Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport and Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism, Ian Gooding-Edghill, delivered powerful and visionary remarks during the opening days of Caribbean Week 2025 in New York City. 

His participation underscored Barbados’ ongoing leadership in shaping the future of Caribbean tourism and emphasised the critical importance of sustainability, regional collaboration, and innovation in driving the industry forward.

Caribbean Week, held under the theme “Caribbean Resilience: Crafting Tomorrow’s Tourism”, convened regional leaders, global tourism stakeholders, and industry partners in a unified call to reimagine the Caribbean’s role in the evolving global travel landscape.

Day One: A Call to Unity and Purpose

In his dual role as Barbados’ Tourism Minister and Chairman of the CTO Council of Ministers, Minister Gooding-Edghill officially welcomed delegates at the Opening Ceremony on June 2, hosted at The Westin, New York, at Times Square. 

His keynote address delivered a compelling message of regional strength and strategic vision and urged stakeholders to embrace the week’s opportunities as a space for forging strategic partnerships, fostering innovation, and reaffirming shared goals.

“Caribbean resilience is not passive; it is dynamic. It is the courage to evolve, the wisdom to collaborate, and the commitment to lead. Caribbean Week is a declaration of who we are and where we are going, together. Through our unity, we continue to make the Caribbean brand globally compelling,” said Minister Gooding-Edghill, who also acknowledged the significant contributions of various tourism bodies and professionals whose efforts have shaped the Caribbean’s recovery and resurgence following recent global disruptions.

Day Two: Unveiling the CTO’s Reimagine Plan 2025–2027

On June 3, the Minister delivered the feature address for the official launch of the CTO’s Reimagine Plan 2025–2027, a bold initiative that outlines the region’s strategic direction for tourism. “This moment is not only ceremonial; it is pivotal, we must be agile, future-focused, and boldly united in our vision for Caribbean tourism.”

The Minister detailed the plan’s core pillars:

• Sustainable and regenerative tourism
• Enhanced regional competitiveness
• Empowerment of Caribbean people

He reinforced the importance of intersectoral linkages, inclusivity, and climate-smart practices, emphasising tourism’s role as a transformative force. “Let us reimagine tourism not simply as a sector, but as a vehicle for empowerment, a platform for innovation, and a source of dignity for our people.”

The Plan identifies urgent priorities such as:

• Strengthening regional connectivity
• Advancing digital infrastructure and data sharing
• Promoting cultural and environmental preservation

Minister Gooding-Edghill extended a call to action for collaboration across all sectors and partners. “Together, we must bring this vision to life. Together, we change, grow, and excel.”

Barbados’ Continued Leadership and Commitment

Barbados’ leadership at Caribbean Week 2025 reflects the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport’s ongoing efforts to promote the island as a premier destination, one that champions resilience, sustainability, and inclusive growth. 

Through Minister Gooding-Edghill’s strategic oversight, Barbados continues to play a pivotal role in fostering regional development and advocating for responsible tourism. 

From boosting connectivity and investing in innovation, to empowering youth and small businesses, the Ministry remains committed to ensuring tourism is a catalyst for national and regional progress. (PR/GIS)

Caption: (From left to right) – Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill; BTMI’s Chief Executive Officer, Andrea Franklin; BTMI’s Manager, Public Relations & Communications, Belle Holder; Permanent Secretary, Francine Blackman; and BTMI’s Director USA, Peter Mayers at Caribbean Week 2025 in New York City.

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)