Air Canada’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner Flight AC966, from Toronto, Canada, landed at the Grantley Adams International Airport, at 2:39 p.m., on Tuesday, December 3, marking 75 years that the airline has been flying to Barbados.

The wide-body aircraft, piloted by Captains Mark Tibbetts and Darren Little, along with eight cabin crew members and 234 passengers, was welcomed to the island by officials from the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., the Grantley Adams International Airport, and the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association.

Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, noted that on December 3, 1949, Air Canada, known then as Trans-Canada Air Lines, was the first North American airline with scheduled service to Barbados. He said it signals a very longstanding partnership between the airline and the country.

“Indeed, this is a special occasion for Barbados; one that celebrates success; one that celebrates the 75 anniversary of Air Canada’s service into Barbados. I should emphasise that Barbados has the distinction of being Air Canada’s longest flight service destination in the entire Caribbean and enjoys the highest repeat visitors within the region,” Mr. Gooding-Edghill stated.

He also shared that the airline is seen as a friend to the country. “For Barbados, Air Canada has certainly proven to be a great friend. When Barbados became an independent nation in November 1966, strengthening our identity as a nation and reinforcing our commitment to building international partners, Air Canada was there. When the world faced the COVID-19 pandemic, Air Canada was also here with us, and they became the first airline to resume flight service to Barbados after the pandemic. This demonstrates a deep and unwavering commitment to our shared recovery and resilience.”

The Tourism Minister disclosed that in this calendar year, up until November 24, the island saw an increase of 13.4 per cent in passenger arrivals, “representing Air Canada bringing some 4036 passengers to the end of November 2024”.

“I think that’s important for us to recognise, that this airline has contributed significantly to the economic development of Barbados,” he added.

Mr. Gooding-Edghill thanked the airline’s management for its service and recommitted the Ministry’s efforts to work with the airline as it continues to support Barbados’ economic and aviation development.

Air Canada’s Manager, Airport Operations, Jacqueline Parris, speaking on the momentous occasion, said the partnership has been beneficial to both parties.

“The joint partnership has significantly benefitted both countries. Air Canada has a loyal customer base, while the island has benefitted from … an increase of economic growth. As we look towards the next decade, we anticipate further strengthening of this relationship by expanding flight groups and collaborating on sustainable tourism initiatives….

“I want to express my sincere thanks to the BTMI for hosting this event. It was really appreciated, and it shows us how special we are. So thank you, everyone, we do appreciate this, and we look forward to our continued partnership,” Ms. Parris said. 

The captains and crew received welcome tokens, including paintings from local artist Neville Legall and Barbados-branded items. (PR/GIS)

One step at a time – Barbados Forward

Another ship, another flight, another taxi, another shuttle, another loved one or colleague’s arrival – Barbados is constantly moving forward. Whether we are welcoming a tourist or a returning local, the energy and the constant drive towards progress has become synonymous with the word Barbados. 

From the global stage of international focused speeches by the Hon. Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, fighting for Small Island Development States, or, locally focused launches by our national hero Robyn Rihanna Fenty, highlighting that any Barbadian young child can dream and succeed in reaching those dreams; the country is truly buzzing.

Over the last year, Barbados and Bajans have continuously shown pride as we narrowed down on advancing the island beyond the economic struggles of the past decade, due mainly to world conflicts, and then topped off with a crippling pandemic – especially for an island that is led by Tourism. As such, the Governor of the Central Bank and the Minister of Finance have proudly highlighted that Barbados is open for investment. It is open for development and, it is open, not just for non-nationals to do business, but for locals to have pride and opportunities in the future of Barbados. 

History has prepared us as a nation to ‘fight’ for what is right, voice our concerns on areas that are troubling and strategically find solutions, whether in the short term or long term. This is in alignment with the journey to independence and the longer journey to becoming a republic, that has shown that “we have it in us” to be better than we began, if we collectively take one step at a time. This journey to becoming a republic began over a century ago with decades of challenging the norm of colonialism until independence and then championing a level of development that has afforded Barbadians luxuries that not many other countries can boast. 

From free education, healthcare and a general sense of safety and security; Barbados has stood out on the shoulders of giants such as Prime Ministers Adams and Barrow and now, being led by Prime Minister Mottley at a pace like international race driver Zane Maloney but arriving at the result, with as smooth as the landing of the British Airways Dreamliner at the Grantley Adams International Airport. The process begins with one step at a time and sometimes the pace is picked up, sometimes it slows down. The focus is where we arrive as a Nation.

The average Barbadian is known as a friendly and loving individual, traditionally raised on principles rooted in our culture, history and our family teachings. These principles have led us towards great prosperity and, paves the way, for us to celebrate milestone achievements, as a result. They have also assisted us in times of stress and challenging periods in our development. The one key attribute that has kept us a stable small island developing state is the ability for us to row in the same direction. 

We must give ourselves credit for the steps we have taken to be the leading developing island of the 1990s, the “go to” island during the pandemic, due to our clear measures and, now, the island of envy in the region due to the increase in airlift, pending tourism and non-tourism development projects, and our global presence and leadership in the fight for climate change support for the region. This is all possible one step at a time.

Often, we are reminded of the calypso lyrics “one step forward and two step backwards” when we are in a period of frustration but of late, numerous indicators are pointing towards a “hike” in steps, as we have set ourselves some ambitious goals that only our history as a nation could have prepared us for.

