston and the increases in American Airlines flights to Barbados from Charlotte.

2025 promises to be an exciting year on many fronts and I look forward to the many months ahead with a great sense of optimism. Barbados’ tourism industry is poised for more expansion as various tourism investments, including the InterContinental Hotels Group Hotel Indigo and the Blue Monkey Beach Club continue to take shape. Excitement is also building for Marriott’s long-awaited transformation as they introduce the world to the new Autograph Collection (Waves Hotel and Spa, Treasure Beach, Tamarind and The House), the Luxury Collection (Colony Club) and in February 2026 to the Tribute Portfolio (Crystal Cove and Turtle Beach).

With both American Airlines and Delta Airlines collectively providing 10,000 new seats into Barbados per month in summer 2025, we are projected to have a great summer performance as an industry.

The BHTA will continue to advocate on our members’ behalf, and we eagerly anticipate further collaboration with local, regional and international partners, to realise our strategic business objectives. The rebound of our industry could not have been possible without the extensive work done by our invaluable and key tourism partner, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI). I have high praises for our tourism partners, who have been integral to our successful navigation of these choppy post COVID-19 seas; and because of this united front, we are seeing encouraging signs that the sector is fully back on its feet.

It would be very remiss of me not to highlight the recent stellar performance of the Barbados Culinary Team at the 2024 edition of Taste of the Caribbean held in November in Miami, Florida. The team was led by the Management Team of Adrian Cumberbatch, Javon Cummins, Rohan Hackshaw and Damian Leach. The four competing members of the team were Rickeena Kirton – Pastry Chef, Dejuan Toppin – Junior Chef, Rynaldo Joseph – Senior Chef and Alexander Chandler – Mixologist. The team returned victorious as the Caribbean National Culinary Team of the Year 2024 and have made Barbados exceptionally proud.

The future of tourism in Barbados is looking bright, despite the challenges we have and continue to face because of external factors. As you have previously heard, our vision speaks to strategic initiatives and partnerships that will diversify our product, build human capital and expand linkages with other sectors, while targeting new markets, driving a more collaborative approach to our tourism sector, while still ensuring that the growing tourism industry benefits all Barbadians. The resetting of our tourism sector to build forward and stronger, can only be achieved by focusing on building strong local capacity with a relentless focus on quality and excellent customer service.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire Secretariat of the BHTA, I wish all citizens of Barbados and our cherished visitors a healthy, happy and prosperous 2025!

Javon Griffith, BHTA Chairman

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The Confucius Institute Successfully Hosts 24th International Chinese Bridge Competition

On Wednesday, May 28th, 2025, the Confucius Institute at The University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, in partnership with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, hosted its annual Chinese Bridge Competition. Held at the Confucius Institute building, this prestigious event provides a platform for Chinese language students to showcase and enhance their linguistic and cultural skills while deepening their understanding of China’s rich heritage.

*Secondary School participant, Davesha Chassang performing a traditional Chinese dance*

The competition featured three categories—Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary levels—allowing students to demonstrate their abilities through speeches, cultural knowledge quizzes, and performances in traditional Chinese art forms. Participants represented schools and institutions across Barbados that have partnered with the Confucius Institute to deliver Chinese language instruction to Barbadian students.

Distinguished Panel of Judges

The competition was evaluated by an esteemed panel including: a representative from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Ms. Kerri-Ann Haynes-Knight representing the Office of the Principal UWI Cave Hill, Ms. Philomena Lee from the Chinese Association of Barbados, Ms. Sabrina Hoyte representing the Barbados-China Returned Scholars Association, Professor Nie Lu (Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute), and Dr. Ché Corbin (Local Director of the Confucius Institute).

*Winners of the Secondary school competition pictured with judges*

Record Participation and Innovation

This year’s competition achieved unprecedented growth, with significant increases in Primary and Secondary school participation. Secondary school participants rose to 10 students—a five-fold increase from last year’s 2 participants—while Primary school entries grew from 12 to 15 students. The Tertiary level featured two accomplished participants.

*Primary school participants receiving certificates from Judges*

The competition also showcased remarkable diversity in talent performances, with several notable firsts including food preparation demonstrations, traditional dressmaking, and a captivating Guzheng performance at the Primary level. Both judges and audience members were impressed by the artistry and confidence displayed by the young competitors, reflecting not only the students’ dedication but also the Institute’s committed investment in their development.

