Foreign Affairs Ministry & Canada Host Bilateral Talks

As Barbados and Canada commemorate 60 years of diplomatic ties, recent discussion between the two countries was seen as more than an exchange of views, but an opportunity to advance concrete initiatives, strengthen partnerships, and identify deliverables that can contribute meaningfully to the next phase of Barbados-Canada relations.

At a high level meeting between the Government of Barbados and representatives of the Canadian government and the High Commission of Canada to Barbados, Director General in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Donna Forde, expressed the view, that a collaborative approach with Canada is required to advance meaningful outcomes across several strategic sectors. 

“Our relationship has evolved into one characterized by mutual respect, shared democratic values, strong people to people ties and meaningful cooperation across the wide range of sectors,” Ms. Forde stated.

Assistant Deputy Minister of Global Affairs of Canada to the Caribbean, Glen Linder, described the bilateral relationship as steady, constructed, and forward looking, underscored by strong people to people ties and strong Canadian presence on the island.

“Barbados is playing an increasingly influential role on the world stage, and we see strong potential to build on our already close and productive relationship. Canada and Barbados share a deep and enduring friendship. We have shared democratic values and a long-standing record of cooperation, both bilaterally and on regional and international forums.”

At the meeting, Barbados and Canada agreed to deepen cooperation in Climate Resilience and Energy Security; Security and Stability; Trade; Education; Agriculture and Food Security and Industry and Digital Transformation. 

Canada’s lead team included Deputy Director for the Caribbean at Global Affairs, Marie-Eve Castonguay; High Commissioner of Canada to Barbados, Brenda Wills; Counsellor Stephanie Sprott; Senior Trade Commissioner, Jean-Pierre Hamel and Senior Political Officer, Jessica Mackie.

Barbados’ lead team Head of Americas-Hemispheric Relations, Mandisa Downes, Head of CARICOM and Caribbean Affairs, Sandra Gittens, Senior Economist in the Foreign Trade Division, Len-Jamal Craigg, and Foreign Service Officer Warren Howard.  (PR/GIS)