In the tourism sphere, we are anxious to complete $150 million worth of refurbishment and upgrades of our hotel plant, to add more diverse product over the next four to six years; enhance the on-island experience and spend, and the completion of upgrades of our ports of entry, welcoming more diverse routes from Latin America to United Arab Emirates and our true home – the Continent of Africa. The excitement, energy, vision and bright possibilities for our island and our people with these and many other developments are at an all-time high. Now is the time for us to collectively “hike” together, showcase why our education and values are spoken about globally and, truly plot a path forward for the next 58 years of our independence as the Republic of Barbados.

The linkages seen through the lens of the Tourism industry are rich across the other sectors from Finance, Agriculture, Education, Manufacturing, Technology, Culture, Sport and many more. The average person sees the hotel or airplane or ship but sometimes fails to appreciate the opportunities provided across all sectors. Each sector is linked in some fashion to Tourism whether it is from hosting a conference, playing a competitive sport representing Barbados, providing produce and proteins to restaurants, candles and toiletries to a boutique or large scale property or the most often forgotten – audio visual services, transportation and, curated experiences, basked in the history of our people and the struggles they have gone through to provide all the luxuries that all of us have had the opportunity to enjoy from birth to the date of the afterlife. 

It is true, and it is wise, that we must diversify the economy but the beautiful thing about a small island is that all industries can form stronger linkages by diversifying in their own areas and connecting to others. This is a job, not just for a politician or a wealthy investor but for our people working daily and providing top tier products or services and leadership as well. 

One step at a time, we will arrive at more notable achievements and reasons to celebrate what our forefathers have done pre and post 1966.

The avenues available for our young people must continue to be highlighted and openly spoken about throughout communities and schools. The social importance of providing a mentoring and comforting environment for our young people is one that we must all take responsibility for and walk this ‘hike’ together as we instill true ‘Barbadiana’ values, once more, one step at a time. 

Barbados forward is the core focus of many of us in the private and public sector and with the continued involvement of each Barbadian in our communities, we will reap what we sow by advancing the sustainable development of a nation that can proudly smile when it is said that we punch above our weight class. It is true, we do. Would we change that? Probably not. Let the world know that Barbados is moving forward, one step at a time with ‘Bajan’ Pride.

I wish to express a warm embrace of support, energy and comfort to my Barbadian sisters and brothers as we celebrate the 58^th anniversary of our beautiful island Barbados. Feel proud of each Bajan achievement, question plans when necessary and support each positive opportunity provided to our people, while taking a trip on the “growth ZR” for a beautiful ride that even Prime Ministers Barrow and Adams would be proud of. The journey began with one step at a time. Your love, passion and sweat will never go unnoticed.

Love and Blessings to all of Barbados. Happy Independence Barbados.

Ryan Forde – CEO – Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association

Xavier Went is the winner of the local aspect of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Member Lines’ Junior Essay Competition on the topic ‘How Can My Country And Cruise Lines Work Together For More Sustainable Cruise Calls’.

The announcement was made at the presentation of awards yesterday at the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, One Barbados Place, Warrens, St. Michael.

Speaking about the importance of the essay competition, Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill said: “Since 1995, Barbadian students have benefited from their participation in the FCCA’s Essay Competition. The initiative is part of the FCCA’s developmental programming to further the educational development of students around the Caribbean.

“This essay competition has been a critical starting point for young people to gain knowledge about the importance of cruise tourism, its benefits, and of course, the pertinent issues affecting our cruise industry.”

Mr. Gooding-Edghill continued: “It also provides the opportunity for us to hear from young people, and again, from their perspectives regarding sustainable tourism expansion. Furthermore, it’s always enlightening when they express what measures can be put in place to enhance the visitor experience.”

The Minister thanked all the students who took the time to participate in the competition and extended “heartfelt” congratulations to all winners “on a job well done”. He said the contest represents the first steps of engagement with some of the island’s future tourism practitioners, who will steer future innovations and influence positive change within the sector.

Xavier Went, who entered the competition while at St. Lawrence Primary School and is now a student at The St. Michael School, won a cruise voucher for two.  

His entry was submitted for the FCCA’s Junior Division Regional Essay Competition, as winner of the local junior essay competition. In that competition, he placed third and was awarded a tablet, and in recognition of his outstanding performance, St. Lawrence Primary was awarded US$1,000.

Speaking on his first and third-place positions, Xavier said: “It feels exhilarating as I wasn’t expecting to come third. I only expected to come first in the juniors, but I wasn’t expecting to come third in the regional.”

Mercedes Morris, a student of Queen’s College, who entered the competition while she was at the Imperial Private School, placed second in the local junior competition.  She was awarded a staycation for two.  Mercedes commented: “I’m really grateful and happy that I won a prize. It’s a really big achievement; it’s second out of the entire Barbados, so I’m really happy.”

The top three places in the Senior Division of the local essay competition went to Shamario Walkes of the Alexandra School; Nevaeh Holder of Queen’s College; and Malik Straker of the Lester Vaughan School, respectively. Shamario was awarded a cruise voucher for two; Nevaeh a staycation for two; and Malik received a day pass for two.

Nevaeh, speaking on placing second in the competition, said: “I’m extremely excited and happy to have come second in this competition because I wasn’t actually expecting to place…so I’m just grateful to be here.” 

Both Xavier and Nevaeh encouraged their peers to participate in the competition next year and advised students entering to do their research on the topic thoroughly to gain a holistic view and use personal experiences in their essays. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Wife of the late Professor Owen Arthur, Julie Arthur; winner of the local aspect of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Member Lines’ Junior Essay Competition, Xavier Went; and Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, at the presentation ceremony yesterday.