Recognition and Encouragement

Following the performances, speeches, and quizzes, all participants received prizes and certificates in recognition of their achievements. The judging panel addressed the students, encouraging continued language study and emphasizing the valuable opportunities that Chinese language proficiency can provide. Special commendation was given to the Institute’s teachers and students’ parents for their unwavering support and guidance.

Acknowledgments

The Confucius Institute extends its gratitude to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China for their continued support of the Chinese Bridge Competition and the promotion of Chinese language and culture in Barbados. The Institute also congratulates all participating students and wishes the competition winners success as they advance to represent Barbados in the global competition in China later this year.

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Eleven St. John Recipients Receive Pride Of Barbados Awards

Eleven persons from St. John who have contributed substantially to the development of the parish and its residents over the years have received Pride of Barbados Awards.

The St. John honourees were presented with their insignias by President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason yesterday morning at State House. President Mason thanked the awardees for their dedication and acts towards the development of her ‘home’ parish and encouraged them to continue their efforts.

The fifth batch of honourees receiving insignias, as part of the We Gatherin’ 2025 initiative, were: Richard Arthur, Pearson Bellamy, J.P., Neville Bridgeman, Sonia Burgess-Haynes, Dr. Keisha Gustave, Samantha Haynes, J.P., De Andra Howard, Myrtle Husbands, Roland Waithe, Dale Lashley and Diaspora Awardee Lennox Llewellyn Padmore.

Areas for which the awardees were recognised included humanitarianism and philanthropy; lifelong dedicated service to the Codrington Estate; leadership; excellence in public health; community empowerment; educating and mentoring young people; promoting sporting excellence; and agriculture.

Following the ceremony, three awardees shared with the media their reaction to being recipients of the Pride of Barbados Award.

Pearson Bellamy, J.P., age 83, is a former teacher, meteorologist and government printer. He was recognised for being a steward of culture, a guardian of truth, and a living archive for his dedicated service as a community griot and cultural icon.

“I’m happy to be honoured today. Thank God that He’s given me the privilege to…receive this honour this morning,” Mr. Bellamy stated.

He added: “For the past 63 years, I’ve been working with the youth, with the old, and with everybody else with respect to drama, folk singing, music, and I was president of a number of organisations in St. John. And I’m happy to share that as long as I have strength and the energy, I will continue to do so.”

Eighty-year-old Shopkeeper Myrtle Husbands said: “I am very humble and grateful to the Government and people of St. John.”

She is known for her invaluable contributions to improving the lives of the disadvantaged, uplifting the vulnerable, protecting and providing refuge to battered women and hope to underprivileged children, as well as fostering a more caring and cohesive community in Colleton, St. John.

When asked what drives her to assist others, she responded: “I think it’s just me … it comes natural. When I see people in need, I help them. If I see people, you know, like disadvantaged, I try to give them any assistance that I can.”

She advised younger persons in the community to put God first in their lives and to help any person in need.

Meanwhile, De Andra Howard, a 42-year-old teacher at the Mount Tabor Primary, expressed her surprise and delight at being awarded. “It feels amazing,” she remarked.

She has been awarded for her leadership, creativity and unswerving commitment to community development, promoting the Rights of the Child and fostering Health and Family Life Education, as well as national anti-violence initiatives. Ms. Howard emphasised the importance of hard work and perseverance.

“You know, sometimes you work hard behind the scenes and you say you’re never going to be recognised. But as I always say to my students and to the young people that I inspire, work hard and someday it will pay off, somebody will recognise you.” (PR/GIS)

Caption: President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason (centre) poses with ten of the Pride of Barbados Awardees from St. John at State House

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Road Rehabilitation Of Eagle Hall Road

The Ministry of Transport and Works (MTW) will carry out road rehabilitation on Eagle Hall Road in St. Michael from the Eagle Hall traffic lights to the Lower Bank Hall traffic lights, under its Focused Roads Programme.

Starting Wednesday, May 28, 2025, Infra Construction Inc. will dig test pits along this road between 8:30 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. During this time, the road will be reduced to one lane. Test pits are a crucial preparatory step in road rehabilitation as they provide critical information about the road’s subbase.

Infra Construction Inc. will begin road rehabilitation on Monday, June 9, 2025, and will continue for approximately eight weeks from 8:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. The scope of work includes excavation, deep milling, sidewalk as well as slipper and kerb repairs, and paving. During this time, the road will be closed. More details will be provided closer to the start date.

MTW and Infra Construction Inc. apologise for the inconvenience and thank businesses, residents, and motorists for their understanding and cooperation. (PR/GIS)